The Annual Pride Parade hits Perth’s streets on Saturday 19th at 8pm and works its way along the annual route, through the streets of Northbridge from Brisbane St to Russell Square.
Originating as a protest against State Government laws that discriminated against Lesbian and Gay Western Australians, the Parade has grown to be a spectacular event for our community. Having highlighted inequalities before the law, it contributed greatly to changing public opinion, helping to make the 2002 Gallop Government’s gay and lesbian law reforms possible.
Over the last few years, the Parade has been reborn. Now in its 22nd year, while still highlighting important issues such as the need for law reform, especially at a Federal level, the Parade is now a spectacle unlike any other in Western Australia. With around 3,500 people participating in the year’s event, and over 50,000 people expected to assemble in Northbridge to watch the parade, it is an integral part of the WA community.
In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘For Our Community’, all community groups will receive free entry into this year’s Parade. Wanting to open up the parade to everyone, we realise that some community groups do not have the funds to participate. We hope this allows those groups to be part of the parade. Independent events have kindly donated a space for community groups to build their floats free of charge. This is a limited space, available from Monday 7 November and comes on a first come, first served basis. Please call Jason on 0466793033 for details.
The parade is open to anyone, with options for floats and walking groups. For more information on being part of the parade, contact Dean on 0401 363 030 or parade@pridewa.asn.au and for information on volunteering, contact Brian at volunteers@pridewa.asn.au.
Bringing this year’s Pride season to a climax are our two parade after parties.
Digital Arcade, the Official After Party at Connections, boasts some amazing entertainment with Hed Kandi’s Peyton, Sydney’s Digital Damage, Melbourne’s Sneaker Fox and a host of local artists creating the killer line up. Paired with multiple themed spaces, running to a Digital Arcade theme, it’s set to be an amazing all night experience.
Her, the Female After Party, at Harry’s Bar, brings everything Perth’s females want, together in one place. The winner of our Perth’s Best Female DJ competition will be taking requests and playing everyone’s favourite tunes, and the Drag Kings will be hitting up the stage with two performances throughout the night. Along with two separate areas, discounted drinks until 11pm, $10 cocktails all night and hundreds of dollars of drinks to be given away, it’s the only place any girl will want to be after this year’s parade.
Tickets for these events are available from both venues and the Pride WA website, www.pridewa.asn.au.
Happy Pride everyone.
Alice Newport-Holden
Pride WA
Photo courtesy of Ganna Sushchova
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