Bilo Rainbow Pride to host Pride Picnic in the Park in Biloela

A new LGBTQIA+ organisation in Biloela will host its first event this weekend and it will be the first pride event in the town’s history. Full details.

After attending one of Rainbow on the Reef’s events in Gladstone for the LGBTQIA+ community in 2021, Biloela’s Genevieve Dippel was determined to create a pride event for the Banana Shire that promoted inclusivity and would be a first for the region.

Bilo Rainbow Pride was formed in early 2022 by LGBTQIA+ residents in Biloela.

The organisation will host its first event, Pride Picnic in the Park, this weekend and it will be the first pride event in Biloela’s history.

Ms Dippel, founder and president of Bilo Rainbow Pride, said the organisation was something she felt had been missing in the community for a really long time.

As a bisexual, or pansexual, woman, Ms Dippel said growing up in Biloela and not identifying as “straight” was a very isolating experience.

“There was a lot of shame for a long time,” she said.

“Recently our community has been growing and changing.

“I went to one of Rainbow on the Reef’s events last year in Gladstone and felt at home and felt a sense of community and belonging and I think that is so important.

“I wanted that for this community and I wanted it to be here, especially for the young people in town who might be growing up and not feeling accepted. I think everyone should have that because I didn’t.”

Pride Picnic in the Park is a free afternoon event with a relaxed family friendly atmosphere complete with live entertainment including music, drag, comedy, food and market stalls.

The entertainment line up includes Drag Cabaret entertainer Wanda Dparke, Tess Tickle from Rockhampton, former Biloela resident Felisha Coppaload, Biloela Indie band Ruby Come Back, and Rockhampton based comedian Jodie Van De Wetering.

“We are going to have a really amazing event,” Ms Dippel said.

“This is an important step for the LGBTQIA+ community in Biloela, who often report feeling isolated.

“I hope all the people that attend have a great time, but I hope people in the LGBTQIA+ community walk in and get that same feeling of acceptance and community that I got in Gladstone.

“I also hope events like this that celebrate our community begin to chip away at people’s ignorance a little bit.

“We aim for this event to aid in deepening community connection, create a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people, especially the youth, and promote acceptance and understanding in our community.

“It’s important LGBTQIA+ people know they are not alone, feel accepted, feel celebrated and feel like they belong because we do.”

Bilo Rainbow Pride aims to support the LGBTQIA+ community in the Banana Shire well into the future and Pride Picnic in the Park is the first step towards that vision.

“Moving forward we are looking to run other events like this and work to create a more inclusive community, whether through advocacy, support or social gatherings that aren’t huge events,” Ms Dippel said.

Pride Picnic in the Park will be held at Lions Park in Biloela on Saturday, June 4, from 12pm.

For more information, see the Bilo Rainbow Facebook page.