Port Kembla to host first ever LGBTQIA pride festival, the South Coast Fair Day this February

The "Fair Day" is usually a fixture of the renowned celebration but was cancelled due pandemic restrictions, prompting president of Port Pride Ash Fisher and friends to organise one for the South Coast on February 21.

Read more: 'Love/Hate' tales from the LGBTQIA community to be performed at the Town Hall

To be held at the Arthouse Cafe in Port Kembla, Fisher said the family-friendly event would include musicians, drag artists and other performers, food, drink and "even a place for fur-babies to hang out".

It's hoped to become an annual event and lead to a permanent pride parade in 2023.

"We are very diverse down here, we have a lot for queer families, and there's not a lot south of Sydney that promotes safe space, especially for rainbow families," Fisher said.

Read more: Comedian Meshel Laurie joins Wollongong's Wave FM

Co-organiser from the Rainbow Underground Michael Emmett believed it was important to foster LGBTQIA events in regional centres to coincide with Mardi Gras, to widen the scope for celebrating pride.

"As a regional centre we still have a lot of growth to do," Emmett said.

"Unfortunately you still have those limited numbers who make their voices louder than others, but Wollongong itself has a very large and growing queer community.

"These events are very important because they allow for people to have a positive environment - and we know from studies positive social interaction leads to positive mental health."

For 2021 the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be without the traditional parade through the city with glitzy floats, but instead will stage an event at the Sydney Cricket Ground which will be televised on March 6.

The Rainbow Underground will host a viewing party on the same day at the Illawarra Hotel in Wollongong.

The South Coast Fair Day runs from 10am to 3pm on February 21, at the Arthouse Cafe, Port Kembla.

It's organised by Port Pride, the Illawarra Rainbow Community, Unity Illawarra South Coast, The Rainbow Underground and Queerspace.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.