Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — Last weekend I had an absolutely fabulous time celebrating the Australian Sex Party’s inaugural appearance at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. In 1978 the Gay Solidarity Group planned an event in commemoration of the Stonewall riots, where LGBTI protesters and their supporters demonstrated against the homophobic, racial and gender-based discrimination and harassment they faced. While the parade has now grown into a symbol of gay rights throughout the nation, it was birthed from the same place as so many movements for equality — that is, civil liberties. The long-awaited apology to the 78ers for the violence they faced at the first Mardi Gras brings us back to the core of why this parade started.
I loved parading alongside party members, as well as my sister Kirsty, her partner Linda and my gorgeous niece, Bonnie. Being there was a fantastic testament to how far LGBTI rights have progressed. However, it is also a timely reminder that we do not have marriage equality in Australia, and informative programs like the Safe Schools program are still coming under attack from government and religious conservatives. The rate of HIV infection in Victoria continues to be a problem, and while it is great to see the government’s action on PrEP, more can be done. All these issues remind us more than ever that Mardi Gras is not just a celebration, it is also a call to action
