what does pride mean to you?

As Sydney gears up to host the annual Mardi Gra and 2023 World Pride celebrations, the team here at Alana Maria Jewellery have been busy preparing for their own festivities. As members and allies of the LGBTQI+ community, we asked our team, “what does PRIDE mean to you?”. Continue reading to hear what we said.

“Pride celebrates self-expression and activism. It amplifies the voices, culture and rights of the LGBTQI+ community. It's a moment that acknowledges how far we’ve come and how far we must go”

“Pride to me is a colourful and fabulous form of self-expression, individuality and authenticity. It’s about being proud of who you are and supporting others to feel proud of themselves.”

“It’s a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledging all the work that the generations before us have put into making it what it is today.”

“It’s a space where we can all come and feel welcomed and accepted and loved for who we are. A place where we don’t have to worry about meeting expectations.”

“Pride is letting people be happy… Celebrating who people want to be.”

World Pride is a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and hope for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to celebrate our identities, reflect on our struggles, and come together as a global community to advocate for our rights and freedoms. Whether we are dancing in the streets or marching in protest, we are all part of a movement that is working towards a more just and equitable world.

For the month of March, through our partnership with i=Change, we are donating $1 from every purchase to ACON, an organisation that provides a range of services that address many of the mental health issues experienced by LGBTQ communities. ACON’s counselling programs and support services bolster strength and resilience, significantly improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people and their families.