#NewWSUnites : reflections on institutionalising acceptance and diversity through Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

The institutionalisation of discrimination is often cited as a key factor in poor health and wellbeing outcomes for people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ). Such health outcomes include poor mental health, psychological stress resulting in physical manifestations of illness, higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse, in addition to higher prevalence of self-harm and suicide (Jones et al. 2015). McNair and Hughes (2012) also cite a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cancer and lower rates of preventive screening which contribute to poor health outcomes. Increasingly however challenges to institutional norms which perpetuate discrimination and prejudice give rise to the institutionalisation of LGBTIQ around the world leading awe-inspiring initiatives to celebrate diversity. For instance, through the It Gets Better campaign (www.igba.org.au) many universities challenge discourses of deficits experienced by LGBTIQ identifying people through incorporating the acceptance of diversity as part of their institutional, and public, image. Considering that such organisations are often in positions of both privilege and influence, they are well placed to champion change within their communities.