ECU proudly celebrated with music, colour and lights. Credit: Gascoyne Media
Edith Cowan University (ECU) proudly celebrated Pride Month 2025, taking part in a range of events throughout November that highlighted the importance of inclusion and diversity.
From engaging with community initiatives to championing a message of embracing differences, ECU's involvement reflected its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can belong.
Events such as Walker Wirin marked historic moments for Perth, as a transformative event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait LGBTIQA+ people. Walker Wirin was the result of a collaboration between Rainbow Futures WA, Edith Cowan University (ECU), WAAC, and the Youth Pride Network (YPN), organised by RFWA Aboriginal Community Organiser and Bibbulmun Noongar Yorga, Tanesha Bennell.
Narelda Jacobs and Misty Farquhar on stage at Walkern Wirin
ECU's presence at events such as the Perth Fairday brought together thousands, with visitors offered support services such as free health checks provided by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the vibrant ECU stall.
The ECU Fairday stall also welcomed distinguished guests, including WA Premier Hon Roger Cook MLA, and ECU alumnus and Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research, Hon Stephen Dawson MLC.
The ECU stall hosted distinguished guests
PRIDE Parade 2025
Over 6,000 people in over 100 floats marched at the 34th Annual Perth Pride Parade in Northbridge. ECU made a bold statement at the event with its largest-ever float, contributing to an unforgettable atmosphere of unity, celebration, and solidarity, as this year's theme, "We are here", came to life through the ECU contingent proudly marching in ECU Pride-themed regalia and showcasing a vibrant celebration of community and inclusion.
ECU Pride was a joyous occasion. Credit: Gascoyne Media
The Pride Parade was attended by ECU's Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sport and Chair of the Pride at ECU Sub-Committee, Professor Sophia Nimphius, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Students, Equity and Indigenous, Professor Braden Hill, and other ECU staff, students and alumni.
ECU Pride Parade with the float. Credit: Gascoyne Media
Showcasing the talents of Rainbow Migrants
Didier Marcel performing at Rainbow Migrants Got Talent. Credit: Dr Marziya Mohammedali
The month also featured the Rainbow Migrants Got Talent (RMGT) showcase, a vibrant celebration of the creativity and contributions of LGBTIQA+ migrants within the community.
The initiative was created by ECU Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski and this year's event was organised by Dr Marziya Mohammedali. It is strongly tied to The Rainbow Migrants Living Lab (RaMiLab), which is aimed at creating an inclusive understanding of the lived experiences of multicultural, multilingual and multifaith LGBTIQA+ communities.
It plays a key role in sector capability by delivering resources, training and evaluations that improve equity access for LGBTIQA+ communities.
Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski, creator of Rainbow Migrants Got Talent. Credit: Dr Marziya Mohammedali
RMGT creates a welcoming and safe space for Rainbow Migrants to showcase their amazing talents and build a sense of belonging through the arts in the community.
"It is very meaningful to see a university like ECU genuinely engaged in inclusive events. ECU's support shows that inclusion is not just a statement — it is action, and it makes a real difference in people's lives," Dr Krzyzowski said.
"RMGT at the Edith Spiegeltent theater showed the power of storytelling, creativity, even pain, and how the community held each person with so much care. It was a strong reminder that when we create the right environment, migrant voices shine beyond borders with incredible strength."
Dr Manonita Gosh speaking at Rainbow Migrants Got Talent. Credit: Dr Marziya Mohammedali
The event also provided a moment to again bid farewell to the Edith Spiegeltent theater at the Mount Lawley Campus, honouring its rich legacy and long-standing contribution to the arts. This occurred alongside historically significant events such as the ECU Queer Archiving Project, which aims to preserve and house the queer experiences of all connected to the University.
ECU took immense joy in its participation throughout Pride Month 2025, with the unity of our community shining through the hard work and dedication of staff across the University who helped bring each event to life. Their outstanding efforts not only made this year's celebrations a vibrant expression of happiness, inclusion, and diversity, but also set an inspiring benchmark for future Pride events.
Find out more about LGBTIQA+ at ECU
