Freedom 2 b[e] will be marching for the fourth time in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Please read details below about this years theme.

The number we can have in our group is limited. So if you are thinking about joining us this year register your interest now. Don’t leave it till the last minute or you could miss out. Money will be collected later.

Date: Saturday 27^th February 2010

Cost: $20 Payment methods to follow after you register.

Dress: Jeans or shorts and Group Shirt

Choreography: Don’t panic….you just need to be able to walk the 3km.

Time Availability: You need to meet with the group before 5pm to move into the martialling area. The parade kicks off around 8pm.

After Party: TBA

Freedom 2 b[e] Celebrates Ex-gay Survivors

Gay or straight. Do you want to see the end of all ex-gay, conversion/re-orientation style ministries and therapies in Australia. (People are damaged and wasted precious years of their lives trying to turn from gay to straight.) .....then march with us.

People who are same-sex-orientated often feel societal and family pressures to resist, reject or deny their true feelings. This pressure to conform and live as heterosexuals is much more intense for those who come from faith backgrounds and Christian churches, as the belief system says that acceptance or rejection of their sexuality has eternal consequences. Struggling to change can be private and internal, through one on one personal counselling or support groups. Some of us have even gone to the extremes of exorcisms, ‘ex-gay’ programs or marrying, believing this will solve our ‘problem’. The journey to find resolution and self–acceptance for gay men and lesbians from Christian backgrounds can be torturous and even traumatic.

This year, Freedom 2 b[e] (a network of people from Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical backgrounds) celebrates the journey survivors have travelled to rid ourselves of damaging and outdated beliefs. Beliefs that said homosexuality was a sin, sickness or the result of a dysfunctional family upbringing. We are no longer victims of our own or others ignorance.

We invite all those who have been through any form of ‘ex-gay’ therapy or counselling to join Freedom 2 b[e]  this year in the parade. Family members and friends are welcome to join us in support.

Marching in the Mardi Gras parade or a Pride march is often an empowering experience and an opportunity to put the shame and the ‘demons’ of the past to rest by publicly declaring that we are out, proud and love being who we are; lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Our message is a positive one; celebrating our journeys to resolution and self-acceptance. By marching together we also send a positive message to people in churches who are still locked in a prison of self-hatred.

Accepting our sexuality, coming out in a supportive environment and embracing being gay or lesbian, sets us free.

Unsure about the importance of participating in the parade? These articles may be helpful.

 1.        Parades - who needs them?

2.        The First Time Freedom 2 b[e] Marched in Mardi Gras - What happened?

3.        Read about the experience of some first timers

Heterosexual friends and supporters are welcome to join us as well.

Please note: In order to meet the requirements of the Mardi Gras organisation so the logistics of the 8,000 strong parade can be finalised……and in order for Freedom 2 b[e] to organise t-shirts and other articles for every participant, all registrations must be in by Friday 12 February 2010. DON’T PUT IT OFF OR YOU’LL MISS OUT. Thanks for your help.

Photos of 2007 http://avb7.multiply.com/photos/album/1

Photos of 2008 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8803252341

Photos of 2009 http://www.freedom2b.org/category/image-galleries/mardi-gras-2009