Arcare Parkwood – Queensland’s first LGBTIQ accredited aged care residence – have celebrated their very own Mardi Gras with residents, team members and family getting in on the act.
The facility’s café and foyer were decorated with rainbow flags and residents enjoyed a live drag queen performance as part of the celebrations.
Arcare Parkwood Lifestyle Coordinator, Gary Barrett (pictured, below) moonlights as drag queen performer Tia Maria (inspired by the cocktail) and performed songs from Shirley Bassey to Cher.
Gary started as a lip-sync performer in 1997 and entered a Victorian competition where he finished top 10 in the state. After his performance, two male drag queens invited him to join their show and his drag queen journey began.
Now, Gary performs as Tia Maria at The Chameleon Lounge on the Gold Coast.
“The best thing about doing drag is meeting wonderful people, no matter who and where they are,” he says.
“I decided to perform at Arcare Parkwood’s Mardi Gras because the residents enjoy seeing the performances and I want to put a huge smile on their faces. It’s also about celebrating diversity and being inclusive of different views,” Gary shared.
On top of the drag queen performance, residents and team members dressed up in feather boas, diamantes and wigs.
“It was fabulous this year…and it was really good. We had fun and we’re doing it again next year, so come and see us then,” resident Pauline said.
Arcare Parkwood opened its doors in late 2019 and received its Rainbow Tick Accreditation in late 2021.
Located in Parkwood, the residence offers 91 five-star suites and features include a wellbeing centre, theatre, hair salon, private dining room, activity and lounge rooms and a Dedicated Assignment model of care.
