A spectacular display of pride: ECU shines at the Perth Pride Parade
Edith Cowan University (ECU) students, staff and alumni proudly joined the vibrant celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities at Perth's 33rd Pride Parade, bringing visibility, solidarity and joy to the streets of Northbridge.
First published by Edith Cowan University
This year's parade was themed "Together, Go West" as a jubilant celebration of diversity and inclusion, featuring ECU's pride crew on our magical disco garden float as a glowing example of what togetherness means to our University community.
ECU Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock kicked off Pride celebrations earlier this month with a warm message of support, and invitation to join her on the ECU Parade Float – and she was there on the night showing her unwavering support in style.
ECU's contingent of more than 50 staff, students and alumni had a great night, giving the best showcase of the authenticity of ECU's embedded commitment to diversity.
"Seeing our ECU community come together with such joy and purpose is truly inspiring," Professor Pollock remarked.
"Pride Month is a time to honour and celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities, and today's turnout shows the incredible heart of ECU."
ECU's involvement in the Pride Parade is a proud tradition, and this year's celebration was no exception.
This year's Parade featured 106 floats, 50,000 marchers and thousands of spectators cheering on the sidelines.
The theme "Together, Go West" resonated deeply with ECU’s marchers, emphasising the importance of unity and progress.
"It's not just about marching; it's about standing together as a community and making it clear that ECU is a place where everyone belongs," said one marcher, a third-year student who was participating for the first time.
The ECU contingent brought more than just colour to the parade—it brought energy and rhythm. Music pumped from the float, drawing cheers and sparking dancing in the crowd as it moved through the streets.
A month of festive fun and spirit
Pride Month was filled with many activities and opportunities to celebrate.
The Pride Month of events kicked off with Rainbow Migrants Karaoke with an Accent led by ECU Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski, followed by ECU's team in the Pride Walk and Run, led out by Pride at ECU Committee Chair Professor Sophia Nimphius.
The Pride Parade Picnic to decorate ECU’s float attracted a mighty group of creative participants who turned the flatbed truck into a truly magical rainbow explosion. The float was filled with a display of flowers, birds, bees, satin ribbon, disco balls and colourful fairy lights. A huge thank you to everyone who came along to connect and build this beautiful masterpiece.
ECU at Perth Pride Fairday
Perth Pride Fairday was a family fun day with ECU's stall getting a lot of interest from future, current and past students, and members of the community. With the support of Future Students Engagements and staff from ECU's LGBTIQA+ Ally Network, visitors to ECU's stall were met with plenty of helpful information and great conversation.
ECU sponsored Rabble Books and Pride with Disability Network to be at this year's Fairday, showing our continued support for LGBTIQA+ owned and run community groups and local business.
Bunbury Pride
Bunbury PrideFest is run by local organisation OUT South West, where ECU volunteers engaged with over 100 members of local community. PrideFest was a colourful and vibrant showcase of live music, drag queens, entertainment, market stalls and food trucks and was a day enjoyed by all! ECU's fun spin-a-prize game, promoting are inclusive initiatives was a great hit in support of Pride.
Here's to another fantastic Pride Month—and many more to come!
As the sun set on Pride Month this week, the hard work and imagination of the ECU community, who once again made Pride at ECU a special time of warmth, support and coming together, and abundance of glitter and enthusiasm is to be commended.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Pollock shared her gratitude: "This has been an unforgettable Pride Month at ECU. From the picnic to the parade, we've shown the strength of our commitment to equity and inclusion. Together, we've created moments of joy and connection that will resonate far beyond November."
Find out more about LGBTIQA+ Diversity and Inclusion at ECU.
