Feather boas and social acceptance unite town

The stunning and fierce queens of Drag Territory have returned to Broome to bring on the glitz and glamour of Broome Mardi Gras as the headline acts. One of those queens said she was very excited and proud to be part of the growing phenomenon that is Broome Mardi Gras. Vogue MegaQueen told the Broome Advertiser she loved the community spirit of the festival and witnessing people from all walks of life coming together for the event. “Everyone goes out of their way to dress up whether it’s wearing glitter or rainbow colours or feather boas,” she said. “I just love how everybody gets so into it and it has become such a well-respected event that happens in Broome. “it’s important to bring things like Mardi Gras to regional towns so people in the LGBT community can come together and meet anywhere rather than feeling like they’re isolated. “Just taking what we do into a regional town is really important because it shows people that it’s OK to be who you want to be and you don’t have to be scared and hide away.” As a transgender performer, MegaQueen, also known as Addison Harper, said being a part of Broome Mardi Gras and meeting other people like her and hearing their stories has helped her realise her platform to spread the message of trans visibility and awareness. Since coming out as transgender shortly after Broome Mardi Gras 2018, Ms Harper has been continuing her transition and said “it has been amazing”. “I look completely different,” she said. “I went to Thailand and had reconstructive surgery on my face and had breast implants, so I’ll definitely be coming back to Broome with a new look and I can’t wait to show it off.” MegaQueen said revellers could expect to experience the same over-the-top and campy performances people had come to know and love from Drag Territory. “It has certainly come around quick and we all can’t wait to get on the plane and celebrate with everyone,” she said.