In a small inland town, locals have cleaned up the red dust in favor of glitter for their first Mardi Gras ball.
The small town of Cunnamulla, with a population of just over 1,000, is a long way from the capital of Queensland, and its dazzling nightlife and gay bars.
Nearly 800 kilometers west of Brisbane, Cunnamulla is in the Maranoa federal electorate, where 56.1% voted “no” in the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite.
But as elaborate dresses are chosen and long lashes, delicate nails and makeup are applied, Cunnamulla says it’s time to celebrate and embrace the LGBTQIA + community in inland Queensland.
“I didn’t think acceptance would happen the way it did”
For 36-year-old Phillip Mckellar, a local gay aboriginal from the Budjiti village of Cunnamulla, the interior has come a long way since he left when he was 17 years old.
“Growing up here was a little hard to say I was gay, but today it’s a different lifestyle,” Mckellar said.
Mr. Mckellar experienced insults, hatred, and extreme fear that would leave the isolation of his family, friends, and his close-knit community.
Growing up in West Queensland was difficult for Phillip Mckellar, pictured here at 13 years old. (Provided by: Phillip Mckellar)
He said he always knew who he was, but wondered if other people would accept him living in a small inland community like Cunnamulla.
“I still cry about it today because I didn’t think acceptance would happen the way it did,” Mckellar said.
“My mother was a great support, and as soon as I left, my family and friends agreed … this plays a very important part in my life.”
Many things have changed since Phillip was 13 years old. He is now attending Cunnamulla’s first Mardi Gras dance. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
I was thrilled to see an event celebrating queer communities held in the interior of Queensland, something I could never have imagined as a child.
The drag queen Faboriginal takes Cunnamulla
Dallas Webster knows what it’s like to grow up gay in a regional community.
The Dunghutti man joined the community with his alter ego, Nova Gina, as the protagonist of the Mardi Gras dance.
Mr. Webster grew up in Kempsey, New South Wales, where he had few gay role models.
“It simply came to our notice then [I was] not realizing myself; I was pretty camping when I was young, “he said.
New Gina in her dressing room. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
Internal pressure to come to terms with her sexuality caused a breakup at the age of 20.
It was these experiences that motivated him to come to Cunnamulla, hoping that sharing his story would help others grow regionally.
“I don’t want other kids to have to go through this and think they’re kind of a monster,” Webster said.
“It’s just not fair, it’s a setup for failure.”
After a few years living in Sydney, Mr. Webster returned to his hometown of Kempsey and acted as a drag queen for a community event at the local RSL.
“From there, I thought, ‘Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me, Looks like BT aint for me either.
“And nine years later, I’m still there.”
Nova Gina performs at the Mardi Gras dance in Cunnamulla. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
His alter ego and stage character, Nova Gina, was born and has become one of the leading Indigenous drag personalities in Australia.
“A couple of drinks help get into your psyche,” he said.
“She may be a little cheeky, not too fast, cheeky but not rude.
“It only comes out when the face is set”.
A show of support
Anna Murphy, a local from Cunnamulla, an indigenous worker at Lifeline Darling Downs, is one of the key organizers of Cunnamulla’s first Mardi Gras dance.
Beyond the acceptance of queer relationships in Queensland, the ball had an important message of raising awareness about domestic violence in same-sex relationships, which Ms. Murphy said was largely little informed.
Anna Murphy was a key organizer of Cunnamulla’s first Mardi Gras ball. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
Family Violence Support Services:
Although the number of DV cases in same-sex relationships was high, Ms. Murphy believed that the change in marriage laws had helped highlight the problem.
Mrs. Murphy also expected the ball to address social isolation and homophobia inside.
“[The ball] a light will shine, “Ms Murphy said.
“And what we want to show is that these people support our communities.
“We need to move forward as we are in 2022, everyone is an individual and we are all human.”
Nova Gina and Anna Murphy share a moment behind the scenes. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
Brilliant, glamorous and wise
With mostly younger people at Cunnamulla’s first Mardi Gras ball, Dallas Webster hopes this is a sign of changing times.
Along with the shine and glamor, there are many great tips for the younger generation of those who have come before.
Mr. Webster hopes to give some wisdom, especially to those who struggle with their sexuality in the Australian region.
Dallas Webster hopes that others who grow up will not go through what he did. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)
“Acceptance is what you should be dealing with,” Mr. Webster.
“[Queer youth]: there is nothing wrong [you].
“Everyday people are allowed to go on with their lives, so we’re allowed to do the same.”
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Mr. Mckellar local of Cunnamulla also had some wise advice.
“Be honest with yourself, your family and your friends … it’s much easier to just go out,” Mckellar said.
Organizers hope this will be the first of many Mardi Gras balls inside. (ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves)