Celebrating Community: More Than Support’s First Midsumma Pride Parade Experience
This year, More Than Support took a bold step by participating in the Midsumma Pride Parade, and it was an initiative that truly embodied our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. With team members and participants who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community, our presence at the parade wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a heartfelt celebration of diversity and belonging. We aimed to reinforce that More Than Support is a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their identity, while connecting with the broader community and sharing our core values.
Leading up to the parade, our lead organiser Pablo didn’t anticipate a significant level of interest from our More Than Support community, especially since this was our first time taking part in the event. As soon as we sent out the newsletter inviting everyone to join, folks started reaching out to reserve their spots in the parade. The enthusiasm was contagious, and we even had three people from an allied health provider join our More Than Support group, enhancing the experience. Witnessing such positive engagement from both staff and clients highlighted just how crucial it is for us to participate in events like this.
As the organiser of our participation, one of the most rewarding parts for me was seeing the pure joy everyone displayed—sporting More Than Support t-shirts, painting rainbows on their faces, and genuinely embracing the spirit of the parade. Despite the warm weather and a few minor hiccups, the positive attitudes of our team made it all the more special.
One standout moment for me was witnessing a participant dressed in an amazing costume alongside their pet and support worker. Seeing them both so joyful, connected, and decked out in fun outfits truly captured the essence of inclusivity and celebration that the parade represented.
It's important to recognize that fostering diversity and inclusion is an ongoing journey, and our participation in the Midsumma Pride Parade is just one meaningful step toward creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and seen. This initiative aligns closely with our mission of bringing people with disabilities closer to the community. By actively engaging in events that celebrate diversity, we reinforce our devotion to inclusion—not only within More Than Support but in society at large.
Looking ahead, we’re eager to build on this year’s experience and would love to hear from our staff, participants, and the wider community about how we can make next year’s involvement even more impactful. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas for the parade, enhancing engagement, or launching other initiatives aligned with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we welcome all feedback!
But our efforts won’t stop with the parade. We’re also exploring additional opportunities throughout the year to celebrate and support the LGBTQI+ community. This could include hosting awareness events, collaborating with other community organisations, or creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations within More Than Support.
Our participation in the Pride Parade was more than a public display; it was a declaration that we are committed to being an inclusive and supportive community—not just for our participants but for our staff and the wider community as a whole. We want everyone to recognize that More Than Support is a place where each person is valued, respected, and encouraged to be their authentic selves.
Ultimately, we hope that through initiatives like this, individuals feel an enhanced sense of belonging and confidence in expressing who they are, knowing they have a supportive network within More Than Support. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone navigates their journey without feeling alone.
When it comes to measuring success, it’s not just about how many people participated; it's about the meaningful impact we create. While we’ll look at participation rates compared to previous years and engagement with our internal communications, the real measure lies in the stories we share. Did participants and staff feel valued and represented? Did this initiative spark dialogue and motivate more involvement in future diversity activities? Positive feedback and increased interest for next year will show that we’re truly on the right path.
In the end, our participation was a vibrant celebration of community and inclusivity, and we’re excited to carry this spirit forward as we continue our journey together.
