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World Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge – John McRae Photography & Studio

World Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Ann Maree & Michele meet up at Central Station to take the train (with a free ticket) to North Sydney, from where the march begins
With many others, we wait for the next train
The vibe was convivial.

It was an early rise for Sunday morning, especially after working long hours the day before. However it was well worth the effort to be able to participate in a major civic event on the final official day of World Pride Sydney 2023. I met my two friends Ann Maree and Michele at Central Station, to join 50,000 of our closest friends, to walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Domain.

It was packed!
Even more packed!

We were greeted by the most fabulous of attendants. Although there were masses of people the event was so well organised and run that the whole thing flowed with no problems or bottlenecks.
One had a megaphone!

This was the first time in 23 years that the Harbour Bridge had been closed to traffic. Participants marched in solidarity for the LGBTQA+ community, in honour of past, present and continuing struggles both here and internationally, particularly in places where the rights of members of our community fall far behind the respect given in Australia (you know who you are!)

Very sensible to take a colourful parasol along to protect against the rays of the sun. I wonder if they’re calling Hawaii?

It was an exhilarating experience to be in unison with so many. The crowd was colourful and joyful. The weather was superb and the walk was the perfect bit of exercise for a Sunday morning.

Let the march begin!

As I walked, I thought about those people in other parts of the world who do not experience the freedoms that we enjoy here in this country. I then thought about all those in Australia who weren’t as lucky as us right now, being able to congregate under the banner of LGBTQA+ and march together, but instead have had to lead a life of non-acceptance and vilification. I thought about those who have had to endure social exclusion and even violent attacks, those who lost their lives, or the many hardships and painful journeys. It’s good to be able to clock just how far we have come, to act as a reminder to be vigilant in our protection of our hard fought freedoms.

No stopping some people! Thank goodness!
Time out to capture a pic of the bridge
Michele shows off her t-shirt
How beautiful it was to be able to admire the view and the structural magnificence of the bridge without needing to think about traffic.
Standing on Darug Land
A selfie moment
Marching on the Cahill Expressway

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