RAINBOW Coffs Harbour is holding its second walk during Pride Month for the LGBTQIA+ community, their friends, families and supporters.
It is being held at the Jetty Foreshore on Saturday 14 June between 11am-12.30pm – with walkers to meet at the Lighthouse Memorial next to Jetty pier.
The founder and director of Rainbow Coffs Harbour, Robyn Dever, told News Of The Area that the focus this year is on Pride within regional areas – and its significance.
Unlike large cities where LGBTQIA+ visibility is more common, regional communities often have limited resources, representation, and safe spaces.
“A Pride Walk makes us visible, affirms that we exist within the broader community of Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas, that we have just as much to contribute, and deserve respect no matter who we are,” Robyn said.
“It shouldn’t matter what we identify as, or whom we love.
“We should all be treated with dignity and respect.”
A Pride Walk fosters a sense of community and solidarity as many of the LGBTQIA+ community in regional areas can feel isolated or fear discrimination.
Robyn said that younger regional LGBTQIA+ members seeing their community represented openly can be life-affirming, confidence building, and offer hope for a future where they can live freely as they are.
“It also encourages allies to show their support, acceptance and care,” she said.
“It lets the broader community know that inclusivity matters, which can then lead to more relevant services within our region.”
For further information, contact Rainbow Coffs Harbour on Facebook, or email rainbowcoffsharbour@yahoo.com.
By Andrea FERRARI
