Happy New Year to everyone from the GLRL. As one festive season comes to a close, another is about to begin – the 2011 Mardi Gras season.
The GLRL will be using the Mardi Gras season to Say Something and remind the community of the long and ongoing journey towards equality and social justice for sex, sexuality and gender diverse people.
Our float this year aims to remind people that Mardi Gras began as a march for civil rights, that our predecessors were arrested for doing what we now mark as a joyous celebration.
It will showcase many GLRL achievements and milestones for the community that came about due to our partnership with other individuals and organisations. We will also highlight areas in need of further reform such as marriage and anti-discrimination legislation.
We have chosen the Yellow Brick Road from the film The Wizard of Oz to symbolise the long journey towards equality. Our truck will be decorated as the Emerald City with a large rainbow running the length of the truck. Sydney is indeed the Emerald City, and we’re in the Land of Oz!
Dancers dressed in Wizard of Oz costumes will line both sides of the float. Routines will be choreographed to dance remixes such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
The GLRL will also hold a number of fundraising events during the season, including our annual donation drive on Oxford St, the Sea of Hearts at Fair Day and running cloakrooms at various parties during the season. Volunteers at the party events should receive a free ticket to the event and are able to enjoy the party once they have completed their shift.
We are calling out to members of the community to assist us with what is a very busy and exciting time for the GLRL. All these events contribute significantly to helping the GLRL spread our message, and ensuring we have the funding to continue campaigning for legislative equality and social justice.
If you are able and willing, we welcome you to roll up your sleeves and help the GLRL this Mardi Gras season!
info: To register interest in joining our float or volunteering please email [email protected] or phone (02) 9571 5501.
