Bendigonians part of pride celebrations last weekend have called for similar shows of support from their hometown.
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Headspace Bendigo diversity group members, HIV service VACountry and La Trobe University queer collective Rainbow Eagles joined thousands of LGBTI people and their allies on a march through the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda on Sunday.
The annual walk marks the end of Midsumma, the Victorian capital’s LGBTI festival.
It was the first time diversity group participant Ashley McDonald took part in the march and she described the atmosphere as “very empowering”.
“It’s a real confidence boost,” Ms McDonald said.
“[I was] able to walk around proudly and confidently with a trans flag on my back.
“It does something to your soul.”
Ms McDonald said a pride event in Bendigo would be beneficial to the city’s queer community, citing the success of Out in the Open, Shepparton’s week-long diversity carnival.
But she suspected there was not yet an organisation capable of piecing together such an event.
Albury-Wodonga, Ballarat, Geelong and Daylesford all have annual pride celebrations.
The last year was politically tumultuous for LGBTI people and one that had taken a toll on her mental health, Ms McDonald said, so she was pleased to see solidarity between marchers and the spectating public.
Premier Daniel Andrews and equality minister Martin Foley were among the high-profile people to join in the pride parade on Sunday.
The Victorian leader posted on social media: “To anyone who has been made to feel different just because of who you are, know that you have a government that's on your side.”
Another Bendigo face in the sea of rainbows was Queer Country curator Noel Hourigan, who used the day as a chance to “reflect on [his community’s] struggle for equality and acceptance so we may live our lives without persecution and intolerance”.
”It is a day to thank all LGBTI people working in the community be they police, CFA, emergency services, nurses, unions, government and support organisations,” he said, adding yesterday’s march was significant to him because it was the first lead by members of the Indigenous LGBTI community.