Stuart O'Brien will meet with Defence leadership to discuss Defence participation in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2012.
O'Brien has been consulting with members of DEFGLIS prior to attending with the meeting.
Mardi Gras 2012 represents the 20-year anniversary of the lifting of the ban preventing gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel from serving in Defence.
The membership of DEFGLIS remain split over the issue of lobbying for uniforms to be worn at the parade, and have remained split 50-50 since last surveyed in 2009. DEFGLIS believes that Defence itself should be represented and should co-ordinate an appropriate means of representation to show that it is am employer of choice in conjunction with DEFGLIS and New Mardi Gras.
Additional ideas have been to request the Army's 6x6 land rover hot rod, and a small uniformed contingent marching ahead and separately to the DEFGLIS group marching in matching shirts similar to previous years. Invitations to Defence leadership, veterans, and US personnel discharged under Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell to participate are also under consideration.
Please provide feedback to Stuart on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via facebook to provide your thoughts and comments. A public discussion thread is also available via the DEFGLIS facebook page.