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Amid Mardi Gras buzz, Indonesians in Australia rue diminishing LGBTQ rights back home

  • Indonesian LGBTQ people in Australia say they are grateful to be living in a place which acknowledges their rights as part of a sexual minority
  • The community hopes Indonesians can rediscover the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity inherent in the country’s indigenous cultures

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The Selamat Datang marchers at the 2023 Mardi Gras and World Pride event. Photo: Handout
As the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras prepares to kick off on March 2, the party buzz has caught on in the Indonesian LGBTQ community in Australia, where members are readying themselves to march alongside activists and revellers from around the world.
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The Indonesian float at the parade, dubbed Selamat Datang – meaning “Welcome” in Indonesian – was founded by Australian Shawn Dern.

“This year will mark our eighth year in a row being part of the parade,” said head organiser Ozak Salam, adding the Indonesian contingent was typically made up of the LGBTQ diaspora in Australia, their partners and friends, and guest participants from Indonesia.

“One of our star guests this year is Kai Mata.”

Kai Mata at Women’s March JKT 2023. Photo: Jakarta Feminist
Kai Mata at Women’s March JKT 2023. Photo: Jakarta Feminist

Bali-based singer Kai Mata, who identifies as both queer and lesbian, said she was excited and honoured to have been invited to perform at the parade.

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“It’s my first Mardi Gras experience and I can’t wait.”

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