Love without borders the message of this year’s TasPride Festival in Tasmania

LOVE should be without borders, no matter what sex you are, says TasPride President and Festival Director Vincent Bound.

Rachael Kaye, of Lutana, front, is among the colourful crowd at the TasPride Festival launch at the Hobart Town Hall. Picture: KIM EISZELE

LOVE should be without borders, no matter what sex you are, says TasPride President and Festival Director Vincent Bound.

Love Without Borders is the theme for the 10-day TasPride Festival this year, which kicked off with the raising of the rainbow flag over the Hobart City Town Hall on yesterday.

“Given everything going on globally, Love Without Borders is very appropriate,” Mr Vincent said.

TasPride secretary Olivia Hogarth said Love Without Borders focuses on inclusiveness, community and providing opportunities for all members of the community to share in the pride and celebrations with the Tasmanian LGBTIQ community.

“Along the way, we encourage acceptance, joy and equality in our wider society,’’ Ms Hogarth said.

“Running from October 28 -November 6, the festival offers a range of events across the state and promises to be one of the most community driven festivals yet, with a spotlight on everything from the Pride Parade to dance parties, comedy to tennis, from picnics to cake bakes, with the Pakana Pride Gathering being the most exciting addition to the Festival line up this year.”

Tasmania Police will be joining the Pride Parade for the second time this year alongside fellow emergency services Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Fire Service and SES.

The Australian Education Union, KPMG, and Uniting AgeWell are also marching with the Pakana Pride Tasmanian Aboriginal group leading the parade.

The Great Cake Bake Off at the Farm Gate Market this Sunday will sell cakes baked by the LGBTIQ community for a gold coin donation. The event is being held in the memory of Hobart pastry chef and baker Chris Jackman.

The best gay art will be on show at the Best of Artfully Queer exhibition at Penny Contemporary in Liverpool St, Hobart on Tuesday, November 8.

Hobart alderman Eva Ruzicka, who stood in for Lord Mayor Sue Hickey at the flag-raising ceremony, said the Hobart City Hall has joined other capital cities who raised rainbow flags in celebration of Gay Pride Festivals.

“LGBTIQ members can come out with pride to live in the community with dignity and as fully respected and participating members,’’ she said.

Ald Ruzicka said Tasmania was now a world leader in respecting and promoting gay rights and the city of Hobart is proud to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the community.

For a full program seewww.taspride.com

Originally published as Love without borders the message of this year’s TasPride Festival in Tasmania