Check out our latest podcast episode, which features the voices of people with disabilities from Sydney Mardi Gras 2023. Susan, caught up with several remarkable participants on the train to the event and at the event site. Then they discussed the importance of including the perspectives of people with disabilities in this community, the meanings of participating the event, and more topics.

In the episode, you’ll hear from Aspen Luke, a proud 17-year-old autistic wheelchair user and LGBTQIA+ advocate whom Susan met on the train. Aspen is about to participate in his first Mardi Gras, riding on Aspect/Autism Australia’s float. Moreover, his mother also shares her thoughts on the significance of showcasing their family at the event and suggestions for promoting greater inclusivity.

While at the event, Susan had the opportunity to speak with Dr David Abello, former president of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and a participant in the historic first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade back in 1978. Dr Abello will be on the 78ers float at this year’s parade on Oxford St. Meanwhile, he shares with us the origins of the Mardi Gras parade and his own experience of the event nearly four decades ago. If these topics interest you, don’t miss the new episode.

• History of Sydney Mardi Gras
• People with Disability Australia
• PWDA at Sydney WorldPride 2023
• WorldPride a parade of inclusion and solidarity for Aspen – NDIS
• Aspen Luke – Linktree

Credits:

This episode has been written, produced and edited by Susan Wood with assistance from Effie Manetakis. Logo art by Cobie Ann Moore.

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