Sydney WorldPride: Bunbury-based apprentice baker to spread message of equality in global Pride celebration

A Bunbury-based apprentice baker is set to spread their message of pride and equality for all as they get set to take part in a global Pride celebration.

Dani Lesue, will be one of several people across the country who will be marching on the Coles Group’s inaugural float during this weekend’s Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney.

As part of Sydney WorldPride 2023, Pride floats will adorn Sydney’s Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade for the first time since 2020 in the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Taking on the theme ‘Everyone is welcome at our table’, the Coles Group’s float will be led by Tasmania-based drag queen MisTy del Ray, who was crowned Miss Gay Australia in 2019.

Speaking to the South Western Times, Mx Lesue said they were very excited to have the opportunity to experience WorldPride in its first venture to the southern hemisphere.

“The costumes they’ve sent are super glittery and they said we can further bedazzle them however we like, so I found a couple of butterflies in all of my Pride colours to flair it up even more and give it my own spin,” they said.

“During WA Pride month in October, there were a few flyers floating around getting the word out about Coles sending us to Pride so I signed up and then I got a call the day before Christmas, so it was a really good surprise.

Identifying as non-binary, Lesue has been involved in the local LGBTQI+ community for some time as a former secretary for Out South West as well as running a community Facebook group to spread awareness.

“One thing that people have said about me is that I am the most ‘me’ of all people - I’ve always very much been myself,” they said.

“I came out as bisexual in 2016 and I don’t remember exactly when I came out as non-binary or came to that realisation but looking back it’s always been there.

“I did get involved with the local community in 2020 when I heard about a few drinks nights to meet people, so it was a good opportunity for me to dip my toe in and then I sort of got drenched in the community.

“It’s been really great for overall mental health and feeling like I’m part of something and existing in the world.”

Mx Lesue said being able to be involved with WorldPride was really important in order to be able to show the whole country that the LGBTQI+ community exists.

“I’m looking forward to having moments where I can advocate for the community that is in the regional area where we may not have as many resources and open knowledge about what community is out there,” they said.

“Having frequent meet-ups within the community and making ourselves a little more visible gives an opportunity for hopefully some prejudices to be dispelled and stop seeing the community as a random political point but instead seeing the community as actual people.”

Sydney WorldPride 2023 will be taking place until March 5.