Clancy the Lion and UNSW Pride roar through Mardi Gras

Congratulations to the 80 students and staff who participated in the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday 2 March.

‘UNSW Pride’, a float that resembled the University’s mascot Clancy the Lion, was led through the parade.This joyous night was the culmination of months of preparation and hundreds of hours of construction by a dedicated team made up of students from the Faculties of Engineering, Built Environment and Art & Design.

“Building the float with the other marchers has helped develop relationships with students and Faculty alike, as well as appreciate the resources and support available to us,” says Charlie Bradford, Engineering student and SRC Queer Officer.

UNSW was proud to participate in Mardi Gras for the third year in a row. It was a valuable opportunity for students and staff to support for the LGBTIQ+ community and celebrate next to 196 other organisations, as they marched with #UNSWpride from Hyde Park to Anzac Parade through Oxford and Flinders Street.

On parade day, marchers gathered at the Paddington campus from 3pm for a final dance rehearsal and to add the final touch to their costumes. UNSW participants had to wait until 10pm for their time to march but despite the long wait, the energy on the night was electric.

One student said, “It’s such a powerful experience, and such a happy event. It feels so good to do it.”

Other students acknowledged how lucky they felt to be in Sydney, where they have the support to come out. “I am here tonight for everyone I know who hasn’t come out yet, or feel like they can’t.”

This student-led initiative was supported by the Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion. We encourage everyone to register for the free training programs that foster a diverse and inclusive culture at UNSW. The Division offers a range of training programs aimed at increasing knowledge about the LGBTIQ+ community and the issues that they face.