This year, we are proud to be sending three dedicated Y WA team members to march with a custom-made float in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 1 March.
Expressions of interest were called from across the Y WA with the three staff being chosen to represent the LGBTQIA+ community, the diversity of Y WA staff, and champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Among those selected is Mitch Dyer, a Youth Worker for the Y WA’s Drumbeat Program run out of Y-Time in Armadale.
For Mitch, participating in Mardi Gras is a significant personal milestone. “Growing up queer in a regional town with a conservative family, it was not always easy for me to be myself.” Mitch said.
Now, as a young adult I believe that having the freedom to express oneself authentically is essential to living a fulfilling life.
In his role at the Y, Mitch strives to help young people embrace their individuality and feel confident to express themselves authentically.
"Queer young people grow up absorbing so much shame and stigma, but we are resilient and have the power to overcome this and thrive," he said.
Joining Mitch in this exciting opportunity is Steevie Harper, a Supervisor at Mosman Park OSHC who is passionate about creating a safe place for all children to feel accepted, welcomed and supported.
Through her involvement in Mardi Gras, Steevie aims to share a powerful message that, “you can be whoever you want to – love who you want – and there are always going to be people who love and support you in return”.
For Steevie, Mardi Gras is about celebrating individuality, love and acceptance. “It [Mardi Gras] helps people see that it is okay to be who you are and be that person out loud”, she said.
The third Y team member attending is Austin Von Garavillas, a Nursery Room Leader at the Y Port Hedland Early Learning Centre. Though naturally an introverted person, Austin is excited to step outside his comfort zone by taking part in the Mardi Gras parade.
For him, this experience is an opportunity to challenge himself, meet new people, and embrace the power of self-acceptance. Austin hopes his participation will inspire others to embrace who they are, just as he learnt to do years ago.
The Y float has been designed by young people with the slogan, ‘A Freer Future – Why not be me?’. The design features eight superheroes – all young people imbued with powerful abilities tied to their colour in the progressive pride flag.
Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald will also join the three WA representatives, all marching as part of the float, dressed for the occasion and showing their commitment and support for everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion or sexuality.