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Grassroots Revival: How a Three-Legged Bulldog Led the Labrador Pride Walk
- annefay36
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Written By Dustin Lowrey
In a year defined by uncertainty for the Gold Coast’s LGBTQIA+ community, hope came bounding back on three legs.
Meet Bonnie, the tenacious French Bulldog who went from rescue pup to community icon, and who recently made history as the unofficial Grand Marshal of the Labrador Pride Walk, a true grassroots revival of queer visibility on the coast.
After the cancellation of Gold Coast Pride Fair Day earlier this year, many feared the region’s rainbow celebrations might fade away entirely. But instead of retreating, local businesses, performers, and advocates came together to create something new, something authentic, local, and filled with joy. The result was the Labrador Pride Walk, a community-driven event that celebrated resilience, inclusion, and love in all its forms- hosted by Bonnie the French Bulldog.
A Bulldog with a Big Heart
Bonnie’s story has become a symbol of perseverance. Having undergone trauma and major surgery as a puppy, she now struts proudly on three legs, a living metaphor for strength and survival. With two gay dads (one a local drag queen), Bonnie has grown into a familiar face around Labrador, loved by café regulars, families, and fellow dog-walkers alike. Her charm and courage made her the perfect ambassador for an event built on community spirit.
“It’s hard to protest a rainbow family walk led by a three-legged bulldog,” one organiser joked- and they were right. Bonnie’s presence brought a sense of warmth and approachability that helped everyone feel welcome, whether they were part of the LGBTQIA+SB community or supportive allies joining in for the first time.
When the Community Came Together
Organising the walk wasn’t without its hurdles. Just weeks before the event, planned route works along Marine Parade and heavy rain threatened to derail the day. But local allies stepped up- Butter Bodega, a beloved dog-friendly café, generously opened its doors and offered their venue as a new endpoint. The shift turned out to be a blessing in disguise, keeping the event accessible and creating a safe, vibrant gathering space for participants.
And then, almost poetically, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time in five days. A rainbow stretched over Labrador as families, friends, and furry companions arrived- many dressed in bright colours, tutus, and smiles that could rival the Gold Coast sunshine. Whitney Houston played, laughter carried, and for a moment, it felt like the entire suburb was glowing with #QueerJoy.
A Symbol of What’s Possible
The Labrador Pride Walk wasn’t just an event; it was a statement. It showed that when formal structures falter, communities can- and will- rebuild from the ground up. It reminded everyone that visibility matters, that inclusion starts locally, and that joy itself can be a form of resistance.
Grassroots initiatives like this one prove that Pride on the Gold Coast is far from gone- it’s simply evolving. What began as a simple idea in a Facebook group became a heartfelt demonstration of unity, love, and pride. And at the front of it all was Bonnie, leading with her three legs, reminding everyone that resilience and joy often come from the most unexpected places.
Thank You to Our Community
A heartfelt thank you to every person, family, and every four-legged friend who joined us and made the day truly unforgettable. Your presence didn’t just revive a beloved tradition- it sparked a forward movement.
Thanks to you, the Gold Coast Pride Collective is now leading an inspiring new chapter for Pride on the Gold Coast. Together, we’ll keep shining brighter and building a prouder, more inclusive Gold Coast community for everyone.
Read the Star Observer Article Below:
The Gold Coast Pride Collective is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating and empowering our LGBTIQ+SB community. Every bit of support—from donations to volunteering and attending our events—helps us create more inclusive, visible, and vibrant spaces on the Gold Coast.
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