Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

It's really exciting that in just 10 days time, Sydney will be the first city in the southern hemisphere to host WorldPride. This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our amazing LGBTQ community in a city renowned for its diversity, inclusivity and our proud LGBTQ population, many of whom live and work in Wentworth. I'm so proud to represent such a diverse and inclusive electorate, and it's amazing to see how our community is embracing the spirit of WorldPride so thoroughly. From North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club's new rainbow surfboards to a variety of local council events, art exhibitions and family activities, there is so much going on. I am so delighted that members of Wentworth's LGBTQ community will be joining me on the Independents for Inclusion float at the 45th Mardi Gras parade.

I also want to take this opportunity to highlight a very special project opening in Darlinghurst this month, just over the border from Wentworth, Qtopia, which will be Sydney's first queer museum. Originally conceived by a leading HIV researcher, the late Professor David Cooper, Qtopia will highlight the brave stories and resilience of Sydney's LGBTQ community. It's a long-overdue addition to our city's history, and I can't wait to visit.

WorldPride is a chance for us to be proud of how far we have come, but it's also a reminder of how much work we still have to do to support and protect our LGBTQ community.

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