The popularity and strength was reflected in Equal Love’s colourful, loud and overtly political contingent being one of the largest and most popular at Pride 2010. People from all walks of life marched with us, from keen first-time activists draped in the campaign’s distinctive red, yelling the message of equal rights to all and sundry, to a large posse of drag queens frocked up to add glamour and flair – but just as eager to send a strong political message to the crowd-lined street about the need to take an active political stand against the government.

Thousands of people signed the petition, took flyers for the next mass Equal Love rally and generally showed great interest in and support for the campaign. Many flew the Equal Love balloons with pride in their own contingents and throughout the crowd. Young people continue to stand out for their enthusiasm and understanding of why this campaign is so important in the fight against homophobia.

The next step in the campaign for Victoria is the mass rally in Melbourne, on March 13. We need to be going all out to let everyone know and argue why they must attend the rally, as a way of continuing to place political pressure on the government by flexing our collective power on the streets and disrupting business as usual. For those who live in Ballarat, a good starting point is the Valentine’s Day same-sex marriage rally on February 14 – meet at 1pm at the Skate Park in the CBD.