Pride in the Paddock was launched this month. Photo: Leigh Swansborough.
A new LGBTQIA+ festival will debut in Wagga this September, with organisers hoping to fill the void left by the demise of the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
Pride in the Paddock will be held at the Riverside precinct stage and grounds on Saturday 19 September, more than a year after Wagga Mardi Gras was shelved following the withdrawal of major sponsors Coles and Charles Sturt University.
Organiser Vickie Burkinshaw said the community had been discussing the idea for several years.
“Given the absence of Mardi Gras, we thought it was time to make it happen,” she said.
She said the festival was also intended to send a message of support to LGBTQIA+ people living in regional communities at a time their lifestyle choices were coming under renewed attack.
“It’s a nice announcement in response to the ways the trans community has been attacked in parliament and homophobic graffiti on the billboard near Wagga Airport,” she said.
“It’s not always easy for this community to be visible in rural towns, so we want to create a safe space for people to be authentically themselves and for their allies to support them.
“There are those in the trans community who feel it’s an act of activism to leave the house some days.”
The event will swap the traditional street parade format for a festival-style gathering featuring a mix of entertainment, competitions and community activities.
“We’re having it in an enclosed space – there’s no parade up the street, but you can parade around the grounds,” Ms Burkinshaw said.
“There’ll be a baking competition, a pet parade, a DJ, drag performers, market and food stalls, a talent quest and live performances, all led by the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Drag queen Rhonda Paradise will feature at Pride in the Paddock. Photo: Leigh Swansborough.
A recent launch of the event during Pride Month offered a glimpse of what visitors can expect, with performances by drag queen Rhonda Paradise and drag king MicroScopic, alongside fire twirling, an inflatable unicorn, a bake sale, produce and flower displays, and a parade of four-legged fashion icons.
Ms Burkinshaw said the event was a reminder that LGBTQIA+ people belonged in regional communities and should not feel pressured to leave in search of acceptance.
“Sometimes it feels like we take one step forward and two steps back,” she said.
“Part of this is saying we’re not going to put up with that. We’re not going to move to the city. We want to tell the LGBTQIA+ community that they’re welcome here.”
Ms Burkinshaw said everyone was invited to attend.
“Pride in the Paddock is joyful, welcoming and proudly country,” she said.
“It’s a celebration where you can grab a scone, watch a drag performance, pat a goat, take a pink pony ride, listen to live music and see fire twirling all in the same afternoon.”
Pride in the Paddock will take place from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday 19 September at the Riverside Precinct Stage, Wagga Wagga.
