Carla said the event – helping celebrate the LGBTIQA community – should have been a great opportunity to bring awareness to the Rainbow community and show the community that they were not “scary but nice people”.
But instead the event was shutdown “because some people were not happy with what was happening”, leaving Carla disgusted and fearing for her safety.
Experiencing bullying growing up over her weight and sexuality, Carla said she had to deal with the ensuing depression and anxiety but that discovering her “drag” persona lifted her up and empowered her, giving her the backbone and strength that she has today.
A statement from Carla read: “Purple Day is a day to celebrate our community and the youth of our community finding themselves and to show love and support. Today that did not happen and my heart breaks. If you or anyone you know is feeling unsure or unsafe please know there are so many places and people out there that will listen to you, including me! Thank you to the team at Bankstown central for looking after me and my safety today, and thank you to the Bankstown council team and the wear it purple team for this too.”
Messages of support have been flowing to Carla with one stating: “Thank you for shining your rainbow flag bright” and “I’m sorry that people feel so fragile they need to make threats to your safety and aren’t able to embrace diversity of expression in all glorious forms”.
Police are investigating.
