The Australian Medical Association is participating for the first time in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras tonight.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen — who will be marching with the AMA — said she was proud to be marching as an ally with AMA members and staff who identify as part of the LGBTQIASB+ community.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be able to join the AMA's first ever march at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras," Dr McMullen said.
"As doctors and healthcare professionals we know the importance of providing safe healthcare for patients from LGBTQIASB+ communities.
"Participation in Mardi Gras 2025 for the AMA is an opportunity to further our advocacy work, and publicly support the LGBTQIASB+ community, who are our members and their patients. This event for celebrates equality and anti-discrimination of LGBTQIASB+ people and helps lead to better health outcomes."
This year's Mardi Gras theme is "Free to be…" with participants encouraged to finish the statement. The AMA's theme is "Free to be healthy".
The AMA has been advocating for LGBTQIASB+ healthcare provision, and for the rights of doctors and medical students who are also LGBTQIASB+, with an updated position statement released in 2023.
"We know many LGBTQIASB+ Australians live happy and healthy lives, but they can experience unacceptable health inequities compared to those who don't identify as LGBTQIASB+," Dr McMullen said.
"Doctors and medical students who are LGBTQIASB+ can also experience discrimination and stigma from patients, colleagues, and employers based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.
"As AMA President I am incredibly proud to march alongside our members and staff from the AMA who are marching for the rights of our patients and our colleagues.
"Public acceptance, support and celebration of people who are LGBTQIASB+, is a vital part of reducing discrimination against these communities and boosting health and wellbeing. I wish everyone a very happy 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras!"
The AMA's parade float is a joint collaboration between national AMA, AMA(NSW) and AMA Queensland.
