PORT HEDLAND PRIDE MARCH CELEBRATES DIVERSITY

BY GERARD MAZZA

Mining and Pastoral region representative Stephen Dawson attended the Pilbara Pride Festival march. Credit: Tangiora Hinaki.

Hundreds gathered in a march through the streets of Port Hedland on Saturday as part of the Pilbara Pride Festival.

The festival was organised by the Port Hedland Lesbians, Allies, Gays Scene + (PHLAGS+).

The march was the first of its kind in the town and followed a week of activities including a film screening, bingo night and Drag Queen Story Time events.

The final float in the parade featured local Aboriginal drag queen Alesha Tryed standing atop of a large pink truck.

The vehicle was loaned to PHLAGS+ by Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation for the event.

Drag performer Sassy, who travelled from Perth to be part of the festival, said seeing Alesha Tryed atop the truck reminded her of a certain iconic Australian film.

“When she was up on the truck with her big rainbow flag, I was like, “We’re definitely queens of the desert, aren’t we girls,’” she said.

Sassy said Port Hedland’s heavy red dust had been a challenge for visiting drag queens.

“Im, wearing red, so I can probably get away with it, but I’m not looking forward to when I have to take this dress home and wash it,” she said.

Cabaret performers Toots and Sassy performed as part of Pilbara Pride Festival. Credit: Tangiora Hinaki.

Upper House Member for Mining and Pastoral Stephen Dawson said the event was an opportunity to celebrate diversity in the Pilbara.

“I have been an openly gay man for a very long time,” Mr Dawson said.

“I have always been accepted in this community, but we are seeing a lot more celebration of diversity these days. I think since marriage equality, it has changed how everybody thinks about LGBTQ+ people.”

“Saying that, there is still discrimination faced in our community. Particularly, people who are transgender face a lot of discrimination.

“It is important that we do celebrate diversity and continue to push forward social change.”