Q & A: What does Pride mean to you?

Voices from Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community on what Pride means to their identity, visibility & responsibility

In every issue of the Pride of Sydney Magazine, we’re diving deep into the stories that matter most with our "Humans of Pride – Q&A" series. This is your backstage pass to the lesser-known, more personal experiences that have shaped some of the most inspiring voices in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community.

Pride is remembrance, gratitude, responsibility, and solidarity, and its history matters deeply to me. Pride honours the work done by our predecessors so we could live honest, safe, and authentic lives. Pride also means awareness - there are so many people in our community who need support, protection, and advocacy. Pride reminds me that progress does not mean the work is finished. - Jack (Nurse Jei)

Pride, to me, is about visibility, resilience, and belonging. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, thanks to those who fought to be seen and heard, and how important it is to keep showing up for one another. Pride is celebration, but it’s also responsibility - to create safer spaces, amplify diverse voices, and ensure our community is represented with honesty, respect, and joy, not just during Pride, but every day - Aaron (LGBT Media & Marketing)

Pride, to me, is deeply personal. It’s about honouring the 78ers who gave us a voice, and it’s about the community that’s carried me through my life and career. It’s creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated just as they are. Pride is joy, resilience, chosen family, and standing up for each other when it counts. After all these years, I’m still proud to walk beside this community. Pride means showing up, giving back, and making sure the next generation feels stronger and free - Glenn (Stonewall)

Pride, for me, is being fully myself and refusing to look away from people under the most pressure, especially trans and gender-diverse communities. It’s love with backbone: listening, making space, speaking up when it’s risky, and backing it with real support. It’s the promise nobody should have to earn their right to exist - and I’ll keep showing up until that’s true - Patrick (Mardi Gras Arts)