Allan Celebrates His LGBTQI+ Community

We recently released our annual report confirming our commitment to being a human rights, client-led service provider meaning we will always prioritise the voices and experiences of our clients. And, as an example of this commitment, earlier this year we took part in our first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and Parade.

A festival of inclusion

Hanging our before the parade

We’ve had a big year and kicked some significant goals, but joining our first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was something staff and clients are still super excited about. A little background if you will …

We entered a float dreamt up and designed by clients. The float, dubbed OURtopia, was themed to look like a time machine – a time machine which had transported us to a fully inclusive future. Not so much Utopia but OURtopia and the crowd loved it.

There was a lot to do in the lead up, with clients involved in planning and designing the float and costumes at dedicated costume-making and float-building days. And everyone involved had the time of their lives.

“It felt good being able to be a part of the pride celebrations and to feel included and accepted,” says Allan, an LGBTQIA+ supported employee who took part. “I liked being a part of the pride community and watching everyone have fun and be happy.”

And Allan was more involved than some. In fact, he surprised everyone by sewing his own exquisite costume – a skill the group did not know he had and were thrilled to discover. “I learnt how to sew from the age of five years,” he explains. “I took classes during school and then taught myself. I enjoyed being able to create something that I could wear to show who I am.”

Getting creative at costume day

Allan was joined in the parade by 10 Afford clients, along with our CEO Jo Toohey, senior leaders and support workers, plus clients and employees of our project partners, Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), and Northcott.

Joining forces

OURtopia marked the inaugural partnership between the three groups. It reflected our collective commitment to celebrating LGBTQIA+ rights, love, and inclusion, and the rights of people with disability to fully participate in the LGBTQIA+ community.

For Allan, and the rest of us, the day was full of magic and undeniable happiness. “I think it’s great that Afford was a part of the Mardi Gras and they should continue every year so that everyone can have the chance to experience it,” he says of the 2024 parade entry.

Well, we have good news for you Allan. Afford, CPA and Northcott will once again join forces and march in the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival in March. And we’re very much hoping that you’ll join us once again.

You can check out our full Annual Report here.