Sydney WorldPride 2023 is here! The city has come alive with visitors from across Australia and around the world, providing a welcome boost to retailers and added vibrancy to our community.
Paul Zahra, CEO of the ARA, attended the Sydney WorldPride Opening Ceremony and Mardi Gras Parade over the weekend as a special guest of Principal Partner, American Express.
“I was overjoyed to see the community come together to celebrate diversity and acceptance in our great city and for so many retailers to proudly display their pride for customers to see,” said Paul.
“As Australia’s largest private sector employer, I believe we have an enormous responsibility to pursue equity and inclusion for all.”
The ARA supported American Express on its With You &Proud community initiative which saw 15 champions of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, receive an unforgettable Sydney WorldPride experience.
Working with ARA member, Mecca, the recipients got ‘party ready’ with a stylish makeover.
With You &Proud recipient Matthew comment on his experience, “The team at Mecca were incredible, usually I’m not one to wear makeup but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and letting the ladies do what they do best! It was nice to see my mum try out some makeup she wouldn’t usually do. After the makeover she was so stoked and couldn’t stop talking about it. Definitely a wonderful bonding experience for us, very grateful to the teams at Mecca and American Express for arranging this for us!”
Robert Tedesco, Vice President and General Manager, American Express Global Merchant Services said, “American Express colleagues recently visited hundreds of LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses to distribute inclusive point of purchase signage to encourage visible support of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a simple way that businesses can show their support well beyond WorldPride.”
