Tuesday 4 February
Braving the almost 40-degree heat in St Kilda on Sunday 2 February, PWDA participated in the 2025 Midsumma Pride March for our first time.
As the national peak for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, we joined over 45,000 participants under the theme, “Proud and Free to Be Me”. This statement is not only a bold celebration of LGBTQIA+ people with disability. It also acts as a reminder of our right be seen, valued, and included in all areas of life.
We march because LGBTQIA+ people with disability belong in every space — proudly, unapologetically, and with the full freedom to be themselves. Our presence at Midsumma is a powerful statement against the invisibility and exclusion that too many in our community still face
– PWDA President Trinity Ford.
We were pleased to be able to extend our celebrations beyond the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this year and attend the Pride March in Victoria. Giving us the ability to showcase our community to a wider audience and let Australia know that people with disability are an important part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
‘Proud and Free to Be Me’
As the national voice for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, PWDA is proud to champion the rights and inclusion of our community. Our theme for this year was developed in consultation with PWDA members, reflecting a collective call to:
- Be proud of who they are.
- Exist freely in spaces that have historically excluded them.
- Live without the limitations imposed by society.
Our presence at Midsumma is more than a march—it’s a declaration that LGBTQIA+ people with disability deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We’re proud we have the access and opportunity to speak up for ourselves and to live wholly who we are in a public space.
– PWDA CEO Sebastian Zagarella
2025 Midsumma Pride March gallery
Support and recognition
Members and our community on our social media shared their appreciation for seeing PWDA and people with disability participate for the first time.
Free to be Proud online event
PWDA’s participation in Midsumma kicks off a month of LGBTQIA+ pride activities including ‘Free to be Proud’ an online event and a float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
The ‘Free to be Proud’ event will connect LGBTQIA+ people with disability with the broader LGBTQIA+ community, promote intersectionality, and foster greater understanding of the issues they face.
When: Wednesday 19 February 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 03:30pm (AEDT, NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT)
12:00pm – 2:30pm (AEST, QLD)
12:30pm – 3:00pm (ACDT, SA, Broken Hill)
11:30am – 2:00pm (ACST, NT)
10:00am – 12:30pm (AWST, WA)
Where: Zoom (Access link will be sent closer to the event)
Cost: Free
Join our call for a world where everyone is Proud and Free to Be Me.
2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Once again, our members will be proudly asserted our rights, as they dance, wheel, and march along Oxford Street at the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a highlight on the calendar for us. It’s an opportunity to showcase our community and let Australia know that people with disability are an important part of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
It is an opportunity to bring our members together, with 30% of our members identifying as LGBTQIA+.
When: Saturday 1 March 2025
Where: Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney.
There are limited spots for participants and priority will be given to PWDA members and LGBTQIA+ community members.
Register your interest: Join PWDA in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and Melbourne Midsumma Pride March.
Ends | Contact Us