TasPride parade attracts big crowd

ADA Harrison-Burnett is only 12 years old, but she is taking a determined stand as an advocate for LGBTI rights in Tasmania.

At the Pride Parade are Campbell St Primary girls, from left, Ruby Harrison-Buzzacott, Maggie Staines, Kiora Hogan, Ada Harrison-Burnett and Meiren Swift. Picture: KIM EISZELE

ADA Harrison-Burnett is only 12 years old, but she is taking a determined stand as an advocate for LGBTI rights in Tasmania.

Ada and some of her classmates from Campbell Street Primary School yesterday took part in the TasPride march in Hobart, and carried a banner to raise awareness.

2016 PRIDE PARADE PHOTO GALLERY

The march attracted a large crowd and hundreds of participants, with a number of community and business groups participating for the first time.

Among the groups were the Australian Education Union, KPMG, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Fire Service, the Community and Public Sector Union, and Uniting Aged Care.

The Pride Parade from North Hobart to Parliament Lawns in Hobart. Picture: KIM EISZELE

Ada said she wanted to lead change about how children learn about the LGBTI community.

“I started a blog and I’ve written a lot of posts about equality,” Ada said. “I think we should be taught more in schools that calling someone gay isn’t an insult, but something to be proud of if you are.”

The parade finished at Parliament Lawns, where Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Robin Banks and AEU president Helen Richardson addressed the crowd.

Ms Richardson said with federal funding for the Safe Schools program ending next year, the union was hoping to secure ongoing support programs for LGBTI children.

Originally published as TasPride parade attracts big crowd