Pride starts with yes

Optus is proud to be the Premier Network Partner of Sydney WorldPride 2023.

From 17 February Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride will unite to present a two-week global LGBTQIA+ pride festival – the very first time in the Southern Hemisphere.

The theme for the festival, GATHER, DREAM, AMPLIFY was developed in partnership with our extraordinary First Nations and LGBTQIA+ communities. It acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia and represents the commitment to equality and inclusion.

Yes, yeah, or yasss — embracing difference is an attitude that unlocks a world of possibilities. Because great things happen when we lift one another up, listen to diverse voices, and lead the way to a more welcoming future.

We know that WorldPride is more than just a party. It's a chance to celebrate, come together, and have the important conversations that support the LGBTQIA+ community.

And just like last year, the Optus family will be back – bigger and better than ever – at the parade and Fair Day. Looking as fabulous as ever. And our partnership means we get to be presenting partner of awesome events, like the Bondi Beach Party and Rainbow Republic.

Optus is taking is commitment to diversity one step further. After all, when you’re free to be you, you can do your best work. That’s why our employee-led LGBTQIA+ network, Express Yourself, embraces the diversity of our Amazing People. It's more than attitude, it’s a practice. We use pronoun pins and include pronouns in our email signatures. And we’re proud to offer gender affirmation leave along with providing additional education, resources and support to our employees  and leaders. We aim to create a safe environment, openly share our lived experiences, and engage in the issues that matter to the community most. We do it because we believe in an inclusive world, and it starts with us.

Through the Pride starts with yes campaign development, Optus held a photo shoot to develop authentic, and diverse imagery of LGBTQIA+ community members to celebrate our amazing people from the Optus rainbow community.

We captured a total of 20 employees and friends of Optus to create a meaningful campaign that celebrates Optus commitment to diversity and inclusion and authentically bring to life Pride starts with yes. 

Sydney WorldPride will be calling. A calling to come together and participate in a global movement. 

Find out how Optus is celebrating diversity.