Car horns tooted and people waved when the first Scenic Rim Pride March was held in Beaudesert on Saturday 24 June.
The March, organised to show support for the local LGBTIQ+ community, coincided with Scenic Rim Regional Council raising the Rainbow Pride flag as a symbol of its support for inclusion and diversity within the Scenic Rim community.
Carrying a banner with the words ‘Love is Love’, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies walked along Brisbane and William Streets.
Participant Christine Hunt said for a small town it was a big step for the area.
“I felt pretty proud,” she said.
“It had to start somewhere and if you don’t start somewhere … for a regional area, it was just good to see people come together.”
“Even the cars tooting their horns and the support that was shown – you never know who you are having an impact on, there might be somebody who felt they needed to see that.”
Headspace Beaudesert’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Heather Coughlin joined the march, saying supporting diversity in the community is a big part of what Headspace does for young people up to 25 years.
“We can help young people with information they might need about LGBTIQ+ issues as well as other matters – how to talk to friends or their parents about it, or if they are struggling,” she said.
Mayor Greg Christensen said flying the flag outside Council’s Beaudesert administration building would help to raise the standard against intolerance and discrimination.
He said he is personally proud of the Scenic Rim community’s spirit of inclusion.
“Our community recognises that intolerance and discrimination have no place in modern society and these values of respect and inclusion are shared by Council,” he said.
“By flying the Rainbow Pride flag, we affirm that all people, regardless of sexual identity, are entitled to live their lives with dignity and respect.”
Mayor Christensen said he was concerned about the impact the recent rise in negative online commentary and vilification has had on members of the community who have been targeted by hurtful and hateful comments.
