We are bursting with pride after marching in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday night! We were honoured to close the Parade with our float encouraging everyone to SHINE BRIGHT.
Our group of fabulous marchers included 60 staff, carers, people we support and their families. We had people travelling from each state and territory to experience all the glitter and excitement that is Mardi Gras. It was a very special and emotional moment for all of us who attended and everyone who tuned into SBS to watch the parade live or those who followed along on our social media channels to watch the fun.
“Coming to mardi gras, woah well first of all I get to be who I am, I get to be free, I get to be loved, and I get to be with other people who are exactly like me. When I found out I was picked I literally cried. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
— Luke, person we support.
What Matters to Life Without Barriers is our Values and fostering diversity and inclusion. Our participation and parade float showed how we encourage our staff, carers and clients to be themselves and to SHINE BRIGHT.
“Always be yourself, celebrate the colour and vibrancy of others, and embrace that we are all different – just as we should be.” Claire Robbs, CE.
We are committed to our role in influencing the community and know that people feel included if they are valued and respected for being themselves. This is the third time we have had the honour of participating in the Parade and we were thrilled to be able to bring along so many people from the Life Without Barriers community.
"What a great time was had by all. Supporting my participant was done with no stress as the support I received as a carer was no less than outstanding. I graciously thank Life Without Barriers for the opportunity, care, kindness and respect they showed to not only my Client but also myself. Thanks again for a fabulous time!"
— Lynn, carer
We had representatives from each state and territory, with some people travelling from as far as Kalgoorlie, WA. Some clients had never been on a plane before and it was their first time to Sydney, so it was very special for everyone involved.
We had an open application to all our staff, the people we support, and their carers in order to be as inclusive as possible. We had an influx of people wanting to go and show their support of the LGBTQI community, which is great to see.
“It’s important for me to be here tonight to celebrate the diversity of the company and the communities we are in as well. It’s great to be seeing our clients and carers coming together with our employees from across the nation, we are all here to celebrate each other and have a really good time.”
— Lauren, team member.
The team closed the parade by dancing to Firework by Katy Perry and This is Me by Keala Settle, songs which both complimented our float perfectly!
This is Me - Lyrics
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Until next year Mardi Gras, Shine bright!
Image: Photos by Joseph Mayers
