In 1992, Chief Petty Officer Anita van der Meer went to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission, having been threatened with dismissal from service for allegedly being in a same-sex relationship.

Her unbelievable act of courage 34 years ago transformed not just one life, but the life of almost every LGBTQIA+ Defence member that has followed in her footsteps.

Chief Petty Officer van der Meer won her case, and although the commission was unable to direct ADF policy, later that year, Prime Minister Paul Keating ushered in new policy allowing gay and lesbian members to serve openly and without prejudice.

Fast-forward more than three decades and, with the end of her naval career in sight, Chief Petty Officer van der Meer marched in uniform in the Sydney 2026 Mardi Gras parade one last time.

She stood surrounded by a diverse and vibrant group of sailors, soldiers and aviators, whose lives she changed, some before they were even born.

'Australians can now join Defence and be open to who they are and who they love.'

As she prepared to march, Chief Petty Officer van der Meer shared her feelings and reflected on the changes of the past three decades.

“I must admit, I am feeling a bit emotional,” she said.

“Although it happened a long time ago, I still feel the effects. What happened hit me pretty hard.

“People are starting to take more notice, but it has taken time. It didn’t happen overnight.

“Australians can now join Defence and be open to who they are and who they love. And Defence knows that we’re all here to do one thing, and that’s to serve our country.”

Chief Petty Officer van der Meer enlisted on June 26, 1989, as a steward. During her 37-year career, she has spent a redoubtable 12 years at sea serving Australia, including postings in HMA Ships Sydney IV, Tobruk II, Manoora II, Success II and Canberra III.

She said her favourite part about being in Navy was the friendships made.

“We’re a big family in Navy and if something happens, we are there to support each other,” she said.

“Although, marching in uniform at Mardi Gras for the first time in 2013 was just the best, and has to be a standout moment in my Navy career.”

Back to the streets of Sydney and, as the group made its way through a sea of colour and excitement, Chief Petty Officer van der Meer proudly marched at the front of the Defence contingent, alongside Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith.

'We need generation upon generation to step up and support one another. I want you to continue the tradition.'

Rear Admiral Smith addressed the contingent before the parade, acknowledging Chief Petty Officer van der Meer’s courage and impact.

“Chief Petty Officer van der Meer did amazing work in the ‘90s tackling the challenges of acceptance of diversity in Defence,” he said.

“It’s acts like these, by people of such strength, that form the vanguard of social progress in Navy and the ADF.

“When people can be their genuine selves at work, we enable them to reach their full potential, and therefore, we will reach our full potential as the Australian Defence Force.”

At the end of the parade, Chief Petty Officer van der Meer, tears in her eyes, called the group to action.

“I am proud to serve in Defence and I will miss it when I leave,” Chief Petty Officer van der Meer said.

“I want all the youngsters here to continue and for all of you to be champions yourselves, because we can’t do this alone.

“We need generation upon generation to step up and support one another. I want you to continue the tradition.”

Chief Petty Officer van der Meer will retire from the Navy in December 2026, and plans to return to her home state of Queensland to see where life takes her next.