Recently Rainbow Families Queensland hosted Family Pride at Victoria Point, welcoming over 400+ parents, carers, children and allies for a day of connection and celebration. The festival-style gathering combined live music, family activities and moments of quiet togetherness across picnic rugs and shade, creating an atmosphere that organisers described as warm, relaxed and inclusive. For many attendees this event offered a chance to see familiar faces and form new networks; for some children, it was a first encounter with public LGBTQ+ representation in a family-friendly setting, an experience organisers hope will stick with them.
The purpose of the day was to create a visible space where rainbow families could gather without barriers and to offer entertainment and support across generations. Photographs by Tori Steensma captured scenes of laughing children, colourful outfits and spontaneous moments such as the arrival of the iconic Dykes on Bikes, who rode into the venue and delighted onlookers. The presence of those motorbike riders was particularly memorable: kids were even invited to sit on bikes, producing joyous reactions and a sense that future leaders of queer culture were watching and learning.
Performances that resonated with all ages
Entertainment at the event balanced spectacle and intimacy, with performer Abril La Trene delivering multiple sets that included a much-loved drag story time. One performance was so popular it filled the space to capacity, leaving organisers and families pleasantly surprised by the turnout. For some children, this was the first time witnessing a drag artist on stage, an exposure that organisers welcomed as a gentle introduction to diverse forms of expression. The programming mixed upbeat numbers with calmer moments, ensuring that both energetic kids and those preferring quieter interaction could enjoy the day in their own way.
Story time and first experiences
The drag story time segment became a highlight for many families because it combined storytelling, costume and music in an accessible format. Those attending noted how the performance made complex ideas about identity and creativity feel approachable for young audiences. Organisers emphasised the importance of offering experiences that normalise LGBTQ+ visibility for children, aiming to foster understanding and acceptance in a safe environment. The response suggested that thoughtfully planned entertainment can open conversations at home while also offering pure, joyful moments during the event itself.
Support from local leaders and community groups
The gathering also saw visible support from local elected officials, with Deputy Mayor Julie Talty and Councillor Shane Rendalls attending to show endorsement from the council. Community authors and musicians contributed to the gentle rhythm of the day, including local queer writer Rae White who read All the Colours of the Rainbow, offering a calm interlude that resonated with families. The Brisbane Pride Choir performed and ran a barbecue fundraiser, ultimately raising over $1000 to support their trip to Perth for the Out & Loud Festival, an outcome organisers called both impressive and encouraging.
Fundraising and grassroots participation
The choir’s dual role—entertaining on stage and managing the BBQ—illustrated the collaborative spirit of the day. Volunteers and community groups stepped in to help with logistics and hospitality, testing new ways of raising funds and building engagement. Organisers noted that the choir had not been certain whether the fundraising would succeed, yet they finished the day pleased and optimistic. This grassroots approach reinforced the event’s purpose: beyond celebration, Family Pride functions as a practical network for resource-sharing and mutual aid among rainbow families and allies.
Growth, ambitions and how to get involved
Organisers reflected on the rapid expansion of Family Pride in just over a year and expressed plans to scale the event further, aiming to match the visibility of regional festivals such as Logan Loud and Proud and Moreton Bay Pridefest. Meetings with councillors revealed enthusiasm for supporting a larger event footprint, and the hope is that Family Pride will become a regular moment for rainbow families to shine in their communities. For those interested in joining the network or learning about future activities, Rainbow Families Queensland maintains an active presence on Facebook where families and allies can connect.
Photographs from the day by Tori Steensma document the event’s highlights and are available in the online gallery for those who want to relive or share the experience. For broader LGBTIQA+ news, entertainment and community stories in Australia, readers are directed to visit qnews.com.au and follow related channels on social media platforms. The organisers thanked everyone involved—performers, volunteers, civic leaders and the 400+ attendees—whose participation made the event a meaningful moment in the local calendar.