Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, took to the streets of Sydney with 50,000 revelers for the final day of the 17-day WorldPride festival, the first city in the southern hemisphere to host this global event. The LGBTQIA+ community, festooned in colorful outfits and rainbow flags, marched across the iconic Harbour Bridge, with the Opera House providing the perfect backdrop.
In an interview with Reuters, Albanese spoke about the symbolism of the bridge in bringing people together and how this event celebrated the diversity of Australian society. The WorldPride festival is a reminder of the fifth anniversary of Australia passing marriage equality legislation, and it sends a message to the world that Australia is enriched by its diversity.
The WorldPride festival was a massive celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, and participants were thrilled to be part of the historic event. “Jurassic Park” star, Sam Neill, marched with the community he loves and expressed pride in how far they have come. Sharlene Dixon, who traveled from Perth for the march, was emotional when watching the procession of the “78’ers,” participants of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978. Dixon said, “I was in tears on the parade watching them, everything they’ve done and where we’ve come has just been great. I was able to marry my wife and have a normal life, so to speak, so it’s pretty great.”
The WorldPride festival was a reminder of the progress that has been made in Australia towards equality and the celebration of diversity. The historic event was a powerful message to the world that Australia is enriched by the diversity of its society.