On February 28, a contingent of Defence personnel, uniformed and civilian, will march once more in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, celebrating the diversity of Defence and the broader community.

Mardi Gras gives Defence an opportunity to reflect on the connection between service and identity, and offers a way for personnel, families and allies to support one another in a visible way.

This year, Lieutenant Commander Mark Bunnett will march with his ADF and APS colleagues to honour inclusion and his own journey to pride in his identity.

"For me, Mardi Gras is an expression of self, and seeing ADF personnel and our Defence public servants march shows how serious Defence is about supporting diversity and our people," Lieutenant Commander Bunnett said.

"Importantly, it shows that service and identity can be a source of pride for members, their families and the communities we serve."

Lieutenant Commander Bunnett's journey to that confidence took time.

"I denied myself the opportunity to come out during a period of social conformity, particularly during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and '90s, which created significant barriers," he said. 

Lieutenant Commander Bunnett began his career as a primary school teacher before joining Navy and serving for 14 years. He then returned to civilian life as a high school drama teacher. Realising as his life settled that he wanted to live authentically, he came out to family and friends 10 years ago.

"My life was incredibly busy with work and family and when things settled down, as the children grew up, I realised I too had grown," he said. 

"When I returned to Navy two-and-a-half years ago, I did so openly as a gay man, but with some trepidation."

'For me, Mardi Gras is an expression of self, and seeing ADF personnel and our Defence public servants march shows how serious Defence is about supporting diversity and our people.'

Lieutenant Commander Bunnett said he was warmly received and supported on his return, and today reflects positively on how Navy ensured this was a positive experience.

"I soon became active in Navy diversity reference groups and started to share my experience with others; while that was in part cathartic for me, I also felt a strong sense of inclusion as I helped others on their journeys," he said.

Lieutenant Commander Bunnett’s partner, Tim, a nurse, has likewise noticed Defence’s culture.

"Tim reckons Defence is one of the most welcoming organisations he’s come across," he said.

Lieutenant Commander Bunnett believes acceptance across Defence continues to grow, supported by leadership and the everyday actions of personnel, with Defence increasingly setting the standard for inclusion, particularly in protecting and celebrating LGBTQIA+ personnel. 

He also sees the valuable role that LGBTQIA+ allies play in living Defence values and helping create environments where all personnel can perform at their best.

"Defence’s positive culture, our diversity initiatives, policy changes and respect for individual needs and circumstances all highlight what a modern, supportive workplace can be," Lieutenant Commander Bunnett said.

He now serves within Navy’s Diversity and Inclusion team, in the Directorate of Navy Culture, helping embed inclusion across the workforce.

"I’m excited about my new role, particularly as challenges remain and there is still room for Defence to grow," he said. 

"My focus will be on educating, advocating, advising and promoting diversity initiatives within Navy and the broader Defence organisation."

'For many personnel and their families, marching together and with allies reinforces that LGBTQIA+ personnel are valued and supported.'

Defence not only embraces the need for a diverse workforce that represents the Australian community it protects, but understands that this diversity is essential in achieving its mission.

Mardi Gras remains a powerful reminder to Lieutenant Commander Bunnett of how far Defence has come and why visibility matters.

"Across the Defence enterprise, LGBTQIA+ members serve in a wide range of roles and ranks. Diversity and inclusion strengthens our capability, trust and morale, and ultimately improves our operational effectiveness," he said. 

"For many personnel and their families, marching together and with allies reinforces that LGBTQIA+ personnel are valued and supported."

The ADF is growing its workforce to meet critical skill requirements, with a clear mandate to recruit from the broadest possible spectrum of the Australian population. The 2024 National Defence Strategy called for a ‘diverse workforce across all sectors of national security activity’ – a workforce that reflects the range of experiences and backgrounds of the Australian community to work together to protect the nation and its national interests.