Celebrating and supporting trans and gender diverse communities

The explicit inclusion of minority groups within the LGBTQIA+ community remains an imperative for Sydney’s Pride events.

The trans community has received continued political focus, negative social commentary, and harassment and abuse across Australia, including in the weeks following WorldPride.

This highlights the need to create a safe space for the trans and gender diverse communities through further community-building activities and targeted advocacy, utilising the momentum and benefit of allies to these groups within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Trans speakers were given a platform and trans voices were highlighted across Sydney WorldPride.

In planning the portfolio of events for WorldPride, organisers ensured there were specific events that centred the voices and experiences of trans and gender diverse communities. The parade float entries also included some that were dedicated to trans rights and narratives. These events included:

• Six sessions at the Human Rights Conference which centred on the trans experience covering threats to trans inclusion, protecting trans people in prison, the role of beauty pageants, bodily autonomy and creating an affirming future.

• A wide array of cultural performances by trans and gender diverse artists. For example, Queers of Joy was a celebration of trans voices and included kings, queens, spoken word and music. It also had an afterparty with trans DJs, roving performances and dance.

• A host of educational events to advance understanding on trans issues. For instance, Archer Magazine Queer Ideas Forum on Gender, Sex Work and Polyamory was a deep dive into the topics around sex, gender and identity.

• Supports for trans inclusive sporting events such as Sydney Inner West Council’s pride amplified safe swimming event for trans and gender diverse people.

• A range of trans-inclusive parade floats, including Parents for Trans Youth Equity, Trans Pride Australia, Trans Australia & Allies, Trans Glamore and the Universal Life Church ‘No pride in religious transphobia’ floats.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the first sitting Prime Minister to participate in the Parade, signalling increased support for gender and sexual minorities.

“We need to be a country that respects everyone for who they are.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Despite the current and ongoing marginalisation of trans and gender diverse communities, many survey respondents (200, 86%) reported that at Sydney WorldPride, their sense of hope for the future of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and safety had increased.

Chart 29: For trans and gender diverse respondents, how did Sydney WorldPride effect the following?

My sense of hope for the future of LGBTIA+ inclusion and safety Increased

My sense of belonging within the LGBTIA+ community increased

I felt safe at Sydney WorldPride

Source: Attendee Survey (trans and gender diverse participants), (n=200)