Maryborough celebrates legendary queer night Diversity 2.0

Maryborough recently hosted one of their long-running and legendary Diversity 2.0 nights for the local LGBTQIA+ community.

The event, held at The Criterion Hotel, has a long history.

Diversity started over twenty years ago and was the longest running queer nightclub event in Queensland apart from Brisbane.

Although not as common now, the updated version of Diversity 2.0 comes out quarterly and still brings many punters to ‘The Cri’.

It’s run and hosted by drag legend Florence Fettucinni (aka Lawrie Symons) who travels there 1,000 kilometers from Townsville for the celebration.

Importance for the regional queer community

Owner and manager of the hotel, said Brendan Heit QNews why it was so important to the local LGBTQIA+ community.

“It is important to keep Diversity 2.0 alive because it provides a safe environment for everyone to come out who wouldn’t normally go out – people can dress how they want, be with who they want, dance, laugh, socialize and see a great show,” he said.

Florence Fettucinni was also present at the recent event Chanice O’Leggs-Up, Tara Ra-Boom-Deah and Tyler Turn’em-On. There were also two DJs who have been there since the beginning of Diversity.

The response from locals was positive, as Brendan explains:

“Because Diversity 2.0 has been around for so long, it is now part of the tradition among the local population and is very embraced and accepted. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case, but we persevered and made it the huge event it is today.”

Diversity 2.0 is back for Christmas in July, on the 20th of that month.

Visit @cri.hotel on Facebook for more information.

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