This year LaneCampos is proud to be principal sponsors of Newcastle Pride Festival.
Both Dave and my parents moved their families to Australia in the mid 70’s. Dave’s from the UK, and mine from El Salvador, we grew up in Western Sydney. It was a time of widespread discrimination of gay men, lesbians and trans people and because of the discrimination, it was a time when most people kept their sexuality a secret.
Even twenty odd years later as we grew up in Australia, attitudes hadn’t really changed. A 1997 report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, highlighted widespread discrimination of gay men, lesbian and trans people and called for ‘The full realisation and protection of human rights and equality of opportunity require the adoption of positive measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and trans identity.’
We want to celebrate and acknowledge how far the community has come whilst also acknowledging the ongoing pressures facing LGBTIQA+ people today. It’s why we are really proud to sponsor Newcastle Pride and in particular to support the next ‘trail blazing’ generation in the queer community and their push for more positive change.
We hope you enjoy getting to know some awesome Drag Queens from the Newcastle area in our first edition of Pride at Home as they open up their homes to you to tell their story.
With love, Roland Campos.
Hey, my name is Timberlina.
Home is my creative space, the place more often than not, I get ready for my shows, produce my shows and also where I have time just for myself. My time to relax and reflect.
Newcastle is the best of both worlds, it’s the city meets the country, the lifestyle is what sells Newcastle but the people and places are what keeps me here.
Once you’ve been, it’s impossible to see yourself living anywhere else. Apart from our incredible beaches, landscapes and natural beauty, I love throwing on active wear, getting a coffee at my local, or eating at any of the incredible restaurants we have.
Our community is tight, but still welcoming. Newcastle people know how to look after their community, if the worst happens, you know there are people there to lend a hand.
My name is Foxxe Faux and I am a drag queen based in Newcastle.
Home to me has multiple meanings. I have my home where I live, I have my home venues for performing and I have my home group of friends. My home where I live in means somewhere I feel safe, accepted and comfortable. My home venues are places I work at often and start to develop connections and friendships with staff and my audiences. Finally, my home group of friends that always make me feel like I’m at home no matter where we are. They are people I can be unapologetically myself around with no judgement, only the occasional shade.
When I found drag and our local queer community, I fell back in love with Newcastle and all the amazing things it has to offer. From starting my drag journey through the first Newcastle Pride, I have been able to immerse myself into so many incredible venues in Newcastle to showcase what I do best, performing! From hosting drag brunch’s in venues across the city to playing drag bingo in the suburbs, I have been able to experience all of what Newcastle has to offer leaving a trail of glitter behind me.
I love how open minded Newcastle is becoming and how they are jumping on board with any event we have to offer! I love that we as a city are becoming a little bit more colourful one venue at a time and creating so many inclusive and safe spaces for all people living here.
Hey Newcastle, I’m She Needa.
It is my sanctuary. My safe, creative space. Home is where I settle and stop, where creativity blossoms and, at all times, I feel comfortable.
I have watched Newcastle grow and change with the times. It’s always been a steel city, a working city but now it is evolving into a place that shows acceptance, culture and diversity. It is exciting to be a part of that change. It is exciting to see what Newcastle has to offer and is becoming.
Hey, I’m Abork.
The stunningly creepy ABORK!
My cottage-neon home is a safe space for everyone that comes over! I live with two very close friends that are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so you can imagine the glitter and features flying around the house! My home is a place where creativity has no limits, there is always something fabulous happening around every corner.
My home is a comfort place where I can explore my creativity, wind down after a show and spend time with my kitty Barbara!
Newcastle has such a massive positive impact on my life, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I wasn’t living here. I have made so many meaningful connections and friends that I work along side with. There is always something to find in Newcastle! I love supporting the local drag shows and theatre plays, as well as getting coffees, or going out for dinner with my friends.
Newcastle has some of the most fabulous performers and a beautiful ever-growing community.