Celebrating our community at Mardi Gras

On Saturday 2 March 2024, over eighty students and staff partook in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community. This marked the ninth year that the University has taken part.

Inspired by the theme ‘the future is interwoven’, participants danced their way down Oxford St with fans in hand, featuring the progress pride flag. They wore matching t-shirts and bandanas, featuring the intricately-illustrated artwork Queer Sydney: A History by Jeremy William Smith, which was commissioned by the Library in 2023 in celebration of WorldPride. The artwork, which is on display on level 3 of Fisher Library, chronicles historic moments and figures from local queer history.

Daniele Gianotti, Chair of the University Pride Network, said: “'The future is interwoven' to me means to recognise and celebrate the intersectionality of our identities, to acknowledge that we embody multiple aspects of our self simultaneously. This perspective promotes inclusivity and understanding, and also recognises and respects the diverse and intertwined tapestry of identities and experiences within the community.”

The Library is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ students, staff and community members. Find out more about LGBTQIA+ community and resources.

The wider University 2032 Strategy sets out our continuing commitment to equity and inclusion across all campuses. Participation in Mardi Gras is just part of the year-round support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, including the Pride Network; LGBTQIA+ contacts, support and resources; LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship; safer communities; Student Support Liaison Officers (SSLOs); participation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI); and gender affirmation leave for staff.