Tasmania’s LGBTQIA+ community has come together to launch the annual TasPride Summer Festival with a flag raising ceremony outside Hobart Town Hall yesterday.
The festival, which runs throughout February, was officially opened by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and TasPride Vice President Sielito.
Sielito said the flag raising ceremony marked the beginning of a “whole month long” celebration.
“We’re flying the flag to really celebrate our community,” they said.
“We want it to be seen. We want to be out and proud. It’s really important for us to be visible.”
They said the festival had grown significantly since its inception “almost a decade ago”.
“I think for our community and for us, it’s important around that acceptance,” Sielito said.
“Being valued, accepted community members and being proud of who we are.”
The festival continues with the TasPride Parade today, starting at 1pm and finishing at Franklin Square.
