We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) and Northcott in a collaboration that will see us present a vibrant float at the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 2, 2024!
Creating ‘OURtopia’
For the very first time, these three leading disability service providers are joining forces to bring you ‘OURtopia’ – a vibrant float that envisions a fully inclusive future. Picture a time machine-themed float, adorned with futuristic decorations and pulsating with music, as participants dance joyously along Oxford Street, spreading messages of equality and belonging.
How to watch
Over 200 floats from every corner of the LGBTQIA+ community will fill Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade with music and magic for the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Tune in to watch a live broadcast, or join hundreds of thousands of people to watch in-person! Just make sure you keep an eye out for OURtopia and give an extra-loud cheer as we dance by.
Watch on TV: Get comfy on the couch and watch the ABC’s live broadcast from Oxford Street, hosted by a crew of colourful celebrities including Courtney Act. Find out more here.
Watch on the street: Get close to the action and be part of the crowd on the parade route. Plan your visit with maps, accessible viewing areas and transport advice. Find out more here.
Watch from premium viewing: Take your parade experience to the next level by snapping up tickets to a premium area on the parade route that includes seating and amenities. Find out more here.
Behind the scenes
As we gear up for the Parade, we invite you to enjoy this behind-the-scenes glimpse of our group coming together for a rainbow flag raising, float building day, colourful costume-making workshop. Keep following our journey to Parade because it’s going to be amazing!
Clients lead the way
What makes this collaboration even more exciting is the dedication of everyone involved. From clients to employees and volunteers, each individual plays a vital role in bringing ‘OURtopia’ to life. Client ambassadors from each organisation are also contributing to every stage of planning and design.
Ambassador voices
“I am happy for Afford in Mardi Gras. I go to meetings and say what I think for the parade. I like walking in Mardi Gras. I meet more gay friends and they talk to me and ask me my name. It’s good fun and all the people are together,” said Afford client ambassador, Andrew Bryson.
“Having a disability doesn’t define me as a person and it doesn’t have to clash with my sexuality. I’m proud to be a part of CPA and represent the diverse community at Mardi Gras to demonstrate that people with disability are gender and sexually diverse too. I’m proud to now be comfortable with who I am and celebrate that!”, said Declan Lee, CPA client ambassador.
Travis, a Northcott customer ambassador, said “I’m excited to march in the parade because I believe that Mardi Gras is a celebration of inclusion, no matter who people are.”
“I’m excited to be involved in the parade because I can show people in the community that people with disabilities can get married. It means to me that people are equal, no matter if you are disabled or in the LGBTQIA+ community”, said Sevinc, Northcott customer ambassador.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival runs from 16 February to 3 March 2024, with a forward-focused theme: Our Future. The theme embodies a commitment to inclusivity, acceptance and optimism, celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a dazzling future. Tap to explore 100+ free and ticketed festival events.
About Afford: Afford is one of Australia’s largest and most established disability service providers, more than 70 years of experience working with clients, their families, and carers to achieve their goals and dreams in life and work.
About Cerebral Palsy Alliance: Cerebral Palsy Alliance is a ground-breaking, global centre of expertise for cerebral palsy services and support, research, technology and innovation, and advocacy. We embrace diversity and value our extraordinary people, who unite under our shared vision of creating hope for the future.
About Northcott: Northcott is a disability service provider that works with customers to realise their potential. As one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service organisations, we provide services throughout NSW, QLD and the ACT. Northcott provides a range of services to people with disability including Sexuality and Relationship Education, Support Coordination, Therapy and Specialist Disability Accommodation.
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