Image: Josie Baker.
Image courtesy of the artist.
Last year’s Marriage Equality Poll caused pain and disillusion for many people in the queer community, especially whenever debate erupted over the definition and integrity of the concept of “family.” It was something that personally affected queer parent Jenn Blake, and motivated her to create Fambo, an inclusive arts festival for the queer community.
Blake appropriated the name “fambo”, from the colloquialism her friends used for “family”, feeling its resonance with “lesbo” gave it an inherent queerness. Her goal was to create a family-friendly event where people who didn’t fit into the social norms could feel not only safe but included.
“I think the queer family in general in an international context is growing, certainly in the visibility of the queer family. So I think there is a need for opportunities for queer families to come together that isn’t just about a social gathering – that is about a celebration, and interrogation and exploration of queer culture,” Blake explains.
The festival will take place in Redfern and include a full day of workshops, activities, food and entertainment. Participants represent a cross section of the community, not only in queerness but cultural/social background. Among the highlights is Shahmen Suku who’ll be appearing as alter ego drag persona Radha La Bia and demonstrating how to prepare and cook banana flowers according to Indian tradition.
“It brings together so many elements that will just excite everyone,” says Blake.
Something else worth catching is the interactive art installation, Wild Woven Colour Cave, by Arab artist Nicole Barakat, who’ll be collaborating with kids to manifest artworks from everyday objects.
Rainbow Families have stepped in to provide basic food rations in the way of complimentary lunch packs and other goodies. Workshops and events will run throughout the day and can be booked online for a small fee. The program includes something for everyone: vogueing, stop-motion animation, storytelling, a mini dance party and tonnes more!
“I just want the people who come on the day to have a really good time and for people to recognise this is wanted.”
Sep 29. 107 Redfern St, Redfern. FREE. Info: www.fambo.com.au
By Rita Bratovich
