Tuesday, May 16, 2017 – Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride is proud to announce that Australian Member of State Parliament for Sydney, Alex Greenwich MP, will be joining the 34th Annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade in honor of the Sister-Pride Program between Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride and Australia’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Earlier this year, the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride board voted unanimously to create a Sister-Pride Program with Sydney, Australia’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ parades. Supported by California State Senator Ricardo Lara, the adoption came at a crucial time for Australia, as they hope to bring marriage equality to a vote this year in their federal parliament. “We are honored to have the incredible support of our international LGBTQ+ community, especially a man that works tirelessly to bring marriage equality to Australia like the honorable Alex Greenwich”, said Denise Newman, President of Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride.

“The Sister-Pride Program is beneficial to both Sydney, Australia and Long Beach, as we work toward our common goal to support all LGBTQ+ community members in their plight toward equality”, continued Ms. Newman. The Sister-Pride Program is the adoption of two LGBTQ+ organizations to establish ties of friendship, understanding, and goodwill to support the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to being the Member for Sydney, Greenwich is also the Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality and has led the campaign for the freedom to marry for all Australians for ten years. “I am truly honored to be a part of this year’s Long Beach Pride™ Parade and to recognize the importance of their partnership with Sydney, Australia’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras”, said Alex Greenwich. “We are at a time where LGBTQ+ partnerships like this are crucial for the advancement of equality for all the members of our community. By standing united, we continue the work of our trailblazers and we move toward international equality”, continued Greenwich.

To learn more about the Australian campaign for marriage equality go to https://www.equalitycampaign.org.au.

The 34th Annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event held on May 20th and 21st at Marina Green Park. The annual parade will be on May 21st, stepping off on Ocean Blvd at Lindero Ave. For more information log onto www.longbeachpride.com or call us at (562) 987-9191.