In 1978, the first Mardi Gras march in Sydney ignited a movement for LGBTQIA+ rights, paving the way for a 40-year journey of monumental change for LGBTQIA+ communities across NSW.

In this not-to-be-missed event, discover the powerful stories and inspiring figures behind four decades of ground-breaking legal and social reform in the NSW Supreme Court and the Legislative Council – NSW's Upper House – transforming the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.

Our high-profile panel will delve into the fascinating journey of these landmark reforms in the Supreme Court and Parliament, exploring decriminalisation, anti-discrimination, equal recognition of same-sex families and efforts to redress past injustices. Hear firsthand from those involved about the personal stories, hopes and challenges that shaped these reforms and the valuable impact of diverse representation on our judiciary and parliamentary democracy today.

Pride & Precedent is a co-hosted event with the Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQA+ Community as part of this year’s Bicentenary of the ​Legislative Council — Australia’s very first legislature.​

Panellists

• The Hon Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council (moderator)
• The Hon Virginia Bell AC, former justice of the Supreme Court of NSW
• The Hon Justice Richard Weinstein, current justice of the Supreme Court of NSW
• The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
• Trevor Khan, local court magistrate and former member of the Legislative Council