Salvin Kumar from ADS and young people at Mardi Gras Fair Day

Advance Diversity Services joined more than 80,000 people to be part of the fun of the most fabulous queer event leading into Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Fair Day 2020 — with myriad stalls selling amazing things and sharing information about the services provided by different LGBTIQA+ support groups and organisations — was held at Victoria Park, Camperdown, on Sunday February 16.

For this year’s fair, Advance Diversity Services (ADS) partnered with 2 Connect Youth and Community, Dress for Success Sydney, headspace Hurstville, headspace Miranda and Kogarah Community Services to promote GLISTEN — a key social support group for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people under 25 in the St George and Sutherland area.

Settlement Services International also had a stall at Fair Day offering information about its services and a Carrom board (sometimes called finger billiards) that several ADS staff tried out and enjoyed.

Salvin Kumar, Youth Worker from ADS, said, “There were heaps of exciting things on offer at our stall, including a spinning wheel, badge maker, trivia questions, lots of freebies and a clothes rack to take clothes home for free.

“It was a fun-filled day where everyone had a great time. Parents came with children and their furry friends. It was a space where everyone was welcome to join the party.

“ADS supports newly arrived migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the St George and Sutherland Shire and we want everyone to know that our doors are open for people regardless of their gender and sexuality. Our motto is ‘Be you with us … you belong, we all belong’.”

Mr Kumar thanked the Mardi Gras organising committee for running such a beautifully organised event, and expressed his gratitude to the ADS partners involved — especially for their continued provision of services for people in St George and Sutherland Shire.

“Happy Mardi Gras to all!” he said.

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