Melbourne Pride At Mardi Gras In 2010
In 2009, Melbourne’s longest running and most photographed Mardi Gras marching group, Vic Presence collapsed prior to the 2009 parade, after an amazing 13 year history of putting Melbourne on the Mardi Gras map. Then Melbourne Mardi Gras Group, who was at that point Melbourne’s premiere marching group, announced that the 2009 march would be their last. Coupled with the disruption of Mardi Gras scheduling error, there was much speculation and doubt that there would be any significant Victorian presence in this year’s 2010 Mardi Gras parade.
In the late part of 2009, a brand new group, The Melbourne Pride Team was formed. It was the brain child of a solid team of individuals, initiated by Lorien Shannon and Sam Keast. In December they announced that they were going to be Victoria’s presence at Mardi Gras 2010, with an exciting ‘Peace Train’ theme.
However, while Same Same can confirm that the Melbourne Pride Team ‘Peace Train’ will include very cute train driver costumes and a real life people carrying miniature train, the themed march won’t include the camp Dolly Parton classic anthem.
“We’ve got something much more exciting and beat driven that I think people are really going to love watching and dancing to. We are keeping hush for now, but just wait till you see the final rehearsal!” says Team Facilitator, Sam Keast.
Melbourne Pride Team wants to be as big, colourful, fun, energetic and loud as possible, they are looking for and inviting others to jump on board the Peace Train with them. Organisers say that everyone is welcome – lesbian, gay, straight, bi, trans, queer… even unicorn!
“Whatever colour you are in the rainbow, there’s a place on board the Peace Train for you!” says Lorien Shannon.
“We’re a team of people working together to show pride in themselves, others and the queer community, celebrating and embracing diversity and acceptance. It’s not just for boys or girls… it’s not just open to gays and lesbians only either… straight people are more than welcome to be part of what we are doing. It’s open to everyone who shares the spirit of celebration and acceptance. That spirit is the most important factor.”
Even location is not prohibitive to participation for this organised Melbourne group.
“There are people all over the country and even in other countries who will be joining us in our march. Those who can’t make the rehearsals in Melbourne, can still learn the moves via our postings on YouTube so we will all be ready when we all come together in Sydney,” said Keast.
The Melbourne Pride Team has a meet and greet event scheduled for 23rd January on this Australia Day weekend. Melbourne Pride Team will be taking their Peace Train to the Mardi Gras Parade on 27 February, 2010.
“The team is currently self-funded – mainly through our member registration. However that only really covers costumes and basics. We still require finances for audio visual equipment and the hire of our wonderful train, which is already sourced. We would love any financial assistance that is on offer either via sponsorship or donation… We don’t need that much, but any assistance will be so greatly appreciated and will really help us put our best Melbourne foot forward,” explained Lorien Shannon.
If you’ve always wanted to experience the buzz and the joy of marching at Mardi Gras, and you want to participate, or you just want to help out in any way then you better get in quick as you only have till the 12th February 2010 to register with the group.
To find out more visit www.melbourneprideteam.com, email melbourneprideteam@gmail.com or ring 0437 870 635.
Your Thoughts
To post a comment, you need to be a SameSame Member
