Wimmera Pride Project to focus on support, education

Maddi Ostapiw, 21, and Loucas Vettos, 24, have started the Wimmera Pride Project –  a support network for the region’s LGBT+ community. The project will launch at Horsham Centre Cinemas on October 26.

Mr Vettos, who is gay, said the project started due to a lack of support network for the Wimmera’s LGBT community.

“While an organisation like Wimmera Uniting Care is supportive, they don’t have anyone specific to talk to, besides general mental health workers or social workers,’’ he said. “We first started with the idea of having one-a-month meetings and events, but then it grew from there.”

The project aims to educate people in the Wimmera.

Mr Vettos said anything it could do for LGBT people would be worthwhile.

“We need to look after each other and help give a better life to people,” he said. “We want to educate people and students at schools on our own life stories and broader issues facing LGBT people.’’

Ms Ostapiw, who is bisexual, said issues extended beyond marriage equality and adoption.

“It’s about getting rid of the social stigma,” she said.

“This project could include a hotline, support group and friendship.”

Ms Ostapiw said the pair expected some negative reactions to the project, but felt the cause was worth it to help other young people who struggled with their sexuality.

Mr Vettos said in cities such as Melbourne he was just a face in the crowd, but that was not the case in the Wimmera.

“Horsham is a small town and Maddi and I are happy to put the heads on the chopping block for this cause,” he said.

The project will work with Wimmera Uniting Care. “It is a huge organisation that services the entire Wimmera and is keen to work hand-in-hand with us,” Mr Vettos said.

The launch, at 7.30pm, will include the movie Holding the Man. The duo encouraged people to buy tickets in advance, for $20 from the cinemas.