St Vincent's Pride, Mardi Gras 2023

09 Feb 2023

With WorldPride hosted in Sydney this year, the St Vincent’s Mardi Gras float and all those aboard, had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shine on the global stage.

Following two years of muted, but no less fun, Mardis Gras events due to the pandemic, 2023 saw Mardi Gras parade back on Oxford Street, honouring the historical evening in 1978 when a group of gay and lesbian people hosted a peaceful, celebratory demonstration, calling for reform on discrimination and criminalisation of homosexuality - that ended in violence and arrests. Thankfully, Sydney has come a long way since then.

Dressed in scrubs to match the progressive pride flag, the team represented St Vincents’ long term support of the local LGBTQI+ community, and indeed our staff. Our fourth consecutive year marching (and dancing) in the parade, their message “dream big” describes our commitment to ensuring that all gender and sexuality diverse people feel safe and included throughout all their interactions with St Vincent’s, whether as a patient, visitor or staff member.

Thanks to our staff Pride Network who raised more than $4,000 by hosting raffles, bake sales and bingo events, to purchase their costumes and props, all custom made by the team. A special thanks also to our anonymous supporter, who donated funds to support our Mardi Gras entry.

Well done St Vincent’s Pride Dream Team!

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Read more about the '78ers' and their fight for equality HERE.