When the Pride movement began taking root in Sydney in 1978, it did so in the face of hostility. The first Mardi Gras was remembered as a night of courage and celebration, but marchers from that historic event will remember the police presence, the violence, the arrests, and ultimately, the fear. 

Amid that first act of defiance, unions stood should-to-shoulder with the community. 

Solidarity is in unions’ DNA  

From the earliest days of the movement, unions recognised that LGBTQIA+ rights were workers’ rights. 

In 1978, the same year that the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras rally was organised, the Gay Trade Unionist Group was formed, creating a powerful alliance between the queer community and organised labour. 

In 1973, the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) took what is regarded as the world’s first industrial action in defence of LGBTQIA+ rights. When Macquarie University expelled a student because of his sexuality, BLF members refused to continue their construction work on the campus. This strike became known as the ‘Pink Bans’ and is a landmark moment in the fight for quality. 

Fairness, dignity, and equality have always been the foundations of a union, and they are the foundations of Pride.  

NSWNMA has always stood up for every nurse, midwife, and carer 

For NSWNMA, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community wasn’t an option; it’s embedded in our purpose. 

We fight for safe workplaces, equitable treatment, and respect for every member, including our vibrant LGBTQIA+ cohort. Whether advocating for inclusive healthcare, supporting marriage equality, or pushing for gender affirmation leave, our commitment remains the same: everyone deserves equal dignity at work and in care. 

Together, we progressed 

Across the union movement, we’ve supported the wins that shaped LGBTQIA+ equality, including: 

• Parental leave for rainbow families 

• Federal anti-discrimination protections 

• Marriage equality 

• Gender affirmation leave 

• Gender-based violence is a workplace Health and Safety issue 

The fight continues – just like our commitment  

The wins that have been achieved for the LGBTQIA+ community are nothing short of historic, but it doesn’t stop here.  

Since 2017, the NSWNMA has proudly marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade– that’s almost a decade of us showing up to lend our voice to the fight for queer rights at one of the most iconic Pride celebrations. Our participation is about ensuring our vibrant queer community is uplifted, recognised, and supported to continue thriving 

However, being an ally isn’t always about megaphones and marches (although there’s still a place for those!). Sometimes it starts with something as simple (but lifechanging for some) as respecting pronouns. 

With more than 80,000 members from all walks of life, the NSWNMA will keep pushing for workplaces that genuinely welcome the LGBTQIA+ community.

Join us in building workplaces where every LGBTQIA+ person feels supported and celebrated – learn more by clicking on this link.