So much to celebrate at this year’s ChillOut Festival in Daylesford

In a quick phone call to Ladyhood’s Brihony Dawson whilst she was travelling in the back of an Uber, we discover exactly why she put her hand up to support Australia’s Premier Queer Country Pride Festival, ChillOut, on their 21st anniversary.
Late last year, Australian’s witnessed a long and exhaustive campaign for marriage equality. Despite the controversial voluntary Australian Bureau of Statistics yes/no postal survey, once all was said and done, revolutionary societal progression was made and Australia finally caught up with the 20-something other countries who have recognised the LGBTIQ community since as early as 2001.
Though Australia hasn’t always supported this population from a legal standpoint, festivals like ChillOut have been loudly and proudly celebrating Aussie ‘queers’ for 21 years in our beautiful Victorian town, Daylesford. Existing primarily as an advocate for LGBTIQ rights, the festival embraces all things regional, just like Forte.
With an abundance of volunteers contributing to the success of the 5-day event, the festival is undoubtedly a ‘people-powered’ affair. Acts from all over are heading down to ChillOut to perform including Ladyhood, Monique Brumby, Nat Allison and Casey Freeman, DJ Trudi and DJ Dozza, Citrus Sistas, Tyler. S. Mckfunk Band; Low Rez – Melbourne Male Choir, Michelle Parsons, Melbourne singer-songwriter Sophie Klein, comedians Geraldine Hickey, Adam Richard and Sue Ann Post as well as drag icons Miss Candee, Rita La Coqueta, Sue Ridge and Frock Hudson.

We chat to the front runner of headlining act Brihony Dawson (Ladyhood) about the festival and what it means to her as a crusader for the LGBTIQ community.
ChillOut is without a doubt a celebration of authentic people. What does it mean to you to be headlining a festival of this calibre?
It’s absolutely amazing. When I was asked to be an ambassador, I didn’t even have to think twice about it. It’s such a great celebration of our community and just to be a part of it is amazing, but to be a part of it as an ambassador and to help promote is just fantastic.
I’m sure ChillOut will attract a very diverse crowd. What are you expecting over the course of the festival?
I’m just expecting all people in our community to come down and sorta let their hair down. The best thing about ChillOut is that it’s the biggest one in regional Australia. People can come and be themselves and just really chill out. Once you drive into Daylesford and get down there, you’re just really relaxed because there’s a really nice energy about the place and everyone is there to celebrate, so it’s always such a good vibe. There’s a reason why it has been going for 20 years.
Same-sex marriage has finally been legalised in Australia. As an ambassador for the LGBTIQ community, how has this law change impacted on your hope for societal change?
It’s pretty massive. I think that it’s just the beginning of change for our community and more so acceptance as well. A lot of people who voted who aren’t a part of our community that I spoke to said they couldn’t believe they were being given permission to vote on our human rights. I think it’s good for a change for total acceptance and I think there’s more things that we can do within the community for acceptance for everyone. It’s a good start.
What are your plans for your music this year?
This year is going to be pretty massive actually. We’ve got a tour in the works for June in The States. I’ll also be in LA for a couple of weeks writing new music with my producer Andrew Furze. I wrote the last EP with him and he’s just amazing; we get along really, really well together so that’s fantastic. Touring, writing music and playing gigs. It’s the best thing to do in the world.

I love your individual style. You’ve been rocking the short do for a while now. Any intentions on growing back your long locks?
I don’t think I’ll ever grow back the long locks. It’s really a part of who I am now and I feel a lot more comfortable within myself with the short hair. Keep it short at the sides, ya’know, military style.

Any final words?
Just that I’m really excited to play it. I love Daylesford and everyone who works there works so tirelessly and they’re such beautiful people. I can’t wait to get down there and just be involved in everything.
The annual festival welcomes more than just music. Events set to grace the festival include Bike tours of Wombat Forest, Scenic Bushwalk, Rainbow Storytime, Victennis Tournament, a train trip through the forest of Bullarto, High Tea, Pink Pool Party, Out & Proud Speakers Corner, Queer Trivia, Kids Bush Dance, Party Gras, Bush Dance, ChillOut Pride Parade and many more.
ChillOut will be running from Thursday 8th of March until Monday 12th of March. For more information, visit chilloutfestival.com.au. Forte will see you there!

Written by Hannah Kenny