What an action packed start to the year for the Purple Bombers! There’s been so much to be excited about. We’ve been a part of some great events – Midsumma Carnival Day and Pride March, and we have been busy planning so much more for the upcoming season.

On a beautiful afternoon at Alexandra Gardens, we represented at the Midsumma Carnival Day. We had the best turnout yet, and with our purple flags and committee all wearing our PB polos and tees, we were hard to miss!

The carnival is really well organised and there are so many information stands for various committees, groups, businesses and just all-round beautiful people who want to help create change. There were also delicious food trucks and heaps of entertainment throughout the afternoon.

What was really great about the day was that we could chat to our fellow members and friends and share stories about how important it is to stick together and fight for equality and inclusion. We had so many people who just wanted to find out more about what we do and what our member base can do as a collective to really get the message out there. And we had a dozen new members sign up on the day which we are so thrilled about!

We caught up with Rowena Allen, Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, and Federal MP Tim Wilson for Goldstein, and they were both really excited for us and really interested in the plans we had for this coming year. We also said ‘hi’ to the other AFL groups – Pink Magpies, Ruby Dees, Golden Tigers. We’ve found it really motivating to be able to support – but more importantly watch – the other groups emerge and flourish. To us, it simply means we’ll all be able to work together and be even more powerful in promoting our common cause.

The Purple Bombers Marketing and Events Manager, Paul Coniglio, was interviewed on stage at Team Melbourne precinct, speaking about the importance of educating the community about homophobia. He commented that “it’s all about promoting our cause and showing our support. We just want to be loud and proud and stand up for the people who need us to be their voice”. It really does sum up how we feel and what we volunteer our time for. The whole Purple Bombers committee was there throughout the day, and it was all smiles!

We also had an absolute ball at Pride March. Another stunning Melbourne day where we gathered together to walk down Fitzroy street in St Kilda and wave our flags and be cheered on by so many people who came to support the event. For all those that were there and those that walked with us, thanks so much! We were so thrilled to meet more of our supporters and and friends and to also hear about some of your stories. This is why we do what we do – to help provide a platform of support and respect for the LGBTI community. For those that missed the event, definitely one to try and get to next year.

Take a look at some of the photos from these two events. On both occasions, the sun was out and shining on everyone who was there!

Don’t miss our next events coming up. Check out our events page for more info.

Check out more our of photos from the Midsumma Carnival & Pride March on our Facebook page >