Braeden and Sarah hope Pride Month event inspires more in the Highlands

This year, The Hide Out Bar and Grill owner decided it would be different, and has enlisted marketing and public relations professional Braeden Rhys, who many might know as Kara Zmatiq the Highlands drag queen.

"I think it's super important to have inclusivity for people no matter what walk of life they have," Sarah said, who grew up with a religious upbringing in Texas.

The bar will be holding a pride night with Kara singing and presenting live mini-games, and there will be entertainment from cabaret and burlesque artist Angelique.

For Braeden, who has performed drag shows for clients such as Emirates and Uber, it was "refreshing to see" a Highlands business want to create a safe space for the queer community.

Gradually, he has built more relationships with businesses in the region that were open to showcasing the LGBTQIA+ community and drag without it being a cash grab, he said.

"For me, I believe Pride Month reflects on how we get to where we are, more so about the fact that we're equal," he said.

He said compared to other areas he has lived in, the Highlands was "more perceptive and open" than others with a supportive community, but it has not been perfect.

He has seen venues strive to make their business safe spaces for patrons, and hopes this Pride Month event could be a "catalyst" to encourage others to take part in the future.

"I hope that is shows that whether you're gay, lesbian, transgender... [you] can still come together and have a space and be one with the community," Sarah said.

The upcoming event was not just for the queer community, it was for everyone, and an opportunity for everyone to come together, she said.

Tickets are $54.26 (including a booking fee) which include a shot on arrival, canapes and light treats, entertainment and a dance floor, and entry into the best dressed competition and lucky door prizes.

They can be purchased through Eventbrite.