Pride in Medicine experience

Reflections from Anne Tonkin

Getting to participate in a Pride/Mardi Gras parade, 40 years after coming out (in a limited way initially) as a member of the LGBTIQ community, was a very emotional experience.  So much has changed over this period, and we don't feel the need to hide in corners any more, keeping our personal lives under wraps and avoiding personal pronouns when referring to our partners. 

I was on the Pride in Medicine float, boogying on the truck wearing bright blue sequined scrubs, and the reception that we received from the crowd was totally amazing - cheering and waving with such enthusiasm. 

I felt honoured to be there, and very encouraged that there is so much more acceptance in 2023 than there was in 1983.