Brigitte Blackman, Sales Agent 

This year’s theme – “Our Future” – embodies celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a brighter future. What achievement are you most proud of? 
I came out when I was 20 when it was taboo to be gay. It was the same in my work environment. I didn’t have the right to marry either, so I never thought I could go down this path with a partner. Not being able to have children was also something that was associated with being gay as well, and the process with this. 

Now I am very blessed to have my two beautiful children – Ted, 11 and Ivy, 8.  I never thought this would have been possible many years ago. 

What does the future look like for you?
I am happy that my kids get to grow up in a different world where they can be who they want to be, and not hide their sexuality or express who they are. I hope that we are moving towards acceptance of everyone. We are not there yet, but we are much better than when I came out. 

What societal changes or advancements do you hope to see in the coming years?
Everyone is given the space to be whoever they want to be, without fear. 

Why is Mardi Gras so important and what does it represent to Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the broader community?
It was and for some still is the one time of the year where you could celebrate freely with your community. The Mardi Gras parties and parades were a lot of fun, and you could openly express who you were. 

Reflecting on World Pride celebrations last year, what positive changes have you observed in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance?
The events of World Pride put Sydney on the world map where all LGBTQIA+ people could come from other countries and celebrate together.

How will you be celebrating Mardi Gras this year?
Having done many parades and parties over the years, I will be a little more subdued this year.  I am looking forward to attending the Queer Film festival and celebrating with my partner and friends on the night of the parade.

 

Darren Davis, Sales Agent  

This year’s theme – “Our Future” – embodies celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a brighter future. What achievement are you most proud of? 
I’m most proud of having the courage to change careers later in life. Most agents I know started out quite young, where I already had a long career within the airline industry. I made the move to real estate and have now achieved what I think is a long and successful career path. 

What does the future look like for you?
Very bright, filled with opportunity.

What societal changes or advancements do you hope to see in the coming years?
I think we as a society are already heading towards inclusion and acceptance for all. This also includes our First Nations people.

Why is Mardi Gras so important and what does it represent to Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the broader community?
People tend to forget the original Mardi Gras meaning and why this event came about. It was a worldwide protest against police brutality from the Stonewall Riots. Today the message is broader, and I look upon Mardi Gras as a celebration of inclusion and acceptance for everyone, with amazing events held throughout February and March.

Reflecting on World Pride celebrations last year, what positive changes have you observed in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance?
Much more visibility with trans and non-binary people.

How will you be celebrating Mardi Gras this year?
I’ll be celebrating with friends at the Lane Way Party, and I will also be watching the Parade.

 

Alex Borthwick, Business Development Executive – Property Management   

This year’s theme – “Our Future” – embodies celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a brighter future. What achievement are you most proud of? 
I am proud of not only who I am as an individual but what I’ve been able to achieve recently with respect to my career – part of which has focused on the benefits of holistic personal and professional development in the corporate space – contributing to an overall acceptance of who we are, and what we need as people, to thrive.

I feel really lucky to work for a company that supports my passion and practice as a Breathwork Coach, and recognises the positive impact that it can have on its people. For the past six months I have been running weekly breathwork and meditation sessions for both staff and the public out of our Inner East office and have also had the opportunity to practice this with our entire sales team during a recent event. I have also been nominated as a national finalist for Business Development Manager of the Year with Real Estate Business, which I’m incredibly grateful for!

What does the future look like for you?
Helping teach people about the importance of self-connection and how it can positively change their lives, be it about accepting who they are, or helping them evolve in a personal or professional sense.

What societal changes or advancements do you hope to see in the coming years?
We are seeing a lot of societal change globally with respect to not only LGBTQI+ communities but the importance of health and lifestyle. With new questions, come new answers, and a new level of understanding, acceptance and change.

Why is Mardi Gras so important and what does it represent to Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the broader community?
Mardi Gras is an important celebration for our community – to celebrate and recognise how far we have come, and to give thanks to those before us.

Reflecting on World Pride celebrations last year, what positive changes have you observed in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance?
It’s been really positive to see change not only occurring in the last 12 months but the shifts that are constantly occurring. Change and acceptance are a gradual process.

How will you be celebrating Mardi Gras this year?
Out and about at a party with some great friends.

 

James Sloane, Business Development Executive – Property Management   

This year’s theme – “Our Future” – embodies celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a brighter future. What achievement are you most proud of? 
There are a lot of personal achievements I’m proud of but one of them that continually sticks out is staying the course in the leasing industry during COVID. There was a lot of turnover in the industry during this period and it’s great to have come out the other side with some even stronger professional relationships. Another is being able to lease 60 properties in a month which was a bit of a goal – my hair is now going grey though.

What does the future look like for you?
I have been with my beautiful partner Mikey for seven years, so I would say for me: the biggest gay wedding Sydney has seen, lots of dogs, and no kids (sorry Mum!)

What societal changes or advancements do you hope to see in the coming years?
Honestly, some people just need to care less about things that don’t directly affect them. If you don’t see what you like, don’t look. It’s about respect and acceptance for all. 

Why is Mardi Gras so important and what does it represent to Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the broader community?
Mardi Gras is a lot of fun, but there’s also a really important undertone to it, in that it encourages activism against discrimination. It’s also a powerful reminder that it’s okay to be who you are and be proud of it. 

Reflecting on World Pride celebrations last year, what positive changes have you observed in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance?
World Pride was a great step forward and helped create more of a platform for future change. However there’s not one event or celebration that will create lasting change, that’s why ongoing visibility and awareness are important.

How will you be celebrating Mardi Gras this year?
Normally I would be out and about, but I have a wedding this year! It’s probably better for my bank account.

 

Ben Lister, Senior Graphic Designer   

This year’s theme – “Our Future” – embodies celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a brighter future. What achievement are you most proud of? 
I think authenticity is what I’m most proud of – I’m authentically me, forever evolving and adapting. I’m proud of who I am, and I’m proud of the life I’m building.

What does the future look like for you?
Looking to the future, it’s exciting and there’s still so much that I’d love to accomplish. I’ve been setting the groundwork for a very exciting passion project that I’ve been working on in my spare time, in the suncare space, which has been great to work on. For me it’s important to look at the future as something that starts now, in 10 minutes or in an hour. 

What societal changes or advancements do you hope to see in the coming years?
I hope to see more safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people, and a Pride Centre – equivalent to the one in St Kilda in Melbourne. A purpose-built space that houses vital health and community services, which connects and supports LGBTQIA+ voices and thrives for equality. We’ve made great strides towards this with QTOPIA in Sydney.

Why is Mardi Gras so important and what does it represent to Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the broader community?
It’s a place and a space that the entire community can come together and share love, creativity, laughter and pride. I’ve never felt prouder of who I am than when I’m at Mardi Gras. As a city that hosts Mardi Gras, it’s important to understand that people from all over the country – from regional and remote areas, small towns and those who don’t have access to services or a wider LGBTQIA+ community, that people come from across the country and the world to celebrate who they are, surrounded by love and acceptance. 

Reflecting on World Pride celebrations last year, what positive changes have you observed in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance?
World Pride was enormous last year, the energy and spirit of Sydney definitely carried through the entire year. We as a community continue to come together, continue to support each other and help keep each other safe. We’re also not living with rose coloured glasses, and understand that there’s still a way to go every day, educating acceptance and open mindedness.

How will you be celebrating Mardi Gras this year?
I’m seeing a few movies at the Mardi Gras Film Festival, Briefs at Spiegeltent, and Laneway.