The Wynnum community is rallying in response to a disturbing campaign against the inaugural Bay Pride event at the Wynnum Fringe this weekend. Fringe founder Tom Oliver has expressed his dismay over defamatory flyers, which falsely used the event’s branding and contained offensive content, sparking a police investigation.
Police Investigation and Community Response
The Queensland Police Service has acknowledged the seriousness of these discriminatory acts, with Wynnum police actively seeking to identify those responsible. Oliver, in an emotional appeal, urged local residents to assist the investigation by providing CCTV footage that might help identify the culprits.
Campaign’s Escalation Concerns Organizers
This campaign against the Pride March began with letters in local mailboxes, misleadingly portraying the event as ‘hypersexualized’ and promoting a protest against it. The situation escalated with the distribution of a third flyer, which grossly misrepresented the festival using disturbing imagery and sponsors’ logos. Despite the lack of concrete evidence linking these actions to any specific group, the incident has caused significant concern.
Solidarity from Sponsors and Local Leaders
In response to these attacks, Wynnum Fringe’s sponsors have shown unwavering support for the festival and the LGBTQ+ community. State MP Joan Pease and other sponsors have expressed disappointment but remain committed to the event. Wynnum Manly Councillor Sara Whitmee also denounced the flyers, emphasizing that homophobia has no place in the community.
A United Stand for Pride and Inclusivity
Despite these challenges, the Bay Pride March will proceed, with Oliver emphasizing the importance of standing against bullying and bigotry. He reassures that the police will ensure safety for all participants, promoting a message of unity and resistance against discrimination. The event, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, aims to send a powerful message against the actions of a small, intolerant minority.