Following the success of last year’s first ever pride event in the Banana Shire, LGBTQIA+ group Bilo Rainbow is back with a celebration of pride planned for the regional community this weekend.
Bilo Rainbow was formed in early 2022 by LGBTQIA+ residents in Biloela and last year hosted its first event, Pride Picnic in the Park, which was the first pride event in Biloela’s history.
Founder and president of Bilo Rainbow Gen Dippel said they did a survey after last year’s event and 100 per cent of the respondents said it was a positive thing for the community.
She said it was a “powerful atmosphere of queer joy” and that it was vital the event continue.
Bilo Rainbow Pride founder and president Genevieve Dippel. Picture: Contributed
“Earlier this year our 2022 Pride Picnic in the Park was nominated for a Banana Shire Community Award for Community Event of the Year which is a fantastic acknowledgment of just how much progress we are seeing in our regional community,” she said.
“It’s so great to have a positive place, welcoming group and support network.”
She said feedback from the event included people wanting a family fun day and then something for adults later at night, which was being taken on board for next year.
“We are going to have a really big event every two years,” she said.
The Bilo Rainbow team Brendan Costello, Ryan Dippel, Jayne Centurion, Candyce Parker and Genevieve Dippel (front). Picture: Contributed
Out and About – Bilo Rainbow’s Fun in the Sun will run from 11am to 2pm on Saturday at Biloela Lions Park.
It will be a low-key afternoon event with a relaxed family friendly atmosphere complete with live busking, market stalls, face-painting and lawn games.
Gwen Evetts will be hosting a watercolour workshop titled Self Expression.
VIP Picnic grazing packages will be available for those who want to really get into the picnic atmosphere.
Gwen Evetts painting drag queen Wanda Dparke at Pride Picnic in the Park in Biloela on June 4, 2022. Picture: Jen Gourley
Gen will also host Story time with Gen, where she will be reading some books about inclusivity and diversity.
“We are continuing to create a safe places for LGBTQIA+ people, especially the youth,” Gen said.
“Events like this promote acceptance and understanding in our community.
“It’s just a really nice chance to get together and be a community.
“We are hoping to really build something and if people want to be part of that it would be great for them to support us.”