WorldPride and medical colleges Sydney 2023

The first WorldPride in the southern hemisphere will take place in Sydney from 17 February to 5 March 2023. It will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Pride Week, the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and the fifth anniversary of marriage equality in Australia. More than 500,000 people are expected to participate.

A parade will be the largest event of Sydney WorldPride with 12,500 marchers and more than 200 floats from around Australia and the world. It is a display of LGBTQIA+ pride, self-expression, and the continuing fight for equality.

The 2023 theme is Gather, Dream, Amplify and is described as: ‘A time to dream. Imagine the future we want and demand it. For some, a time to step aside, making sure there is an abundance of space for everyone. New voices. New dreams. A time for new perspectives and possibilities.’

The Pride in Medicine—initially Pride in Surgery—group has approached all the medical colleges in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for support for a float in the parade and a commitment to ongoing advocacy for LGBTQIA+ doctors, medical students, and patients. RACS was the first college to show its support, demonstrating its commitment to the rainbow community and a significant shift by the College.

Participating in WorldPride demonstrates an evolution in RACS policy on this topic, supporting the rights, achievements, culture, and aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ communities. It signals to LGBTQIA+ surgeons and patients that the College is inclusive and welcoming of all. It indicates to medical students and junior doctors that RACS not only welcomes, but encourages aspiring surgeons within the LBGTQIA+ community to be a part of our College.

This also provides an excellent opportunity for RACS to advocate for the health of LGBTQIA+ communities. Research has shown these communities face health disparities that are often linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of civil and human rights. Patients do not always feel safe accessing surgical care.

RACS has further demonstrated its commitment and will be hosting a breakfast event at its Sydney office on Saturday, 25 February.

If you would like to join the WhatsApp group, be involved in the parade or the RACS breakfast event in Sydney, or have ideas for LGBTQIA+ advocacy articles for Surgical News please email: Sarah. Rennie@surgeons.org

Dr Sarah Rennie Aotearoa New Zealand Surgical Advisor

Representation in the WorldPride parade also speaks to the values of the College: service, respect, integrity, compassion, and collaboration.