During November, South Australia celebrated everything LGBTQIA+ as Feast, Adelaide’s Queer Arts & Cultural Festival, hit town, showcasing a wide and diverse array of fabulously flamboyant performances, art exhibitions, workshops, theatre, film, music and more!
Life Without Barriers was proud to show our support for the community, spreading our ‘Pride Without Barriers’ message at the Festival’s closing event, Picnic in the Park, on Sunday at Pinky Flat.
The park filled up with picnic blankets and baskets, kids, dogs, picnickers, glitter, tatts and fab outfits. Music pumped and the sun shone. The atmosphere throughout the day was amazing with plenty of community info and artisan market stalls and food vendors galore.
Attractions included DIY Queer Craft, live music, Come & Try Volleyball, a Queer Youth Zone and the not to be missed Dog Show with a dog and owner look-a-like contest and the cutest pooch costumes, with one pup channelling Bjork dressed as a swan and another adorned in a fab multi-coloured tutu!
The Life Without Barriers stall was staffed by a rotating crew of dedicated employees from all areas of the organisation who generously volunteered their time to support the event and promote our services. The team were so proud to be involved in such a diverse and inclusive event which embodies the values that our organisation stands for.
“It is really great to work for an organisation that actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community."
"Events such as Picnic in the Park are an opportunity for the community to come together and seeing my workplace represented at the event was amazing. I am proud to work for an organisation that supports my rights and those of my community”. Admin Officer Natasha said.
Our colourful, fun branded merchandise was a great attraction that drew people to our stall in droves and provided a lead in to start conversations. People loved the sunglasses and fidget spinners and it was great to see so many people staying hydrated with Life Without Barriers drink bottles throughout the day!
We had plenty of interest from people who wanted to know about Life Without Barriers, from both a services and employment opportunities perspective. Many visitors to our stall enjoyed sharing their own personal stories with staff and others came over to thank Life Without Barriers for their support.
We were very fortunate to have some of our wonderful local Foster Carers with us at the event to share their personal foster care stories and answer questions openly and honestly from people interested in becoming Foster Carers. Some were surprised to learn that Life Without Barriers welcomes Carers from any sexuality and gender identity/expression, with a person’s ability to care for and nurture a child being what really matters.
We hope to continue conversations about foster care with the people we met at Picnic in the Park who were genuinely interested and our team also encouraged people to pass on our foster care brochures to others in their network who they think would make great Carers.
All in all, a very pleasant and worthwhile way to spend a sunny Sunday!
