Brisbane Pride went off with flying rainbow colours on Sunday.

The sun shone brightly over Brisbane, providing the perfect weather for the Brisbane Pride Festival Rally and Pride Fair Day.

At the early time of nine thirty in the morning, hundreds of people from both the LGBTIQ and heterosexual walks of life congregated outside of the Wickham Hotel for the annual Pride rally where speakers got up and shared the history of LGBTIQ Queensland and the importance of Pride. The rally was without a doubt inspiring, as speakers shared the journey that our community has had in Queensland and what awaits us in the future as continuing battle for equality continues.

Here’s our photos from the day:

Rather then focussing just on the continuing battle for equality, there was also a great emphasis on celebrating the wondrous diversity that makes up our community while really striking home the point that through our diversity and difference the one thing that we all have in common is that we are family. It’s important we’re there for each other in both the good and bad times. This theme has constantly been emphasised through the many events of this year’s Brisbane Pride Festival.

After the speeches we done, the crowd took to the streets for the annual Pride March, lead by a convoy of dressed up cars and one of the largest rainbow flags in Australia. the sight was truly jaw-dropping, from dogs and musicians to drag queens and Jedi knights in a haze of bright and colourful rainbows, as the crowd marched to Bowen Hills passing traffic beeped their horns in support while pedestrians watched on in awe, applauding.

The march finished at Perry Park, where people came out in massive numbers to join in the fun that was Pride Fair Day. For me personally I would have to say it was one of the highlights for this year’s festival. The Pride Committee really outdid themselves in organising a fair day that catered for everyone, from dog shows to educational stalls and amazing live entertainment.

The day also gave people the opportunity to meet new people and share stories of their own personal stories and journeys, and most importantly begin new friendships.

I have said this previously, and I can’t help but say it again. With the constant onslaught from an oppressive government which has taken away rights and de-funded organisations of great importantance to our community, the weekend’s events brought a new sense of unity to our community.

It goes without saying that a special thanks needs to go out to all those that put so much of their own time and effort into making the day an enjoyment had by all.

Bring on next year!