Fighting homophobia: Bankstown style

Bankstown mayor Helen Westwood will be one of the many south-western faces in this year’s Mardi Gras parade.

Cr Westwood will take a place of honour in the Canterbury Bankstown District Gay and Lesbian Social Group (CBD)’s Progress and Harmony through Diversity float.

The CBD float will send a message against homophobia from the diverse Bankstown community. More than 25 different national flags will represent the cultural diversity of the Canterbury Bankstown district.

CBD president Alex Day said as well as securing Cr Westwood to join the float, many other community leaders had sent the group messages of support.

I am delighted to see such prominent people offering their support for our community, Day said.

I would also like to pay special mention to our families, friends, neighbours and colleagues who will be participating on the night, showing their support for their loved ones.

The float theme was determined in a series of workshops held as part of the Bankstown Community Against Homo-phobia project.

CBD is one of Sydney’s largest and most active gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community social groups, with more than 700 members. Their next project will be establishing a Canterbury Bankstown PFLAG group.

To get involved in the CBD float, join the social group or to find out about the proposed Canterbury Bankstown PFLAG group, call 9773 4331 or email cbd@cbdgl.com.