So the sequins have been put away for another year, the masks are back on the mannequin and no doubt those short shorts either need to be ditched or they’re staying out for summer.
October saw the WA queer community come out in force to celebrate this Pride WA Festival, Carnivale: Shineâ?¦its Your Time. Here we mention some of the highlights as we saw them.
Russell Square was the venue for the first event, where Pride hosted the City of Perth Pride Fairday. Over five thousand people ventured through the gates on the day and were treated to a bevy of performances from favourites like Nat Ripepi and the Gay and Lesbian Singers to the infamous Dog Show.
The stalls offered punters everything from stickers, books and information through to something to nibble on for both man and beast.
The Pride International Film Festival, held at Cinema Paradiso was well attended and with an array of feature films on offer there was something for everyone.
That talented Melbournian Stephen Dawson, together with the only gay theatre company in Australia, Out Cast Theatre, who has year in year out brought us great shows to feast on, was at it again this festival, with the production of Sex with Men at the Blueroom. Another sell out season was enjoyed by this troop and the audience alike.
Another gem was the award-winning Moment on the Lips, the story of seven women and the relationships and responsibilities between them. The play written by Jonathon Gavin was certainly aimed at a female audience; however the male of the species left Rechabites a tad more enlightened too.
Those stayers of the Festival were also there from the P Flag annual Social Water Skiing from the river in Victoria Park, to the drinks hosted at Parliament House by out gay MP’s Louise Pratt MLC and John Hyde MLA.
All in All, the 2006 Pride Committee brought us a gem of a festival this year filled with community events, parties, performances and all that we have come to expect. Congratulations!
