Coming out in the suburbs

The Granny Smith Festival Parade in Eastwood was a great success last weekend with a crowd of over 70,000 on a day that was well received within the community.
Come Out Australia (Epping Branch), PFLAG Western Sydney and the NSW Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service all came together underneath the banner of the Ryde Rainbow Alliance to run an information stall with carnival rides, street theatre and fireworks at night followed by a street parade.
Prime Minister John Howard was among the crowd, as was his Labor opponent in the seat of Bennelong, Maxine McKew, and Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, who also marched in the parade.
Come Out Vice-President Alex Day said Come Out Australia would be involved in many other festivals across suburban Sydney and rural NSW.
“It is important for us to be visible in these communities. Our presence is letting other gays and lesbians know that they are not alone,” he said.
info: www.rebellion.org.au.