The biggest annual event for Western Sydney’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community – the Parramatta Pride Picnic – is set to take place in September
Organisers are expecting over 400 people to attend the event which will be held in Parramatta Park (Site 23) on Sunday 22nd September from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
The picnic is being presented by the Parramatta Queer Forum, a group of GLBT community organisations including ACON – Australia’s largest GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation – Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Parramatta City Council and the Western Suburbs Haven.
ACON’s Western Sydney Health Promotion Officer Gavin Prendergast says the picnic is an opportunity for GLBT locals as well as their families and friends to get together, have fun and find out about available services.
“The day is really about getting out there and meeting other people,” Mr Prendergast says. “GLBT and HIV positive people living in the Western Sydney region can often experience a sense of social isolation and a lack of attachment to the broader GLBT community and this can have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing.”
“The Parramatta Pride Picnic provides an opportunity to meet other people and families, make new friends and most importantly just have a really fun day out in the middle of Parramatta. Music, drumming, sporting activities, competitions, prizes – the picnic has it all. Australia’s Got Talent’s Yodelling Drag Queen, Laydee KinMee, will also be featured.”
“There’ll be lots of activities for the humans as well as a dog show and fun for our four legged companions. Picnic goers are encouraged to bring their dogs and enter them in Doggywood, to be judged by well-known Western Sydney drag queen, Sandy Bottom. The Western Suburbs Haven will be there again this year cooking the barbeque for those people who don’t want to bring a picnic basket. All the money from the barbeque goes back to the Western Suburbs Haven which supports people with HIV in Western Sydney.”
“There’ll also be a range of community information stalls with people from various organisations which provide services for the GLBT community in Western Sydney. Visitors will be able to talk to workers from each organisation as well as find out more about local support and social groups. NSW Police Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officers from Parramatta, Eastwood & Gladesville LACs will be there with a snazzy police car for photo opportunities, as will representatives from Dykes on Bikes. This year the picnic will be officially opened by former Lord Mayor and Independent Councillor for Parramatta, Lorraine Wearne.”
“It’s great to see everyone come along with their children, friends and family members. They get a nice spot in the sun, throw out a rug, get out the picnic basket and enjoy the day.”
WHAT: Parramatta Pride Picnic
WHEN: Parramatta Park, Site 23, inside historic O’Connell St. pedestrian gates.
WHERE: Sunday 22nd September 2013, 11:00am to 4:00pm
COST: FREE
