If you don’t fight you’ll lose
The Lesbian and Gay Mardi-Gras parade is a celebration of the many battles and significant wins against the social oppression of LGBTQI people. It provides illustrative examples of how mass struggles involving many community groups could make change, and end some oppressive practices of the state .
The commemorates the many victories following the vicious attack on gay and lesbian protestors by police, in 1978. At the time gays and lesbian faced active suppression in law. Police resources were directed to constant harassment and entrapment of gays and lesbians with bashing , robbery and arrest as a regular follow up .
Discrimination was another weapon directed at gays and lesbians to ensure they kept silent and hidden. Following the 1978 attack, the press in particular, the Sydney Morning Herald, published the names and addresses of those arrested. Forcing many to lose their jobs and face other forms of harassment.
Over the years, many other campaigns arose alongside the general push for rights and equality. These were for treatment and care of AIDS-HIV patients, the rights for equality and freedom from discrimination in employment or association. Recently, there was a victory for those seeking marriage equality and the legal rights, that it confers. All these issues are highlighted in the parade . People need to be reminded of victories and to be positive.
The Mardi-Gras parade is open to a wide variety of groups who embrace the ethos of inclusivity, and the parade recognises the other forms of oppression face by people in Australia. The First Nations people , refugees and immigrant communities as well as the homeless and marginal.
There are serious political messages amid the glitter and disco beats. There is a broad spectrum of support which is reflected in the massive crowds that turn out to cheer and celebrate.
