‘Be proud in yourself' is the message two young locals hope to spread as preparations get underway for the inaugural Bundaberg Pride Festival.
Ethan Peno and Wade Smith share the belief that everyone should have a strong sense of self-worth and they hope to spread this across the community.
“Our Pride Festival will give people the chance to show pride in themselves,” Ethan said.
“It’s a celebration of diversity – an inclusive event for all ages and not necessarily for just LGBTQ – it will be a chance for people to take pride in themselves and being, no matter their lifestyle.”
The Year 11 student said after coming up with the idea of the festival last month there was an overwhelming amount of support from the Bundaberg community.
“Wade contacted me after my initial post, and it all went from there,” Ethan said.
“Not in my lifetime, let alone while I am in high school, did I expect to see this amount of support from the community to create a festival – it’s already so popular.”
The two-day event will be held on the last weekend of September, with members of the community already meeting to brainstorm.
“Pride Festival will be an inclusive place showing support within the community,” Ethan said.
“As a young person I think this shows other young people that if they want something bad enough joining together with other people can make it happen.”
Council will light up the Multiplex fig trees in support of the Pride Festival on 24-25 September.
Mayor Jack Dempsey praised the two young men for showing initiative to help connect the community.
“The Bundaberg Region is a wonderful and inclusive community,” he said.
“The pride of the community will be on display at the first Pride Festival and Council will illuminate the fig trees in support.
“I look forward to catching up with Wade and Ethan in the future to discuss the Pride Festival.”
To find out how to be involved in the Pride Festival click here.
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