Ian Thorpe’s recent public disclosure of his struggles with depression as a young gay person facing international media scrutiny has brought welcome attention to the issue of mental health among same sex attracted youth. Rates of depression and serious mental illness among young queer folk are much higher than for our heterosexual counterparts, directly related to the stigma and discrimination we still face, and the difficulties for many of ‘coming out’, or being open with family and friends about our sexual orientation. Fortunately, with a growing acceptance of same sex attraction across all sectors of Australian society – highlighted in a recent poll which found that 72% of Australians support legalising same sex marriage – our young people are finding greater levels of love and support throughout their transition to adulthood. On this note, Cairns Tropical Pride are pleased to announce that our Float entry in this year’s Cairns Festival Parade is driven by two of our youngest members, Nikira Lowe, 18, and Jesse Cook, 21. Themed “Come out and celebrate Spring!’ the float will be a riot of colour, movement and love.

Nikira Lowe is freshly 18 and is a key player in the 2014 Cairns Tropical Pride Festival as Co-Director of the Pride on Parade entry. Nikira came out at age 17, after leaving high school, and recalls that it was a scary time, not knowing how people would react. “When I came out, I felt a lot more comfortable with who I was. Knowing that I had a supportive group of friends and family made it all easier.” Like many LGBTQI* youth, Nikira felt relieved after coming out as she no longer had to hide who she really was. Having a close, supportive group of friends is important to many queer youth. When asked about her own friends, Nikira said, “My friends love me for me. My sexuality is not an issue for them.” Cairns youth group SSAYIT, (Same Sex Attracted Youth Intersex and Trans) has also been a great network for Nikira. SSAYIT provides a safe and supportive space for same sex attracted and gender diverse youth. The group meets every Tuesday, 5pm at YETI and they can be found on Facebook. 2014 is the first year Nikira has taken part in Cairns Tropical Pride Festival, and she has embraced the possibilities, taking the initiative to organise this year’s float along with Jesse Cook. Nikira is excited to be a part of Pride 2014, saying, “Cairns Tropical Pride unites people, supporting them to express and celebrate who they really are”.

Jesse Cook, 21 years old, was born and raised in Far North Queensland and has been an active member of the local LQBTQI* community since he was 16. Jesse has a keen interest in Australian politics, and is a popular actor and cabaret performer in the region. In November 2013, as part of Lush Cabaret’s show Scandal! Jesse launched what has become his signature act, a drag parody of Gina Rinehart he calls “Gina Minehard”. Gina Minehard will feature on the Pride on Parade float in this year’s Cairns Festival Parade, on August 30^th, and will also appear at Fair Day at Tanks Arts Centre on August 31^st. “Cairns Tropical Pride festivals are a highlight for me every year,” he says, “It’s the time of the year when the queer community comes together to celebrate their identity. I was born in a country town outside of Cairns and “coming out” was really not done there.” Jesse still vividly remembers how at 14 years of age, he defiantly stood in front of the mirror confessing his sexuality to himself first, before he was ready to tell family and friends. “It was hard, but my mother was always there beside me. It was also the time to decide who my friends were. That’s the great thing about Cairns Tropical Pride and the festival, you are amongst friends.”

Jesse Cook and Nikira Lowe have some beautiful ideas for Pride on Parade – Come out and celebrate in Spring! – tying in with the overall theme of Cairns Festival 2014, The Return of Spring. We expect our float to be a highlight of the Cairns Festival Parade, given the high energy and imaginations of our young crew - Gen Y showing us HOW it’s done!

Full details on Cairns Tropical Pride Festival 2014, including booking details for ticketed events and accommodation specials, can be found on our website: www.cairnstropicalpride.com.au or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/TropicalPride Enquiries to : [email protected]

We welcome interstate, international and local proud people alike: come show your love at Cairns Tropical Pride Festival 2014!

We are seeking $500 to decorate our float! Simply, buying flags, streamers, bunting, fuel, balloons, costumes etc. Nothing crazy, just the chance to fly the rainbow high in the Cairns Festival Parade!

Refining design and choreography we anticipate will be our greatest challenges.  Keeping it simple yet active and vibrant!