Rumour: Ita to lead ABC Mardi Gras float
Ita Buttrose holds an iconic status in the gay community for her work during the HIV / AIDS epidemic.
- Published by David Knox
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TV Tonight hears whispers that none other than ABC Chair Ita Buttrose will lead an ABC float in tonight’s Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Managing Director David Anderson is also understood to be participating in the ABC Queer entry of LGBTQIA+ staff and allies.
Ita Buttrose holds an iconic status in the gay community for her activism in the 1980s for HIV / AIDS education.
She was chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS from 1984 until 1988. It was pivotal to have the former Women’s Weekly editor speak to middle Australia and government for funding and education.
On one occasion, she appeared personally in a nationwide TV campaign to explain that donating blood at a blood bank did not pose a risk of catching AIDS. Australia’s community-led response to the epidemic will be dramatised in upcoming ABC musical In Our Blood in March.
ABC, which is the broadcast partner for Sydney WorldPride, has previously been an entry in Mardi Gras parade as have SBS.
ABC has been contacted for comment.
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Live 7:30pm on ABC.
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One Response
Ita did take part in the parade as part of ABC Queer entry. It was shown during the live broadcast.