Kempsey, New South Wales is preparing for a large community festival to advance reconciliation, build inclusiveness and celebrate cultural diversity. This year, the event has faced an unforeseen obstacle. The program, called “It’s OK in the Macleay,” is dedicated to the memory of Baylin Hoskin. He was a queer, Asian American teenager who died by suicide in 2016. This unique festival celebrates our vibrant local LGBTQI+ community and helps to connect LGBTQI+ folks with important mental health resources. It encourages a culture of welcome across the state.
Paul, a community worker with Kempsey Families and the festival’s organizer, expressed deep disappointment upon discovering that promotional posters for the event had been vandalized. Her defaced posters now say “Not OK with God.” Paul called this legislation “bad, very bad.” Despite the vandalism, he says he’s not giving up on spreading the festival’s central theme of inclusion.
Support and Celebration in the Community
The “It’s OK in the Macleay” festival serves as a crucial event for the Macleay and Mid North Coast’s LGBTQI+ community. At its core, it supports the creation of inclusive environments where everyone – from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives – is able to thrive. Specifically, Paul stressed that the event is a celebration of diversity in all aspects, not just sexual orientation. He went on to explain proudly, “It’s just about welcoming people and diversity … it incorporates disability and lets people be themselves.”
In addition to the stimulating panels and workshops, festivalgoers were treated to high energy shows by drag divas Cassie O and Chocolate Boxx. In her artist talk, these artists raised the need for events like this to encourage acceptance and understanding in local, rural spaces. Chocolate Boxx, who grew up in Kempsey, remarked on her personal experiences: “There was nothing like this when I was growing up to make me feel like it was OK to be myself.”
Paul has taken action on the vandalism himself, having reported it to local police out of fear over forthcoming demonstrations. He detailed his fears of violent protests. So, they wanted the police to know. The community’s values of respect and inclusivity, exemplified by the rapid response from authorities, show that the community took the right stand against intolerance.
Challenges Facing Regional LGBTQI+ Communities
Even with advances in LGBTQI+ acceptance, urban and rural spaces are divided with large gaps of inequity. Clifford Lewis, a National Council mental health advocate, makes a point that drives to the heart of the matter. Residents of rural regions usually report being more cut off than urban dwellers. He said that LGBT people living in urban areas have a greater sense of optimism about their future. People in regional communities usually have to hide who they are.
Paul reflected this concern, articulating the difficulties experienced by youth coming out in Kempsey schools. He noted that bullying is still a top concern for youths who are openly gay. He posited that cities tend to be more tolerant of complex and varying identities.
“Kids are still getting bullied for being gay when they come out,” said Paul. In large cities, it’s just more accepted, I think. For LGBTQI+ youth in rural communities, these challenges are compounded. This reality highlights the importance of supportive campaigns such as “It’s OK in the Macleay.”
Moving Forward with Hope
Organizers are still committed and ready to move forward with their plan to create a more inclusive space within their community. Paul expressed optimism about the future: “While rural communities are changing, I don’t for a moment want to detract from the effort that’s gone in … there is still that hangover of discrimination and prejudice.”
Chocolate Boxx added her support for the festival’s mission: “The world is catching up. We are all just people. Let love be love, it’s all good … let’s all calm down and have a party.”
As Kempsey looks ahead to more festivals, the locals’ optimism, resilience and creativity is palpable. The event It’s OK in the Macleay demonstrates our firm belief in fostering diversity. It represents our joint commitment to making America a more equal place for all of us.
