In a celebration of diversity, self-expression and fun times, the Geelong Rainbow Festival returns this March 24-26.
The festival’s first event is the 18+ Pride Prom, held at Rydges Hotel on Friday, March 24, where guests are able to recreate their high school prom and express themselves as they would have liked.
The annual Pride March will begin in Johnstone Park at 9.30am the following morning, with individuals and groups from the LGBTIQA+ community gathering alongside allies to walk to West Park in Geelong West to launch the festival proper.
Saturday, March 25 will also feature live performances from drag queens Goldie Cox and Amanduh and a DJ competition from 1pm.
The crowd-favourite Pet Parade returns on Sunday, March 26 as part of the Festival’s Family Day celebration at West Park.
Food, merchandise and community partners will be on hand at West Park throughout the weekend.
Geelong Rainbow Inc. president Erika Kerley said the weekend was a chance to connect and celebrate the community.
“Rainbow Festival is a great time for local LGBTIQA+ communities to connect during Pride season,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the strength, vibrancy and diversity of our communities alongside family, friends and allies. From kids all the way up to seniors, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Ms Kerley said the Pride Prom, which will include a two-course meal, drinks, dancing and live entertainment, was a great way for people to experience that event the way they always wanted to.
“Pride Prom recognises that many of us never got the prom or formal experience that we wanted,” she said.
“It’s a chance for us to turn up as our true selves and dance the night away with the people we love.”
Drag performer Goldie Cox said she felt proud to be a part of the festival for another year.
“I have had the privilege of performing at every Geelong Rainbow Festival since 2018,” she said.
“The Geelong region has an amazing community of LGBTIQA+ people and the annual Rainbow Festival is a celebration and a way for members of the community to be proudly who they are.
“We create awareness so that younger generations and people who are unsure of themselves see they are not alone, that there are people just like them and that there is nothing wrong with who they are.
“We want everyone to feel safe and proud to bring their whole self to everything they do in life, and the Rainbow Festival is a fabulous way to do that.”
Details: geelongrainbow.org.au or facebook.com/GeelongRainbowInc.
