Three leading service providers are again joining forces to send a powerful message at the annual parade.
Three of Australia’s leading disability service providers will again team up to represent LGBTQIA+ people with disability at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and Parade on 1 March.
The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford), Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), and Northcott will have a float featuring LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies from all three organisations.
Collectively, Afford, CPA, and Northcott have a strong legacy of advocating for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people with disability, as well as the broader LGBTQIA+ community within the disability sector, including parents, carers and workers.
The theme for this year’s Mardi Gras is Free to Be, a celebration of the strides toward true LGBTQIA+ equality, while also acting as a global reminder that our fight is far from over, and that we are not truly free until we are all free to be.
“Free To Be is a manifesto of what our community has desired and fought for for dozens of decades, and the reason why we will continue to be here, fighting, celebrating and being fiercely visible for the generations to come,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith.
Afford, CPA, and Northcott’s creative interpretation of that theme is Free to Fly, embodied in their design’s focus on large, vibrant wings. These wings represent the freedom to be one’s true self, soaring above prejudice and discrimination.
The float’s design underscores their message that everyone deserves the freedom to fly, embracing their disability, sexuality and cultural diversity without hesitation or limitation.
Research suggests that 30 to 40% of people with disability identify as LGBTQIA+. Disability and LGBTQIA+ identities are deeply intertwined, yet there remains a significant gap in accessibility for people with disability, both within the broader community and even the queer community itself.
Afford CEO Jo Toohey described being part of Mardi Gras as an “incredible experience”.
“There’s nothing quite like the energy, the celebration and the sheer joy of the parade,” she said.
“At Afford, we’re proud to champion diversity, for our clients and for our employees. Collaborating with Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Northcott also allows us to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ people with disability and make sure they’re seen, heard and celebrated.
“I marched last year and will again this year because I know firsthand how powerful it is to take up space, to be visible, and to share this moment with our community.”
CPA CEO Rob White echoed the sentiments.
“As always, Cerebral Palsy Alliance is proud to be taking part in this important celebration of diversity and inclusion alongside our partners Northcott and Afford,” he said.
“Each year our clients and staff take great pride in being involved in this iconic event, with this year’s theme ‘Free to Fly’ being a fabulous opportunity for people with disability to express and celebrate their sexuality.”
Northcott CEO Liz Forsyth said the Mardi Gras was a celebration of inclusion, diversity and self-expression.
“Northcott is proud to support our customers and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ to participate in the parade and be celebrated for who they are,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to don our wings and march alongside Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Afford.”
Each organisation has appointed a parade ambassador, including Allan Quick, a supported employee at Afford. He is a seasoned parade participant.
“I have been in the parade seven times with deaf gay groups and hearing gay groups,” he said.
“My first time with Afford was last year, and I’m so happy to be in the parade again with Afford for 2025. It is wonderful to see disability in a happy parade float and to see our community being more accepted.
“What I love most about Mardi Gras is the vibe, the colourful parade up Oxford Street, and the lovely, caring support of the non-gay community. I want the world to be friendly and caring to LGBTQIA+ people with disability. Just realise that not everyone is the same and that equality starts with love, patience and understanding.”
Disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier will represent CPA.
“As a disabled queer person and disability rights campaigner, being part of Mardi Gras is more than just celebration—it’s about visibility, pride, and community,” she said.
“Too often, disabled LGBTQ+ people are overlooked, but our identities and experiences matter. Mardi Gras is a powerful space to show that we belong, that our joy is radical and that inclusion must mean all of us.
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for this float, standing alongside my community to demand true accessibility, representation and justice.”
Northcott’s ambassador is long-time customer, volunteer, adviser and employee Dale Ryan.
“It matters to me as an ambassador for Northcott to put myself out there to be seen and to be heard as I am an equal in the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
“People in our community deserve to be seen for who they are despite their disability, whatever that is, and for them to feel happy and loved.”