CSIRO Sends Largest Contingent to Sydney Mardi Gras Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is set to make history by sending its largest group ever to the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, emphasizing the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation.

For the fifth time, CSIRO will participate in the iconic parade, with their research vessel RV Investigator being illuminated in rainbow colors ahead of the event to underline the organization’s dedication to diversity and equality.

The theme of CSIRO’s float is ‘Science for a rainbow future,’ echoing the efforts of individuals like Maddy Lahm, a seagoing hydrochemist, who is currently conducting essential research in the Southern Ocean to deepen our understanding of climate change.

Maddy shared her gratitude for being able to be openly gay in her workplace on the RV Investigator, highlighting the supportive environment at CSIRO.

Dr. James Dougherty, a sustainable livestock systems research scientist at CSIRO, recently publicly came out as a queer trans man and will be marching for the first time at the Sydney Mardi Gras. He commended his colleagues for their unwavering support and acceptance.

CSIRO has been actively promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion through initiatives like Pride@CSIRO, a network for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, which led to the implementation of gender affirmation leave in 2022.

Dr. Doug Hilton, CSIRO’s Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a productive scientific community, underscoring that inclusivity is integral to addressing complex scientific challenges.

The CSIRO float at the Mardi Gras will include 80 participants, including representatives from Queers in Science, a group advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM fields, who will dance down Sydney’s Oxford Street to tunes from artists like Madonna and Jessica Mauboy.

RV Investigator, part of the CSIRO Marine National Facility supported by the Australian Government‘s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), stands as a symbol of CSIRO’s commitment to scientific excellence and diversity.