Tuesday 4 February
Braving the almost 40-degree heat in St Kilda on Sunday 2 February, PWDA participated in the 2025 Midsumma Pride March for our first time.
As the national peak for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, we joined over 45,000 participants under the theme, "Proud and Free to Be Me". This statement is not only a bold celebration of LGBTQIA+ people with disability. It also acts as a reminder of our right be seen, valued, and included in all areas of life.
We march because LGBTQIA+ people with disability belong in every space - proudly, unapologetically, and with the full freedom to be themselves. Our presence at Midsumma is a powerful statement against the invisibility and exclusion that too many in our community still face
– PWDA President Trinity Ford.
We were pleased to be able to extend our celebrations beyond the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this year and attend the Pride March in Victoria. Giving us the ability to showcase our community to a wider audience and let Australia know that people with disability are an important part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
'Proud and Free to Be Me'
As the national voice for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, PWDA is proud to champion the rights and inclusion of our community. Our theme for this year was developed in consultation with PWDA members, reflecting a collective call to:
- Be proud of who they are.
- Exist freely in spaces that have historically excluded them.
- Live without the limitations imposed by society.
Our presence at Midsumma is more than a march-it's a declaration that LGBTQIA+ people with disability deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We're proud we have the access and opportunity to speak up for ourselves and to live wholly who we are in a public space.
– PWDA CEO Sebastian Zagarella
2025 Midsumma Pride March gallery
Support and recognition
Members and our community on our social media shared their appreciation for seeing PWDA and people with disability participate for the first time.
Free to be Proud online event
PWDA's participation in Midsumma kicks off a month of LGBTQIA+ pride activities including 'Free to be Proud' an online event and a float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
