On February 28, Defence personnel will march proudly in the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Speaking on the importance of Defence participation, Rear Admiral Tish van Stralen, Head Military Personnel Division, reflects on diversity in Defence and her role as an LGBTQIA+ Champion.

I joined the Australian Defence Force in 1995 when there was still a relatively low acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, and I witnessed some of the poor attitudes towards our serving members of the community.

Many were ostracised in the workplace, some were treated quite poorly and others were just ignored. I subsequently met a group of amazing female junior sailors in HMAS Tobruk in 1996, and one of those ladies was then-Leading Seaman Anita van der Meer (now a chief petty officer).

Many years later I found out that Anita was the individual who went to the Human Rights Commission in 1992 to fight against dismissal for being in a same-sex relationship, and as a result of her courage, the ban on openly gay and lesbian serving personnel was lifted.

I was impressed by the resilience and determination of such junior women, and I often advocated for them in the ship. I could see how hard they had to fight for acceptance back in the '90s and I just wanted to help make a difference for them. They were hardworking, competent people who wanted to serve their country, and I felt they had a right to be accepted for who they were.

Fast forward over the years and I have met many members from different parts of the community and I continue to learn about their experiences. Our ADF has changed, our views towards diversity and inclusion have changed, and we have a far more inclusive culture. However, I realised there was still work to be done to support our LGBTQIA+ community, to ensure they could serve as their authentic selves, and to support them in proudly serving their country.

'It is important for Defence members marching in the Mardi Gras Parade to put on public display that Defence embraces diversity and that our Defence people are reflective of our society.'

I volunteered to be the LGBTQIA+ Champion in 2025 because I knew, in my senior roles, I could help shape and influence change in our organisation to better support our LGBTQIA+ community. I am proud of all of our people that serve, and am immensely proud of those in the LGBTQIA+ community who continue to overcome obstacles to proudly serve in the ADF.

The Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration of inclusion and a celebration of progress and pride. It wasn’t until 2013 that ADF personnel were allowed to march in uniform, so it has been a long journey since 1992.

It is important for Defence members marching in the Mardi Gras Parade to put on public display that Defence embraces diversity and that our Defence people are reflective of our society. The identities of our people are honoured through wearing their uniforms, representing the ADF and celebrating who they are as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mardi Gras is an exciting event – I went and watched it in the early 1990s and witnessed the happiness, the celebrations and the acceptance of people from all over the world who were part of the community. This is Defence’s opportunity to shine in the public eye, to wear your uniforms with pride and embrace the amazing atmosphere that is Mardi Gras.

For everyone lucky enough to be a part of Mardi Gras, enjoy every moment.

Wherever you work in Defence, know your efforts directly contribute to the security of our nation and you are valued. Be proud of who you are and what you represent. I am immensely proud of our people.