"Country Town Pride," directed by Catherine Scott, is a powerful 2019 documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Holly Conroy, a transgender woman from rural New South Wales. The film sheds light on Holly’s quest to bring the Mardi Gras - a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and acceptance - to Wagga Wagga, a town often considered the heart of Christian conservatism in Australia.
This documentary is not just about a pride parade; it’s a narrative about overcoming personal and societal obstacles, confronting prejudices, and forging a path toward acceptance in a community that has historically been unwelcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Holly Conroy, a transgender truck driver, has long been a figure of resilience and bravery in a place where finding such strength can be a challenge. As she undergoes her gender affirmation surgery, Holly is simultaneously navigating the complexities of pushing for visibility and inclusion for the trans community. This film follows Holly as she attempts to stage the first-ever pride parade in Wagga Wagga, while facing opposition from local Christian leaders, conservative politicians, her homophobic neighbor, and even members of her own family. Her courage in organizing this groundbreaking event against the backdrop of a conservative community speaks volumes about the struggle for acceptance and equality for transgender individuals in rural Australia.
Holly’s story is one of persistence, reinvention, and transformation. At the age of 37, after years of struggling with her identity and the expectations placed upon her, Holly came out as transgender for the second time. In her twenties, she had initially tried to come out, but was discouraged by friends and family, who warned her that transitioning would prevent her from finding stable work and would lead to social rejection. After years of personal turmoil, including a marriage to a woman, Holly found the courage to embrace her true self, sharing her transition journey with friends and family over social media. Her decision to be open about her identity marked a turning point in her life. "Once I got good reactions on Facebook about coming out, that was a huge load off my shoulders," she reflected in an interview.
It was through this newfound visibility and acceptance that Holly began to carve out a space for herself in the community and take action to help others like her. As a truck driver - a profession typically dominated by men - Holly became a trailblazer in her own right, embodying the intersection of gender identity and blue-collar labor in rural Australia. However, Holly’s journey is far from easy. The concept of a Mardi Gras in Wagga Wagga, one of the most Christian towns in Australia, was met with considerable resistance. The town is known for its strong Christian population, with nearly 81% of its residents identifying as Christian. In this context, Holly’s decision to organize a pride parade was not only a challenge but also a defiant act of self-expression and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the opposition, including from local politicians and religious leaders, Holly managed to gather enough support from the community to bring her vision to life.
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One of the most compelling aspects of "Country Town Pride" is the way it delves into Holly’s struggles with prejudice, both external and internal. As Holly continues her transition, she faces backlash not only from those outside the LGBTQ+ community but also from members of her own family. Her father, Graham, had difficulty accepting her transformation. For him, gaining a daughter meant grieving the loss of his son. Similarly, Holly’s brother struggled to reconcile with her transition, even going so far as to refer to her as his “brister,” a combination of brother and sister. These personal challenges underscore the complexity of transitioning and the deep emotional toll it can take on both the individual and their loved ones. Within the local community, Holly’s efforts to host the pride parade also met with resistance. Some residents of Wagga Wagga were vocal in their opposition, particularly a local councillor who opposed the Safe Schools program and believed that LGBTQ+ inclusivity would negatively affect children. Holly’s defiance and her unflinching belief in the importance of acceptance and visibility for the trans community propelled her forward, despite the emotional and social cost. "There's plenty of room for everyone to have their beliefs and accept everyone for who they are," Holly states in the documentary. "We're not there yet, but I do believe we'll get there eventually."
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Despite the odds stacked against her, Holly’s pride parade was a resounding success. On March 9, 2019, the first-ever Mardi Gras in Wagga Wagga took place, marking a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community in rural Australia. The event attracted a crowd of approximately 30% of the town’s 54,000 residents, making it the largest party Wagga Wagga had ever hosted. For Holly, seeing the streets filled with supporters, many of whom had never attended a pride event before, was a deeply emotional experience. "It was a bigger success than I expected it to be," she said, reflecting on the outpouring of support. "Seeing the number of people lining up on the main street to watch the parade brought a tear to my eye." The parade itself was not just a celebration of queer identity; for many, it was a lifeline. Holly recalls a particularly poignant moment when a young man approached her at the afterparty and told her that witnessing the event had inspired him to come out. This moment encapsulated the transformative power of the parade - not just as a celebration, but as an act of visibility and affirmation that could change lives. In a town where acceptance for trans people is hard to come by, the Mardi Gras became a symbol of hope, courage, and progress.
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"Country Town Pride" is not only a documentary about one woman’s fight for acceptance; it is also an educational tool that seeks to spark dialogue and encourage greater understanding of transgender issues. The film has been lauded for its candid portrayal of Holly’s journey, including the personal challenges she faces in her transition, as well as her willingness to share intimate moments, such as her gender affirmation surgeries, with the world. Holly’s decision to document her surgeries was controversial in some circles, with some members of the trans community expressing concern about the overemphasis on surgery in media representations of transgender people. However, Holly believes that by opening up about her experiences, she can help others who may feel isolated or misunderstood. “I didn’t have a problem with cameras filming my surgeries,” Holly explains. “Educating people is the best way to have acceptance.” Her openness about her journey is a way to normalize transgender experiences and provide support for those who may be struggling with their own identities. Holly’s work in organizing the parade and sharing her story through the documentary serves as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. “Not everyone out there can take the leap; can speak up. The documentary, the filming of my surgeries and my stories – it all helps. If one person sees it and it saves their life, then that’s great,” she concludes.
"Country Town Pride" is more than just a documentary about a pride parade in rural Australia. It is a moving and inspiring tale of one woman’s courage to defy societal norms, challenge deeply ingrained prejudices, and create a space for acceptance and pride in a community that initially rejected her. Through Holly Conroy’s story, the film shines a light on the struggles faced by transgender people in rural areas, while also celebrating their resilience and the power of community. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of visibility, acceptance, and love. Holly’s journey, as captured in "Country Town Pride," is one of hope, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Image credits: YouTube
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