Federation members turned out in style for the 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on 1 March.
A swarm of more than 40 members marched with Federation, sporting black and yellow stripes in line with the theme of this year’s float, ‘Spell it out: Free to Bee You!’
Along with the flair of the costumes was Federation’s important message about the potential of young people to be whoever they want to be — to develop into adults who will make an impact on the world around them. ‘Spell it out: Free to Bee You!’ speaks to their future selves: their identity, their work, their freedom of expression via creative mediums and their enormous potential.
Federation Deputy Secretary (Operations) and float queen bee Mel Smith said: “It’s important that we’re at Mardi Gras so that all teachers, whether they are out in their school communities or not, know that Federation is here to support them and also so that all students know that there are teachers that support them in terms of their identity and who they are.”
“To be someone who is queer in a school community and feel alone is terrible, so we want to make sure that students don’t feel alone, that they feel part of their school community, they feel accepted and that way they are able to thrive,” Mel said,
Senior Vice President Natasha Watt said: “It’s very important, as an ally, to stand next to people to show them I support their freedom to be who they want. Teachers and young people do amazing things when they are safe and free to do so, so it’s very important that public school teachers are always at this Mardi Gras and supporting its excellent themes.”
Among Federation members who marched with Federation’s float was Jack Brooks, who said: “it’s important to show our kids and our peers that we are all allowed to be who we are and we are not going to put up with the rising tide of intolerance.”
Lachlan Congram said: “I think it’s really important for our students to see that this is just an everyday thing, to celebrate who you are and what you’re proud of. It’s also important for other teachers to see that it’s okay for them to be themselves.
Lea Haines hadn’t marched at Mardi Gras before. “I’m really happy to be doing something that is powerful and also political…Being in a political space that is overly positive is a really good thing.” She said.
Members also made a big showing at Fair Day in February. Our stall was run by members who operated the badgemaking machine and spoke with LGBTIQA+ communities about the importance of inclusive education. Fair Day is always a great opportunity to chat with queer folk and allies and educate people about what we’re achieving for our members.
While Mardi Gras is over, Federation’s LGBTIQA+ advocacy work is year-round. If you’re a financial Federation member who is interested in learning more about how the union can support you, meeting fellow LGBTIQA+ teaching staff and allies or becoming more active in LGBTIQA+ advocacy, join Federation’s LGBTIQ Special Interest Group (SIG).
Meeting four times a year, the SIG provides support for LGBTIQA+ members in their school and work environments and offers members a space to meet, celebrate, debate and advocate for LGBTIQA+ people both within the union and in the wider community. The SIG also helps coordinate and encourage participation in major yearly events like IDAHOBIT Day, Wear It Purple Day, Pride Month and Mardi Gras.
The SIG is especially active in supporting queer members in regional, rural and remote areas. Each year, the SIG helps Teachers Associations from Lismore to Broken Hill organise stalls at local Pride events, plan and throw events for local queer members and allies, and show support for local queer communities and organisations.
As LGBTIQA+ rights are threatened and rolled back in other parts of the world, it’s never been more important for LGBTIQA+ people and allies to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity. Being part of a collective like the LGBTIQ SIG can be the antidote to feelings of isolation and powerlessness. Working together to stand up for our rights and dignities is not just necessary — it can be enormously empowering.
See more on our social media.
You can join the SIG on Facebook or by emailing lgbtiq@nswtf.org.au.
