First Nations' float leads the way at Sydney’s Mardi Gras

These are some of the people that proudly marched for our mob in Sydney's 2016 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

This year's Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Source: NITV

Destiny Haz Arrived, First Nations Cultural Icon

Destiny Haz Arrived. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

“It is an honour and privilege to lead the First Nations Float on behalf of the First Australians and Sydney Mardi Gras for the last six years, and represent different facets of our culture. To be traditionally painted by an Elder Uncle Oral Roberts from Lismore Widjabul/Bundjalung country, took it to another level”

Donna Spikes, Yamitji/Nyoongar/Wudjari

Donna Spikes. Source: NITV News

“I’m straight, but I’m an advocate and I love it. I’m really excited to seeing the coming together, just being amongst it all. Last year I missed it, I slept through it, so it’s great to be here.”

Petina Smith, ‘Queen of the Outback’

Petina Smith, ‘Queen of the Outback'. Source: NITV

“I’m Koonya woman. I’m proudly representing Bourke tonight at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The feeling is so, I don’t know, you can’t explain it. I just love being with my people, just to get this experience. I have no words. Being from the country, I watched it every year on the television and being here in person is such a different feeling, it’s awesome.”

Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner

Mick Gooda. Source: NITV

“[I’m here] to celebrate diversity, we’ve got great lots of diversity in our mob, so it’s great to be here with all the mob, enjoying it. It’s great fun.

"I’m carrying the flag, I’ve been carrying it for the last few years. I get proud that our LGBTI community asked me to do it. It’s great to be able to fly the flag literally for our mob at something like this”

Will Munro, Kamilaroi man from Moree

Will Munro. Source: NITV

"[I’m here] to celebrate each other, one love, equality, that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just about gay people, it’s for everyone. Being a black man and gay man it’s kinda of a double whammy. We’ve come from a long way and we’re always gonna be here. For my people I can’t explain it, its a bit monumental in society and groundbreaking. Gay people, black people in society – you can’t go wrong.”

Jinny Jane, Walbunja woman from Yuin Nation

Jinny Jane on the left. Source: NITV

“I’m here to celebrate being proud of my sexuality with my partner, and my family seeing me as who I am. It’s just me being outrageous and letting the world know that I’m proud of who I am. It’s also a part of me being with mob in our communities because we are a minority within Australia itself and us mob coming together showing strength and unity as we always do in every other aspect of our society. So here we are again, together.”