Sistagirls' Indigenous trans community are about to slay the Mardi Gras parade
No amount of rain will wash away the enthusiasm of the Tiwi Islands' Sistagirls.
30 of the Indigenous transgender community have travelled 3,212 kilometres (1,195 miles) from their home off the coast of northern Australia, especially to slay their Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade debut.
The journey comes after an incredible fundraising effort. "It's a privilege and it means a lot to us," Anastasia Virgona said. "We're using this as a big eyeopener for the other girls that want to get involved with the Mardi Gras and the walk."
"It's a platform for us to share and tell our stories, but also to find strength and confidence in ourselves too," fellow Sistagirl Sean Kerinaiua added.
Coming out is not easy in these traditional communities, where they have a tight connection not only to traditional culture, but also Catholicism. But things are slowly, but surely changing.
"Nowadays, I wouldn't say we're accepted, but we've found a spot for us to be comfortable in our own community," Virgona said.
Both Virgona and Kerinaiua are coy about what they've got planned in terms of their costume for the Mardi Gras parade. "We don't want to burst your bubble," Kerinaiua laughs.
But the Sistagals will be leading the Northern Territory's AIDS and Hepatitis Council (and Departure Lounge) float and are looking forward to showcasing Indigenous culture on the world stage.
"A lot of people are very fascinated [by us], because they've heard taboos, stigma, discrimination and suicide," Virgona said.
"But you know what, we are all here together, we are all marching together. And at the end of the day, we're all sisters and brothers."
We'll be covering the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this Saturday via Mashable's Snapchat story, so make sure you give us a follow here.
Topics LGBTQ
