• Charles Sturt has conducted new research on the benefits of attending pride events for the LGBTIQA+ community
  
• The University is a major sponsor of Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras for the sixth year
• Charles Sturt representatives will participate in a series of events throughout Mardi Gras, demonstrating continued commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging for everyone

Charles Sturt University research shows that pride events, such as the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival, can give members of the LGBTIQA+ community a sense of belonging and identification within the queer community.

The Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras festival will be held from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 March, with the main event and parade being held on Saturday 9 March.

Charles Sturt is a platinum sponsor of the 2024 Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras and has been a sponsor of the event since its inception.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the University was proud to be a platinum sponsor, furthering its commitment to providing inclusivity and support to regional communities.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for staff, students and visitors,” Professor Leon said.

“The University’s sponsorship of the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras sends a message that all people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work or study.

“Staff and students are invited to join the University’ float at the parade in 2024.”

Associate Professor in Marketing with the Charles Sturt School of Business Clifford Lewis has conducted significant research on the benefits of members of the LGBTIQA+ community in attending pride events.

Professor Lewis’s research has examined how Pride events contribute both to LGBTQ+ and to the local community across rural/regional and metropolitan Australia.

The research shows that while people may not be ‘out’ as members of the LGBTIQA+ community, pride events are an important place to find belonging and feel comfortable within their identity.

“Being comfortable in your identity and finding a community of people who are like you is an important step in the coming out process,” he said.

“For those who are already ‘out’, pride events help affirm that identity, which is important given the stigma and challenges LGBTQ+ people still face.”

Professor Lewis said events, such as the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, help combat stereotypes about what being a member of the LGBTIQA+ community is.

These events, according to the research, help break down barriers about how LGBTIQA+ people are perceived and demonstrate there is no ‘right’ way to look or be an LGBTIQA+ person.

Professor Lewis said pride events can help showcase the significance of LGBTIQA+ people and allies.

“Unfortunately, we still live in a world where LGBTIQA+ people experience prejudice, poor wellbeing, higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation,” he said.

“My aim with my research is to challenge some of the structures and systems that result in a poor lived experience for LGBTQIA+ people.”

The 2024 event follows the University’ssponsorship of the inaugural festival in 2019 and the 2022 and 2023 events. Charles Sturt’s partnership with the Wagga Mardi Gras event and committee is part of the University’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our staff, students and local communities.  

Charles Sturt provides training, resources and support to LGBTIQA+ staff and students, including the Ally Network, LGBTIQA+ Awareness and Empowering Allies training, gender-neutral facilities and gender affirmation support. The University is also a member of Pride in Diversity, the national not-for-profit employer support program for LGBTQ workplace inclusion.

Scheduled from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 March, the festival promises a diverse range of exciting events, including:

• Wagga Mardi Gras Drag Bingo on Thursday 7 March at Tilly’s Bar
• Wagga Mardi Gras Drag Show on Friday 8 March at Tilly’s Bar
• The Wagga Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 9 March down Baylis Street, followed by the after party event at the Victory Memorial Gardens
• Rainbow Recovery Markets on Sunday 10 March

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras founder Ms Holly Conroy said festival organisers were appreciative of Charles Sturt’s continued support of the event, which is growing in popularity each year.

“The Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival provides many people with hope and inspiration,” Ms Conroy said.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of Charles Sturt University.

“The University has been with the Mardi Gras since its inception and it’s the message we want to give out, that we are creating an inclusive community for people to live, work and study.”

Further event details, including parade registration are available on the University’s website. 

Dr Lewis will be participating in the parade and encourages Charles Sturt staff, students, alumni and friends to join the University’s float. The parade will commence from 5pm on Saturday 9 March from the corner of Morgan and Baylis streets.