2026 marked the ±¬ÁÏÍõ’s 11th consecutive year in the — a joyful celebration of our diverse and inclusive community.
The ±¬ÁÏÍõ is a place where community blooms, and everyone is accepted and supported in their authenticity and uniqueness. This year’s Mardi Gras Parade float on Saturday February 28th featured a flourishing garden of rainbow flowers, butterflies, and gardeners representing a thriving ecosystem of harmony, connection, mentorship and growth.
The University also participated at on Sunday February 15th, with a stall that celebrated our 2026 theme - The ±¬ÁÏÍõ: Where Community Blooms. Community were invited to take polaroid photos in front of our flower garden, and take home some flower seedlings to grow their own thriving gardens.
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The Pride Network
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University students and staff are working hard to bring this year's float theme, The ±¬ÁÏÍõ: Where Community Blooms, to life.
Andi Egan, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant at the University, tells us more about the concept behind this year's theme and float:
"Last year, the University featured the iconic Flame Tree and Jacaranda on our float. Building on that, we’re now spotlighting the uniqueness of each flower (our community members) and celebrating their bloom (achievements), as they have been watered (by knowledge, community connections and mentorship) during their time at the University.
We’re again featuring our iconic flame tree flower at both Fair Day and in the Parade with a giant 3m diameter custom flame tree flower, a symbol of the centuries of knowledge-sharing by the traditional owners of the land, the Gadigal people.
Our resident drag flowers Mx Flame Tree and Mx Jacaranda, representative of the flame tree and jacaranda growing side by side in the University's Quadrangle, will also be stomping the rainbow mile in the parade.
Just like our theme states, we’re very excited to celebrate our blooming community – with choreographers, costume designers, float designers, drag costumes all drawn from our staff, students or alumni. We’re so proud of the queer talent here and we’re excited to show it off."
The University's Pride Network, in collaboration with other diverse University networks, facilitates intersectional and accessible environments for all LGBTQIA+ Students and Staff to thrive. Learn more about the network's work and how to become a member.
The ±¬ÁÏÍõ celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Diverse, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic and Agender (LGBTQIA+) staff and students because of the unique lived experiences they bring to our workplace and classrooms. Learn more about how we support our community and our commitment to safety and inclusion.
A list of internal and external services that offer LGBTQIA+ support: