The famous ChillOut parade will kick off in Vincent Street, Daylesford, at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 10 and for the first time ever, Guide Dogs will be taking part.
Having just marched in Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade last weekend, Guide Dogs are thrilled to, again, be able to represent those with low vision and blindness within the LGBTQIA+ community and showcase their alignment with the Chill Out Festival in supporting clients “living a life without limits”.
Karan Nagrani, an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community and last years disability ambassador, is excited to be involved again in 2024. Being a “blind, gay, partially deaf mental health warrior”, as well as an employee of Guide Dogs, Karan is excited to be able to represent the organisation and what they stand for.
“As a blind person, you don’t feel visible at all and as a gay person, it took a long time for me to accept myself. But when I started to embrace all of the aspects of me that made me different – that is when my life started to change and good things started to happen! I just want other gay people with disabilities to know that your disability does not define you. This is why I advocate for Chill Out Festival, as a gay man with a disability”.
Karan will also be judging this year’s Chill Out Dog Show, alongside Melbourne Cabaret Queen Dolly Diamond. He’s excited to be able to connect with the Chill Out community, and “highlight and celebrate being different – as this is the importance of Chill Out”.
Listen to an interview with Karan on Radio Adelaide, “How I came out twice… First as gay and then as blind.“
This article is based on a media release from KeepLeft.com.au
