The Sun began to set above the skyscrapers above me. The generators were starting and the lights were flickering on. The beats were starting to play though speakers on the numerous floats and final practices were underway before the main event.
We were united together in our marshalling area awaiting our final orders to take to the street. From the corner of my eye I saw the most important thing. The one thing that would make the whole night worthwhile. There amungst us was our leader, head bowed in prayer dedicating our footsteps to God. I knew then for sure I was in the right place, I would have joined in, but before I had the chance, the prayer finished.
We had spent the last couple of hours down this little laneway. It was our own little world down there. I had no idea what was in place along the march route, no idea what to expect. Our team assembled. We were moments away from taking those first steps. Steps towards the start of the parade, steps I have never walked before. My mind had prepared me to the best of its ability, But as I was about to learn, nothing could prepare you for Mardi Gra. It was now time to march. With banner and signs raised we launched ourselves into the main event.
My eyes gazed along the street in front of me. people were everywhere, climbed on top of lamp posts, looking down from balconys. there was no room left. every inch of footpath was taken up with people. We started moving, the croud roared, cheered, whistled, shouted. you couldnt hear your own thoughts. your own thoughts were replaced with the supportive voice of the croud. they were carrying me on. driving me to take my next step, and after each step there was another cheer compelling me to take the next one.
My eyes scanned the croud. I noticed they were all there for a single cause. the cause the drew us all there. you would think that cause would be supporting the GLBT cause but that wasnt what I saw. What I saw was greater than that. what was uniting tens of thousands of people was “love”. everyone was there showing their love in their own way. Some were sharing their love with tears running down their face. Others were sharing their love by shouting at the top of their lungs. Others, Hugging and kissing everyone they could get their hands on. The march followed the streets of Sydney. But what I saw wasn’t Sydney, It was the nations of the world united. from the UK, New Zealand, America, Africa, the whole Globe. We were all talking and marching to the same language. The language of love.
My attention was drawn away from the croud. my focus shifted to the people that were marching beside me. Having read many of their stories right here on this site I knew there was more happening here than marching and cheering. Lives were being changed in this single moment. Chains were breaking free with every step. You could see it on the faces of the marchers. New life had sparked inside!
Our feet had carried us kilometres, The parade nearing its end. But there was one more point we had to pass. We inched slowly towards the main grandstand where thousands of people were awaiting our arrival. We stepped forward and were announced to the multitudes. they roared! The drag queen hosts looked at us from their raised platform and annouced to the people “I’m glad they Survived”.
Then it hit home.
We were the survivors!
Our numbers should have been more, But we had lost people on this journey. Suicide, depression, bullying, isolation, traditions. Many years of hurt and neglect had taken its toll. How many more lives would be lost before “Christians” realise that its not a closed book on the topic. How many more people should have been marching beside me but instead their life had been cut short. People need to open a dialogue and their minds to what God is really saying about love and acceptance. We are ready to talk, to share, to guide them on the journey. They need to make the second move and open their doors and their hearts to the possibilities, We have already made the first move. Its time now for them to step up to the plate.
Thank you to everyone who marched beside me. You made my experience what it was, A moment to remember and cherish.
Love HereIam
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