Go South Young Man for Tas Pride

If you’ve been looking for an excuse for a quick break down south in Australia’s Apple Isle, Tasmania, now’s the perfect opportunity — the relatively young queer festival TasPride had a fantastic run in 2008, and is gearing up for an even bigger 2009.

The festival runs from October 31 to November 15, with a multitude of events on offer, from relaxed picnics to pumping all-night dance parties. Those from the mainland can head down for a long weekend to get a taste of what’s on offer, but with the festival so jam-packed with activities, it’s tempting to stay for the whole fortnight.

Festival coordinator Madi Peattie has been working hard for the past six months on this year’s festivities, and can’t wait to see the fruits of her labour.

The festival has been running for five years, although two years in its current format after rebranding. The festival encompasses a lot that Tasmania offers, including bushwalking.

The events include a pre-festival camping trip to picturesque Maria Island, several film screenings, a night of (costumed) life drawing for those with an artistic bent, and a relaxing meditation retreat.

Of course, it’s been a long road for Tasmania to become the inclusive state it is today. Only a decade or two ago, Tassie had a reputation as something of a backwater in terms of gay rights and acceptance.

The quiz night and drag bingo events are also always such a big hit, particularly for people in the community who aren’t as into dance parties. They were the two events we were turning people away from last year. Vonni, who was one of the original Les Girls, will be hosting, and we’ll be taking both events up to Launceston as well as Hobart.

TasPride runs from October 31 to November 15

For mor information, goto:
www.taspride.com