A bite of the Apple Isle

Sick of Sydney? Over Oxford St? Perhaps it’s time to recharge your batteries with a quick trip down south. No, not Melbourne. We’ve all been there, done that.

Why not expand your travel horizons and head for Tasmania? The timing couldn’t be better: summer is on the way, flights are cheap and, most importantly, the Apple Isle’s GLBTIQ communities are gearing up for the third annual TasPride Festival.

This is not your average pride event. The fortnight-long celebration, which runs from October 30 to November 14, still has its roots very much in the local community.

Unlike similar festivals in Sydney and Melbourne, TasPride is moving away from large signature events in favour of a multitude of smaller ones that are accessible and affordable for local community members and interstate visitors.

TasPride committee member Charles Nightingale believes the festival’s grassroots approach is one of the reasons for the event’s burgeoning popularity.

“Tasmania is not a huge dance party [state]. Smaller events are more in line with what the local community wants. They are not focused on one gender or sexuality. We’re hoping to encourage people to get out to more events,” he explained.

“We’re very reliant on community groups. Apart from them, there’s not a lot of access to queer culture in Tasmania. TasPride provides a focal point for these groups.”

To underline the point, the vast majority of festivities are being coordinated by community organisations with the help of a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund. So, in addition to signature events like the popular Halloween dance party and queer quiz, there’s a wide range of fun, low-key and, for the most part, free activities to take part in.

These include a Vietnamese cooking class, the opportunity to meet new guys at Man2Man Live & Local, a bike ride around Hobart and Stall Stories, an event commemorating the arrest of 130 gay and lesbian rights campaigners in 1988 at the

Tasmanian Gay Law Reform stall in Salamanca Market.

Another thing that distinguishes TasPride from other festivals is the fact that events are spread right across the island, with more than half taking place outside Hobart. There’s a picnic in Hobart, BBQs in Launceston, Arcadia and Deloraine as well as a buffet in Burnie.

This not only allows GLBTIQ people who live outside the capital to participate, it also provides visitors with the perfect excuse to see more of Australia’s smallest, yet most geographically diverse state. Meaning you can mix up your partygoing with queer culture and some truly spectacular sightseeing.

Charles suggested hiring a car to get the most out of your trip.

“There are events right across the island, all within a day’s drive. Driving is still the most popular way to see Tasmania.”

TasPride is expecting more than 5000 people to attend events this year.

info: For more information on the festival or to download a program, visit www.taspride.com

By MIKE MRKIC