Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
The iconic red and yellow were on proud display at the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in March as 62 lifesavers danced down Sydney’s streets to a remix of ‘Rescue Me’ by Fontella Bass. Lifesavers with Pride, made their impact on the parade, marching for the first time with seven board members including President John Baker AM ESM and Chief Executive Officer Adam Weir. In total there were 80 participants in the Lifesavers with Pride float, including 62 dancing lifesavers from across NSW and Victoria. Completing the float was a Surf Life Saving NSW Patrol vehicle and two Pride Surf Rescue Boards. This was the first time any board member or president of Surf Life Saving Australia has been a part of the iconic parade alongside Lifesavers with Pride, who have been marching since they were formed in 2007. President of Surf Life Saving Australia John Baker AM ESM says it was a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Allow us to explain some to you today: Visibility and Celebration: Pride marches are a vibrant way for LGBTQIA+ people to be seen and heard. They allow us to celebrate our identities and achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Fighting Stigma: These marches challenge the marginalisation and discrimination faced by our LGBTQIA+ community. By proudly taking public space, we fight against shame and social stigma, promoting acceptance and understanding. Demand for Equality: Pride marches are often a platform for voicing demands for equal rights. Issues like same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws, and healthcare access, come to light, keeping the fight for equality at the forefront.
“I was thrilled to be invited to be a part of the Mardi Gras parade, it is a celebration like no other and Lifesavers with Pride made it an unforgettable experience.
Strength and Unity: The marches showcase the collective strength and solidarity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Seeing the multitude of people come together sends a powerful message that they will not be silenced.
“It is a key part of our
job to create a welcoming and inclusive surf lifesaving
Honouring History: Sydney Mardi Gras commemorates the original march, on the 24th June, 1978, which itself was marking the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969. This connection to history reminds all of us of the ongoing struggle and the progress made. We march as a powerful display of resilience, celebration, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to represent our community and be a face for those who are not able to be seen.
culture for the LGBTQIA+ community and it was a joy to celebrate with them all we have achieved so far and demonstrate our commitment to progress and inclusion into the future.” WHY MARCH? THE VIEW FROM LIFESAVERS WITH PRIDE Marching alongside our LGBTQIA+ community at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras holds deep significance for all of us at Lifesavers With Pride. Some reasons we share, some are personal to our own experience.
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