City shows its pride

THE streets of Geelong’s CBD were illuminated with every colour of the rainbow on Sunday when a swarm of people turned out for the Geelong Rainbow Festival’s Pride March.

More than 2,000 were in attendance to show their support for the region’s LGBTIQ+ community, with many throwing on their brightest apparel for the occasion.

Geelong Rainbow Inc committee members Jo Bangles, Wayne Landkroon and Amielle Penny took to Facebook to show their appreciation, extending words of thanks to Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Rowena Allen, Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, City of Greater Geelong councillor Anthony Aitken and Colac Otway Shire councillor Stephen Hart for “believing in our community, showing us support and giving us a voice”.

The event’s 12 sponsors, including Deakin University, Barwon Child, Youth & Family and Diversitat, were also acknowledged for their roles in making the festival possible.

“Thank you, Geelong. Our hearts are full, and we hope yours are too. We see you, we hear you and we celebrate your courage,” the post said.