A beloved figure in Western Australia's LGBTQIA+ community and a pioneer of the state's Pride movement is now facing a deeply personal health battle, buoyed by an outpouring of community support that left him in tears.
A Shocking Diagnosis and Gruelling Treatment
Marc Highett, the 66-year-old much-loved face of Northbridge's The Moon Cafe for nearly three decades, received a life-changing diagnosis just under a month ago. After feeling unwell for months, tests and biopsies confirmed he has cancer.
His intensive treatment regimen began recently, involving a demanding schedule. Each morning he attends Royal Perth Hospital for chemotherapy, where a pump is attached to his arm for four days at a time. This is followed by afternoon radiation sessions at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
"I think I’ve got 45 appointments at the hospital in about a month-and-a-half," Mr Highett said, managing to find humour in the overwhelming situation. "I was dizzy before, but I’m really a dizzy old queen now."
A Surprise Gesture That Sparked Tears
Known for his fierce independence, Mr Highett's colleagues at The Moon Cafe knew he would never ask for help. So, they took matters into their own hands, secretly organising a GoFundMe fundraiser to support him during his treatment.
"I’m stubborn, I don’t like help or anything like that," he admitted. "I knew nothing about it." The revelation came during his birthday celebrations when well-wishers mentioned their donations. When he finally saw the fundraiser himself, the beloved local "bawled his eyes out."
The campaign, set up by the cafe's owners, aims to cover transport, groceries, rent, utilities, medical expenses, and daily living costs. Mr Highett has already exhausted his sick and holiday leave, making the community's generosity profoundly meaningful. "Just send out biggest hugs and love to everyone that’s donated to me," he said. "It was so unexpected."
A Legacy of Pride and Perseverance
Mr Highett's spirit is deeply woven into the fabric of WA's Pride history. He was among the 300 courageous people who marched to Parliament House in 1989 to protest discriminatory laws against gay men and demand the passing of the Law Reform Bill. That bill, decriminalising homosexual acts between consenting males, was proclaimed in March 1990.
He has marched in almost every Pride Parade since, missing only one due to work commitments at the cafe. For 30 years under five different owners, he has been the heart of The Moon, doing "a bit of everything" from the kitchen to cleaning.
His dedication to celebrating Pride never wavered. Each November, he transforms the William Street late-night cafe with flags and fairy lights. After the march, he famously hands out trays of fairy bread to everyone. Even this year, on the eve of his treatment, his commitment shone: "I’ve got to go home now and wax me legs and tan. I’m ready for tomorrow night (Pride Parade)."
Reflecting on the dangerous past, he recalled a time when being openly gay meant risk. "The police could have arrested you if they saw you again, it was just ridiculous." Now, he feels immense pride in the progress achieved. "Oh, I’m so happy," he said. "It’s leaps and bounds now with marriage and everything. We had no rights or nothing back then."
Facing his treatment with characteristic sparkle and stubbornness, Marc Highett declared, "I’m a stubborn old b****, and they’re not getting rid of me that easy." His story is one of a community rallying around one of its brightest lights in a time of need.
