Creating, celebrating, and raising the flag for Mardi Gras 2025

With just weeks to go until the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, we kicked off our celebrations with a creative workshop and pride flag raising ceremony to bring our Free to Fly float to life.

Putting on the glitz

Participants from Afford, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Northcott came together to create bold signs and banners, learn simple key sign choreography, and craft their costumes. They also had the chance to pick from a variety of donated wings, accessories, wigs, and rainbow costume pieces, which they could take home. A big shoutout here to Behind the Mask for their incredibly generous donation of costume items!

Raising the pride flag

A highlight of the day was the pride flag raising ceremony, marking the official start of our Mardi Gras celebrations. Leaders from each organisation, including Liz Forsyth from Northcott, Leith Sterling from Afford, and Rebecca O’Sullivan from CPA, shared powerful words about inclusion before raising the flag alongside our ambassadors, Dale Ryan from Northcott and Allan Quick from Afford.

The event wrapped up with a celebration featuring a cake, group photos, and a catered lunch, giving everyone a chance to reflect on what this journey means. More than just preparing for the parade, this workshop was a moment to come together, share experiences, and celebrate the importance of equity and visibility for people with disability in the LGBTQIA+ community.

SBS News was there to capture the day, so keep an eye out for the segment in the lead-up to the parade.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Saturday, 1 March, and we can’t wait to take to Oxford Street with our message of inclusion and pride. When we all have wings, we all can fly.

Read more: Meet all the ambassadors representing our Free to Fly float.

Get involved

If you would like to find out more about services and programs at Afford, contact our Support Centre team on 1800 233 673 or visit afford.com.au.