Celebrating LGBTQI Culture in the Tropics

Port Douglas Anzac Park SunsetTropical North Queensland hotspot, Port Douglas, is getting ready to celebrate its very first LGBTQI Festival in February 2020. The inaugural Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival has been scheduled for 14 – 17 February 2020 as a precursor to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Directors Nathan Clarke and Jason Penrose decided to create the festival after identifying a gap in the calendar after the closing of the well-known and attended Cairns Tropical Pride in 2018, and to highlight the beauty of the region during a quieter period for tourism.

“February in the tropics is hot, humid and steamy, hence the title of the festival,” says Nathan Clarke, Director of the Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival. However, it is still a fantastic time to visit – there’s fewer crowds, balmy evenings and everything is lush and green.”

“There’s a calendar of events that will showcase the best of Port Douglas and its surrounds, including dance parties in local favourite spots, a pool party, special entertainment guests and, of course, the opportunity to experience two incredible World Heritage Listed areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest”.

Scheduled events include a welcome lunch at the awarded Salsa Bar & Grill, an opening party on the iconic Sugar Wharf overlooking the Coral Sea, an outdoor dance party at the popular Port Douglas Yacht Club and a closing party with special guests.

Cr Michael Kerr from Douglas Shire Council who is heavily involved in the arts scene and the LGBTQI community said the event was a chance to celebrate lifestyles loud and proud. “As a long-standing community member, I am excited to support this event and hope to see it a permanent fixture in the event calendar,” said Cr Kerr.

“The region has always been popular pre- and post-Sydney Mardi Gras, and an event like this will only highlight the region to a wide-reaching audience, drawing people to the region in the off-peak season. Pride events are a big part of the gay community and Tropical North Queensland represents very well.”

The inaugural Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival runs 14 – 17 February 2020. Tickets for individual events go on sale in September. For more information, visit: www.pdhotsteamy.com.au for details.

Image: A Port Douglas Sunset at ANZAC Park (sourced)