According to a report in today’s The Sydney Morning Herald, the ADF released a statement this week announcing that a volunteer contingent of soldiers, sailors* and air force personnel will be marching in uniform, because, “Diversity is a strength and asset for today’s employers, and Defence is no exception. Workplace inclusion for all ADF members is a high priority for the organisation as it undergoes cultural change.“
Defence force LGBTI Information Service chairman, Vince Chong, echoed his strong support of the Defence Force in taking a markedly more visible stance in the already visually ridiculous parade, saying “Many LGBTI personnel and non-LGBTI personnel have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase the diversity within the Defence Force at Mardi Gras. The experience of our members indicates that LGBTI personnel do have very successful careers and experiences in Defence.”
While the Defence Force has had a visible presence in the parade over the last five years this will be the first time full military uniforms will be worn that aren’t arse-less parodies.
Next year celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the festival and 20 years since the Defence Force lifted the ban on LGBTI personnel serving in the military. The theme is ‘Generations of Love’, the figurehead is red-headed baby because diversity and Sydney’s biggest kiki will feature performances from The Presets, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters fame and high-maintainence super villain, Delta Goodrem.
The Parade takes place March 2nd, 2013. *Please feel free to leave your finest seaman jokes at home.
Photos by William West via Getty
