WILD PRIDE at Mardi Gras 2026: Unmasking Together
WILD PRIDE celebrates the vibrant intersection of queer and neurodivergent pride. For many neurodivergent people, ‘masking’ (suppressing our natural traits to fit in) is a daily act of survival. It parallels the queer experience of the closet. On Saturday, 28 February 2026, we are turning that private resilience into a public celebration.
WILD is creating a Sanctuary in Motion. We are proving that joy does not have to be overwhelming. Inclusion is not just a buzzword; it is a design choice.
Why We March
We march because the intersection of our communities is vast and often invisible.
- An estimated 70% of neurodivergent people are also queer.
- Transgender and gender-diverse people are 3 to 6 times more likely to be autistic.
We are taking these statistics and turning them into a living, vibrant reality. We march to show that you can be Weird, Intense, Loud, and Different. Your authentic self is celebrated here.
The 2026 Anthem
Fuelled by Community Leaders
We are proud to announce that WILD is able to attend Mardi Gras in 2026 thanks to the incredible support of the below sponsors. Their backing ensures our community’s voice is represented loud and proud on Oxford Street.
Aventious is a long-term ally of the WILD vision and a Major Sponsor for our 2026 Parade entry. Their backing ensures our community’s voice is represented loud and proud on Oxford Street.
Thanks to a generous QANTAS Regional Grant, distance is no longer a barrier. We are flying regional neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ marchers to Sydney to ensure our vision represents all Australians everywhere.
We are excited to announce EMPACT as a major sponsor for our inaugral Mardi Gras. Trust, Impact, Curiosity, Courage and Care are EMPACT’s core values and we here at WILD could not be more here for it.
Everway’s vision of “unlocking the full potential of every person” is so close to our hearts at WILD. With Everway’s immensely generous sponsorship WILD can continue to amplify our message.
As a key founding member of WILD, Executive Functioning Leadership, continues to lead the way with making change for all people. EFL’s Sponsorship and Leadership has enabled WILD’s vision from day 1.
Redesigning the Parade
Traditional parades can be sensory nightmares. We are flipping the script by introducing a Sensory-Aware Formation. Our entry flows in three distinct zones, allowing marchers (and the crowd) to engage at their own frequency.
LOUD Block
High energy, amplified music, and uninhibited dance. Proof that neurodivergent joy can be loud and proud.
STEADY Block
A balanced flow. Rhythm without the overwhelm.
Quiet Block
A designated low-sensory zone. Noise-cancelling headphones are not just allowed, they are a celebrated element of our pride.
The
Ritual
We are people-powered. No float, just us. Our performance centres on a synchronised ‘Unmasking’ wave. As we move, marchers will lower their masks in a ripple effect. This transforms a symbol of concealment into a wave of release. It is a declaration that masking is not required here.