THE RESIDENTS of Carinya were treated to a showpiece event to celebrate Pride Month, with Melbourne based drag queen Brenda Bressed performing live at the aged care facility last Wednesday. 
Brenda first came to Australia’s attention when she made waves on Season 12 of The Voice Australia, and more recently as a standout on Drag Race Down Under, Season 4.
Playing the piano and with her powerful vocals, Brenda had everyone singing along to classic hits and golden oldies. 
Residents and staff alike were adorned in colourful leis and rainbow hats and rainbow outfits in celebration and support of Pride Month, which runs across June each year.  
“Brenda performs for the hour. It's been a very funny, there’s been a bit of comedy and she’s singing a few songs today,” said Vince Lethbridge, Leisure and Wellbeing Coordinator and Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Committee for Carinya.
Carinya have been celebrating Pride Month for a few years, and while getting Brenda on site was the highlight of the month, these activities and events ultimately are a step towards gaining accreditation. 
“We have a diversity and inclusion committee here and one of our objects at the moment is to get specialist verification for LGBTIQ+, part of that is gaining Rainbow Tick accreditation.”
The Rainbow Tick is a framework with six standards or standalone assessments that help organisations show they are safe, inclusive and affirming places for the LGBTIQ+ community and are designed to build lasting LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
“We are working hard to get that,” said Vince. 
Education sessions and discussions about the LGBTIQ+ community are also held with staff and residents during June, who, according to Vince, receive this very well. 
“It's sort of inspiring, actually, to see just how willing residents are to learn. One lady said, you know, we never had an opportunity to learn this stuff - so it just goes to show a little bit of an education can go a long way - especially when it comes to these sort of things. And we have an 101 year old that was very excited to be here today,” said Vince.