BY ALEX DRISCOLL
If there’s one thing Fusion Pride wants you to know, it’s that Mardi Gras celebrations are happening this side of the Harbour Bridge
From 14 February to 2 March, camp, glitter and glam will fill Sydney’s streets as the famous Gay and Lesbian descends once again on the harbour city. This year’s theme is Free to be, with the official Mardi Gras website stating it to be a ‘reminder that our fight is far from over and that we are not truly free until we are all free to be.’
One organisation at the forefront of Pride on the Beaches is Fusion Pride. The gay group has become a pillar of the local LGBTQIA+ community, looking to build it further through ‘inclusion, visibility and respect.’
“The activities we run around pride season honour our local shared history and recognise the amazing progress made,” organisation member Sean Moran told Peninsula Living. “We are so incredibly lucky to live in a time and place where we can celebrate pride. We are also so lucky to have the support of council, community and local businesses and organisations who have joined us.”
The organisation’s leading event on the Beaches will be the signature Pride Picnic, happening on 9 February. Fusion Pride, collaborating for the first time with Northern Beaches Council and the Northern Sydney Health District, will take over North Styene Reserve. The event will include stalls, music performances, installations and activities aimed at creating a family- friendly vibe, offering something for everyone. Fusion Pride will also be attending the ‘Pride In Sport’ event at Collaroy Tennis Club in late March.
A key aspect of Pride that Sean was definitive in emphasising is that it is for all, including allies: “We have a really deep appreciation of everyone who is or wants to be an amazing LGBTQIA+ ally.” Sean added that: “Being open to learning new things is a big part of our community and allyship, and allies can be so positive in helping to have respectful conversations with people who may not understand pride or LGBTQIA+ issues.” Pride serves as an excellent opportunity to do so.
Turning back to the main events happening in the Sydney City area, you will be able to catch Fusion Pride strutting their stuff down Oxford Street on their own float Tide and True, which Sean states will ‘show our connection to the coast and community spirit, bringing Northern Beaches pride back to the parade.’ Be sure to also keep an eye out for Zali Steggall and other independents, who will once again feature their float at the parade.
There are plenty of events to be found across Sydney for Mardi Gras, with more information available on the official website, mardigras.org.au But for those looking to support more local events, Fusion Pride has got you covered.
“We have so many amazing people in our community who help make our events and general community building so wonderful,” Fusion Pride told Peninsula Living. “To everyone who supports our local pride activities, we thank you so much.”
Pride Picnic
9 February, 10am to 3pm North Styene Reserve
Pride In Sport
Late March (Date TBC) Collaroy Tennis Club
See Fusion Pride on Facebook and mardigras.org.au