A barbecue was held on the weekend as part of the Central West Rainbow Alliance’s ongoing commitment to pride in the region.
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Central Western Rainbow Alliance member Kevin Jones said the barbecue marked the International Bisexual Visibility Day and worked to raise awareness about the challenges their community face.
“It’s something many of us are passionate about in our social calendar and particularly those in the LGBTIQA+ community,” Mr Jones said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to come together and acknowledge what bisexuality means for each of us that identify as bi and how we can better support those members of our community so they feel included [and] supported.”
Mr Jones said there was a good turnout for the Central West Rainbow alliance’s first Bisexual Visibility Day barbecue.
“We’re hoping as we become more and more active in 2018 and into 2019 and with the Pride March coming as well, we will generate more excitement and connection in our community,” Mr Jones said.
“We’re hoping days like today are just the beginning to of how we keep our community connected and feeling like we belong here in regional NSW.
He said the event was an opportunity for members of the LGBTIQA+ community to come together and celebrate.
“I would have to say today’s a success,” Mr Jones said.
“Obviously these things all depend on the community on the day. Any day where we’re able to make people feel better connected is a successful day for us.
“It’s a way of saying ‘we’re here, we love you, we support you, come along, have a barbecue, sausage sandwich whatever and go from there’.”
Mr Jones said events like the barbecue were part of the Central ongoing effort to address the gap for social disadvantage and health trends in the LGBTIQA+.
“Even if we only help one person feel better connected today, it’s a success,” he said.
“The social inclusion aspect of pride in the Central West is something we’re aware of and driving to make sustainable change.”
The next big thing on the calendar for pride in the Central West is the Pride March held on October 20.
Mr Jones said there would be more announced as the Central Western Rainbow Alliance pride celebrations unfold.
He said the main message was that “we’re here and committed, we’ve done a lot of work but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
He encouraged members of the community to come to the Central West Rainbow Alliance meetings on Wednesday’s where they organise pride events. For details visit the Central West Rainbow Alliance Facebook.
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