Seeking safety and sass: ASC at Mardi Gras 2026

“I’m feeling elated. This is the first time in my life I can show to the world that I am free.” – Ami*, community member

Seeking safety, finding pride at Mardi Gras 2026 

This year, the Asylum Seekers Centre proudly marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade with members of our LGBTQIA+ support program, united in shirts that read: “Love has no borders.”

It was a message of freedom, pride, and community. 

“We wanted to send a strong message to the public about the challenges LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum face,” shares Mayna Hung, the LGBTQIA+ Support Program Coordinator at the Asylum Seekers Centre.

“The theme ‘Love has no borders’ highlights the barriers people face due to their sexuality and gender identity, yet we believe that love has no borders when it comes to self-expression and relationship communities.” 

Representing, inspiring, and empowering people seeking safety 

Behind the colour and celebration of Mardi Gras was months of planning and collaboration.

Preparation began in June 2025, with the ASC team working alongside Colours of Our Community and key partners including RACS, STARTTS, and Forcibly Displaced People Network – a coalition for forcibly displaced LGBTQIA+ people.

“The history of Mardi Gras was a result of liberation from oppression,” Mayna reflects. “We want to continue to bring that message to the public. 

“We also aim to inspire and empower people we support, to overcome the shame and stigma as a community.”

Drawing on this year’s Mardi Gras theme, Ecstatica, the group developed a concept that honoured both celebration and resistance. They merged the theme with the legacy of Kiki ballroom culture to create EcstatiKIKI.

“We were inspired by the history of Kiki ball in the 1960s, which was a ballroom event rooted in Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ culture that responded to the intense oppression, racism, and marginalisation faced by the communities,” Mayna shares.

By grounding the concept in this history of resistance and resilience, the group honoured those who paved the way – standing proudly and unapologetically in their truth, regardless of where they come from.

Collaboration in action 

Preparation for both Fair Day and the parade reflected the heart of the ASC’s LGBTQIA+ support program: peer connection, collaboration and building a safe, affirming community.

“We started planning  through online meetings — brainstorming ideas, working on the application and strengthening partnerships,” Mayna explains.

Three creative workshops brought peer group members together to prepare for the big night. 

Participants designed golden LED headbands, supported one another with costumes and makeup, and built confidence in a space grounded in mutual care.

“The final workshop was the parade preparation – helping everyone get ready, putting on glitter, make up, and their outfits.”

Together, the group also designed signs to carry during the parade, advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA people seeking asylum. On the night, the group proudly raised signs bearing “Welcome queer people seeking asylum”, “Seeking safety and sass”, and “From fear to pride!”. 

(L: Members of our peer group on the final rehearsals with Paul Savage from Colours of Our Community; R: Our Client Services Manager Keelin MacDonald with EcstatiKIKI muse Queer Habibi) 

A personal and community celebration of love

For participants, the impact of the night was deeply personal. Members of our LGBTQIA+ support group shared how much pride and joy they felt during the parade. 

“It was my first time marching, I am nervous but I am proud,” says Jean*.

“I felt like a celebrity, it was a big moment for me,” says Alex*.

For Ami, the meaning was unmistakable.

“It means that now I am free, I am safe. I have the right to exist… It shows a sense of belonging that I belong to the community. That I have an LGBT community that accepts me as well as non-LGBT people (allies) who accept me in Australia. 

“I want to show those who persecuted me that I am still here.”

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners and supporters, including Pride Foundation Australia, whose generous support makes this work possible.

#LoveHasNoBorders

(L: Members of our peer group marching at Oxford Street; R: ASC staff members Emily Cumming, Gemma Hartmann, and Mayna Hung walking alongside our community members)