Animal Liberation makes parade cut
Animal liberationists and their friends will once again be part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade after Mardi Gras authorities approved this year’s float entry by Queer Animal Liberation NSW (QALNSW).
The announcement marks a welcome turnaround from last year’s debacle, which saw Animal Liberation NSW’s float rejected by NMG, who declared the issue of animal rights was ‘not queer enough’ for the parade, despite a long tradition of floats in the parade by the organisation.
The decision prompted widespread outrage in local and international queer and mainstream media from animal liberationists and others, who pointed out that the float participants were overwhelmingly queer, and that many other floats did not have a specifically queer message.
To its credit, NMG subsequently announced a community consultation about the parade, which has led to QALNSW’s float being approved this year.
QALNSW founder Katrina Fox praised New Mardi Gras for its willingness to engage with its critics and make changes.
“After last year’s debacle, we’re very pleased that Mardi Gras held a comprehensive public consultation and amended their guidelines for the parade to allow for inclusivity of queers who feel passionate about a cause,” Fox said.
“Mardi Gras have been really lovely and welcoming this year. The various people I’ve spoken to throughout our application process have been very helpful and genuinely happy to have us in the parade.
“It’s a much more positive experience than last year and queer animal rights advocates and their straight allies are excited and looking forward to being part of the biggest event on the global GLBTIQ calendar.”
Fox said this year’s float would highlight the plight of battery hens.
“I won’t spoil it for everyone, but I can say that our float will be very colourful and upbeat but with a serious message about the plight of battery hens,” she said.
Why is it that whenever the words Animal Lovers or Vegans are mentioned you always get the odd idiot who has something useless and untrue to say. I think they must feel threatened by peolpe who are trying to make a difference in this world. I am a lesbian, Vegan who campaigns for Animal and Human rights and the Enviroment. Please do not put people down who feel compassionate about what they do and try to applaud them for giving up their time to try and make a difference.
Well done Mardi Gras organisers for being willing to engage with people on this issue. It’s a great decision to include this float.
You’re right Animal Lover, “queer” doesn’t describe animal rights – it’s a term referring to sexuality and gender.
Unfortunately the rest of what you write is simply and sadly incorrect. You have the wrong idea about what Animal Liberation stands for. I too have many criticisms of organisations like HSUS, but that doesn’t mean I think all people who support actual animal rights hate animals or people.
Judging from the links you provided, it looks like you want your right to do whatever you like to animals, or allow others to do so on your behalf, regardless of what it means for the animals. Why don’t you try reading some more on the topic. There is so much more to it than you know.
A Message For Animal Lover: Your practice is illegal and punishable by a heavy fine and up to seven years imprisonment. [/Monty Python]
Sorry – but “queer” isn’t a descriptive adjective for Animal Rights – try FREAKY, PEOPLE-HATERs, ANIMAL-HATERS, AGAINST DOMESTIC PETS, – and the list could go on. To me – they represent everything the gay community should BAN!!!!!
ARs are NOT loving, they are NOT supportive for any humans, they are against humans and against the animals!!! Take a look at HSUSsucks.com and humanewatch.org for some truths!!!!
AND – to top it off – they know NOTHING about animals. Their entire intent is to separate humans from the rest of the animal world!!! SICK PEOPLE!!!!
:(