DHAKA PRIDE JOINS THE SYDNEY WORLD PRIDE 2023
Dhaka Pride, a proud member of InterPride-The International Association of Pride Organizers, participated in Sydney World Pride 2023 to represent Bangladeshi LGBTIQ+ community, increase visibility, and gain solidarity with other Pride groups worldwide. Dhaka Pride aimed to use the participation opportunity to raise awareness, visibility and dialogue on LGBTIQ+ rights in Bangladesh and South Asia through Pride. It aimed to empower its internal pride organizing team members, by providing practical skills on various ways to organize Pride events, increasing partnerships and ensure participation of wider stakeholders.
Dhaka Pride team members attended the inaugural reception at the Sydney Town Hall and met the honorable Mayor of Sydney and ministers from Tonga and Vanuatu. There, they discussed the importance of LGBTIQ+ rights and the need for greater acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community. They also discussed how the national and local authorities can ensure basic human rights of marginalized LGBTIQ+ groups. The event was a success, with the Dhaka Pride team making a strong impression on the guests. The Mayor of Sydney expressed her solidarity for the Dhaka Pride team and their cause.
The World-Famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was one of the key events for Dhaka Pride to increase visibility. Team members of Dhaka Pride decorated themselves into Bengali New Year attire to commemorate the memory of the Rangdhonu Rally (Rainbow Rally), first Pride rally of Bangladesh, organized by late LGBTIQ+ rights activist Xulhaz Mannan who along with another fellow colleague, was assassinated in 2016. Carrying a huge Bangladesh flag and a flag of Dhaka Pride, team members spread the sense of joy, hope and unity among the parade viewers.
The Sydney World Pride Human Rights Conference was another major event where the team members of Dhaka Pride highlighted various advocacy work of Dhaka Pride and Inclusive Bangladesh. On the side of the human rights conference, they have attended various regional events and highlighted the urgent causes of LGBTIQ+ community. Dhaka Pride team members also met with Jessica Stern, the US Special Envoy to advance the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and Lord Herbert of South Downs, UK’s Special Envoy on LGBT rights. The have discussed various bilateral issues on LGBTIQ+ rights and the importance of accountability of stakeholders.
Dhaka Pride organized a Holi Festival at the Pride Village to showcase the vibrant and colorful cultures ignited from religious and spiritual beliefs which promote diversity. Team members with loud South Asian music danced around the village and distribute colors of diversity and love among the participants and audiences. People from all ages joined the color festival and shared their joy with the Dhaka Pride team.
On the last day of the Sydney World Pride, Dhaka Pride team marched into the Pride Walk on the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge along with the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. Dhaka Pride team wised their best for all the participants and thanked the people of Australia for their warm, rainbow welcome and hospitality.
On the last day of the Sydney World Pride, Dhaka Pride team marched into the Pride Walk on the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge along with the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. Dhaka Pride team wised their best for all the participants and thanked the people of Australia for their warm, rainbow welcome and hospitality.