Inner West celebrations for Mardi Gras
Wednesday 9 February 2022
Inner West Council will host a series of events to mark the 2022 Sydney Mardi Gras.
This year, Council is recognising the contribution of trail blazing activists Peter “Bon” Bonsall-Boone and his partner Peter de Waal who founded the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP Inc), one of the first gay and lesbian rights organisations in Australia.
Both Peters were long term Balmain residents, and although Bon passed away in 2017, Peter still calls Balmain home.
The activists made extraordinary personal sacrifices, in their work, their personal life and in the community to propel the LGBTQ movement further, and open doors for others.
CAMP envisaged a future where lesbian and gay people would be able to walk proudly hand in hand in this city, head held high with pride, without fear of violence, discrimination, or hate. While we still have more to do, this vision has been realised – especially in the Inner West.
Flag raising ceremony and CAMP Inc 50 years celebration
370 Darling Street, Wednesday 16 February, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Book
In May 2021, Council resolved to install signage to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP Inc), one of the first gay and lesbian rights organisations in Australia. The first formal meeting of CAMP Inc was held in St John’s church hall in Balmain.
Peter de Waal is a 78ers and was a founder of CAMP at its inception. He will be a speaker at this event.
Also last year Council resolved to fly the Progress Pride at various events such as Mardi Gras. The Progress Pride flag is more inclusive and reflects the true diversity of the Inner West.
Light refreshments will be provided.
The Progress Pride Flag will also fly at Ashfield Civic Centre, Summer Hill Lackey Street Piazza, Petersham Town Hall, Marrickville Town Hall and Newtown Town Hall between Thursday 10 February - Monday 7 March.
Marrickville Library Rainbow pole covers
LGBTQ rainbow pole covers will be installed at Marrickville Library, Monday 7 February - Monday 7 March.
Tango with a Twist: online film screening, Q & A and tango demonstration
Filmmaker Dominique Pile and dancers from Uma Tango will give a tango demonstration at an online screening at Tango with a Twist, a transformative journey of a group of amateur dancers, gay, lesbian and fluid travelling to Buenos Aires under the protective wing of their Sydney tango teacher, Anne-Maree Therkleson.
Trans friendly vocal workshop
Patyegarang Place, Marrickville Library, 313 Marrickville Road, Sunday 27 February, 12 midday - 20pm.
Workshop for transgender and non-binary singers who want to explore their voices.
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au