Peter De-Waal: Last News

15 resolutions proposed for the imminent Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be very concerned at the sharpness of internal conflicts in our movement and the calls from both “sides” to suppress debate, exclude many LGBTQI+ groups from the Parade and to expel individuals from SGLMG itself.We 78ers call on all members of SGLMG to embrace the importance of inclusiveness, open discussion and democracy in SGLMG. That the situation has reached this nadir only underlines the need for the SGLMG Board to focus on mediation, conciliation and conflict resolution and to stop right now the “let’s destroy them completely” option now afoot.This is the best way for members to call a halt to this unconstructive conflict and to tell the two “sides” to change direction.

As the world gets ready for the Global Pride Livestream this Saturday, this week also marks the official 42nd anniversary of the very first Mardi Gras Parade.Wednesday June, 24 marked 42 years since the original 1978 Mardi Gras marchers, the 78ers, marched down Oxford Street in a demonstration of solidarity, bravery and pride.While many original 78ers still proudly lead the Mardi Gras Parade every year, this year has created a new emphasis for global community connection with the advent of the Global Pride stream.Australian LGBTQI rights activist and author, a founding member of the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) and original 78er, Peter De Waal, recalled the first Mardi Gras protest in a video message sent to Mardi Gras.“CAMP