Community events do more than bring people together. They create spaces where people can celebrate identity, culture, joy and belonging. At Advocacy WA, being part of these moments and completing our All Access Review is an important way we continue to support events that welcome every person in our community.

This month, we were proud to join Bunbury Pride during its tenth birthday celebration. Ten years of Pride in Bunbury is ten years of visibility, love, colour and connection. The atmosphere was full of energy and celebration, and it was a privilege to stand alongside a community that continues to grow, evolve and uplift each other.

Why Accessible Events Matter

Every person deserves the chance to enjoy community events without facing barriers. Access is not only about physical design, although step free routes, seating placement, clear signage and safe lighting are essential. Access also includes communication, sensory needs, cultural safety and how people are welcomed and supported when they arrive.

Events that focus on access actively remove barriers that can exclude people with disability, and they help create spaces where everyone can participate with dignity and freedom. When event organisers prioritise clear information, varied communication formats, quiet spaces, trained staff and volunteers, and pathways for feedback, they send a powerful message that every person matters.

Intersectionality and Why It Matters at Pride

Pride events have long been places of resistance, celebration, and community connection. They also hold ongoing significance for many people with disability who are part of the LGBTIQA plus community.

Research continues to show that people with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+ are more likely to experience discrimination, social isolation, barriers in service systems, and poorer health outcomes.

These experiences show why inclusive Pride events matter so deeply. They create safer spaces where people can be themselves, connect with others who share similar experiences, and feel seen. They also give our wider community a chance to celebrate diversity and challenge stigma.

Our All Access Review at Bunbury Pride

During Bunbury Pride, our team engaged with thirty-one community members who completed our Access and Inclusion Cards. The community shared what helped them feel comfortable, as well as ideas for future events. These conversations highlighted the value of clear information, seating options, sensory friendly areas, thoughtful pathways, and staff who understand disability inclusion.

Bunbury Pride has already built a strong foundation over the past ten years, and it was clear that the organisers cared deeply about creating a safe and welcoming celebration. Our full All Access Review will support the team with practical ideas that can guide planning for the next ten years of Pride in the South West.

Working Together for a More Inclusive South West

Advocacy WA believes that every event across our region should be accessible for everyone. We continue to work alongside councils, community groups, venues and event organisers to make this possible. When an event becomes more accessible, the whole community benefits.

Thank you to everyone who visited our stall, took part in activities, shared stories, or simply came to say hello. Celebrations like Bunbury Pride show what is possible when access, community and inclusion come together.

If you would like to learn more about our All Access Review or how to plan an accessible event, our team is here to help.

Further Reading and Sources

For further reading on points discussed in this article, please see these websites:

• Rainbow Health Australia: Violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of LGBTQA plus people with disability
https://rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au/research-resources

• Equality Australia: Everyday experiences of LGBTI people living with disability
https://equalityaustralia.org.au/resources

• Australia Institute of Health and Welfare: Bullying trends and data
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children

‍