Celebrations of multiculturalism happened in 26 cities and rural locations across Australia on October 22 as part of Welcome to Australia events organised under the theme of 鈥淲alking together to welcome refugees鈥.
In Sydney, helium balloons, musical performances, bright red shirts and smiles gave it a carnival like atmosphere. For some it would have been their first refugee rights event.
Just as in the 21 countries where marriage equality has been won, we will have to win this democratic right on the streets here too. This is the resounding conclusion supporters of equality must draw if we are to push back an emerging tide of conservatism unleashed by this latest round of major party politicking over the plebiscite.
You might expect that this year's Mardi Gras parade, which came just days after the institutional apologies to the original queer rights activists 鈥 the 78ers 鈥 would be free of the political heavy handedness that launched Mardi Gras as an annual protest march in 1978.