Renowned regional club night Diversity returns to Maryborough this Saturday night to celebrate 21 years since the event began.
Diversity previously ran for 13 years in Maryborough, becoming the longest-running LGBTI nightclub in Queensland outside of Brisbane. Local lad Shawn Dern launched the event and entrusted it to Lawrie Symons aka Florence Fettuccine and partner Rod Watts on his departure for Sydney.
Community leader Sally Cripps told QNews Rod was a great fella, much-loved in the local community and by people who visited for the regular celebration.
“Rod brought the girls up from Brisbane each month to the shows. He looked after them from pick-up to drop-off. During the show, he stood at the bar and kept an eye on any potentially unruly interlopers. With his great sense of humour, he quickly defused any unpleasantness. His sense of fairness saw him help out everyone he could. Consequently, many young and upcoming drag queens got their start at Diversity in addition to the many accomplished drag queens who also graced the stage.”
Sadly, Rod passed away last year following a long battle with cancer.
This Saturday’s reprise of Diversity is dedicated to Rod’s memory.
Florence Fettucine told QNews that her trip from Townsville to perform in her old stomping grounds will be bitter-sweet.
“In the old days, we arrived in Maryborough from a different direction. We made road trips from Bris-Vegas with the performers in the ‘Budget Barbie Camper’. Some of the best times of my life occurred on the road trip — more so on the way up — the trip back was always a bit quiet. Lol!
“When we initially took over we changed the name to Diversity 2.0. Rod was very passionate about it. He worked hard to make it a place where you could go, have a great time, dance (have a bevvie or 17) and catch up with ya mates.
“I’ll be donating my pay for the night to the Queensland Cancer Council in Rod’s memory.”
Diversity 2.0 – The Reunion
Taylor Ette, Chanice O’Leggs-Up, Tara Raboomdeay and Dr Zayis will all join Flo in the entertainment line-up on Saturday night to celebrate the reunion.
Special guest DJ Clariti joins original Diversity DJ’s Stevie B and Trendan on the decks.
Flo said, “I’m looking forward to a great night. I know that on the trip down from Townsville, I’ll be reliving so many moments from Diversity 2.0, some of my most cherished memories.”
Diversity 2.0 – The Reunion
Saturday from 9 pm – 2 am.
Criterion Hotel
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
No Comment