Bunbury is no longer two hours from Perth and twenty years back in time, the little city finally has a gay scene.
Thanks to the marvels of modern technology the social group LGBT Bunbury was created earlier this year on Facebook. It quickly grew to have over 70 members and by holding regular social events, meetings and creating an interactive website, the LGBT people of Bunbury have finally found each other.
Founder of the group Meagan Brady said LGBT Bunbury has created a real sense of community for people in the area.
‘Quite a few people have joined the group not knowing any other LGBT people even after living here for several years so now they no longer feel so isolated,’ said Brady.
‘Having peer support is so important in regional areas because unfortunately homophobia does still exist here.’
Last year there was a lot of media coverage in newspapers about the possibility of having a Pride parade in the Bunbury, the articles caused a public outrage among locals and church groups causing the plans to be quickly dismissed by council.
Despite so much backward sentiment being openly expressed by some locals, LGBT Bunbury has been warmly welcomed by lots of people.
‘We’ve had a lot of support from local businesses, especially clubs and pubs who have hosted our events because they want to support diversity in Bunbury and get rid of the stigma that it is just a red neck town,’ said Brady.
LGBT Bunbury will be organising some transport to get members to Fairday and the Pride Parade in Perth and will be holding a camping trip and several get togethers around Bunbury to celebrate Pride.
‘We would like to grow and have an active and easily accessible LGBT group in all the areas of regional Western Australia starting with the creation of LGBT Esperance early next year,’ said Brady.
For more information call Meagan Brady on 0430 093 630 or visit www.lgbtbunbury.com
Meagan Brady
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