Mardi Gras 2020 will be taking over the streets of Sydney this weekend and it is set to be one of the biggest celebrations yet.
As wondrous floats and glamorously dressed bodies parade down Oxford Street, you may be wondering the best way to show your support to the LGBTIQ+ community – more than just dowsing yourself in glitter and joining the festivities.
In line with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Absolut have launched their Absolut Love Letters campaign aimed at vocalizing support for the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies.
According to their Make Love Louder study, 1 in 4 LGBTIQ+ people see or hear negativity about the community daily.
The report also found 73% of allies and friends say they are silent supporters.
Couple Tim and Rod took out the Amazing Race Australia last year.
(Image: supplied)Ambassadors for the project and 2019 winners of The Amazing Race Australia, Tim and Rod talked us through their top tips for being a good (read: vocal) supporter.
“If you hear bad things being said, even if there isn’t a LGBTIQ person in sight, stand up against that and say that is wrong,” Rod says.
It’s more than just standing up in the face of hate; it’s about spreading the love.
“When you get a chance to share a compliment or some love, actually do it.
Thinking it might make you feel nice but that didn’t make a difference,” Rod explains.
Tim reminds supporters: “Growing up as a gay person and LGBTIQ youth, you do think there is something wrong with you and you think people don’t accept you and love you for you because of a lack of verbal support.”
You can get vocal and share messages of love and support to the LGBTIQ+ community this Mardi Gras on social media with #AbsolutLoveLetters.
