THEY WON
The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras has become one of the largest gay pride festivals in the world and this year the parade had a record number of entrants (10,000 participants). As things settle down again, parade awards are issued in a variety of categories, such as,
• Most Creative
• Most Humorous
• Best Dressed
• Most Outstanding Political Comment
The original Mardi Gras Parade in 1978 was a political protest march and that element has never been overlooked as the parade has evolved over the last 30 years to become one of affirmation and celebration.
Last night (Sunday 13 April 2008), at Arq Nightclub in Darlinghurst, the winners of the various categories were announced. There were many political groups that spend a great deal of time, effort and money getting their message across which included, High School Students Against Homophobia, Rainbow Babies and 58-08, (a call to change the 58 laws in Australia that discriminate against same sex couples and their children). And the winner is, yes, the 100 Revs.
We do what we do because it is the right thing to do and it’s important. There is a reward in just doing that and the 100 Revs have received a great deal of support and encouragement. But to be acknowledged, as they were last night, is like the icing on the cake. The Rev Mike Hercock and Rev Colin Scott received the award and thanked the GLBT community. “We were overwhelmed by the welcome and hospitality the community showed us. We hope and pray that you also receive the same when you walk into our churches” Mike said. The award plaque will be proudly displayed his church in Darlinghurst.
Congratulations to the 100 Revs.The 100 Revs has had a profound impact on people in the GLBT community and for those ministers who were involved. I think the ones who got the most out of it were those who actually marched in the parade. They have had an experience they will never forget. For many it was life-changing to find themselves in the GLBT space and be so sincerely and overwhelmingly welcomed.
Holy ground…..I’ve never heard the Mardi Gras parade called that before. Must have been something the 100 Revs brought in.
[…] of the 100 ministers who signed the apology, included 5 Pentecostal ministers) from the 100 Revs group joined the parade to say sorry to the GLBT community. In Australia, it has been a year of […]