Emily and Samantha

Meet Emily and Samantha

Pronouns: Both use she/her

Instagram: Dykes on Bikes

Facebook: Dykes on Bikes

Emily has been a proud member of Dykes on Bikes for 18 years, gracing the parade every single time. As the organisation’s President for the last four years, she leads the parade, guiding the marchers up Oxford Street as the protectors of the community. Samantha, Emily’s niece, is in awe of her aunt’s impact, and she was thrilled to ride on the back of Emily’s bike during the 2024“OurFuture” themed Parade, marking her first Mardi Gras experience.

What is your favourite Mardi Gras memory?

Emily:“I’ve been part of Mardi Gras since I was 20, so I’m approaching 30 times now. Leading theParade in 2023 when we returned to Oxford Street for the first time after Covid was definitely myhighlight.”

What event are you looking forward to in 2025?

Emily:“Fair Day is my jam! I’d seen the Parade twice before attending my first Fair Day, and that’s when I really connected with the community. I’m excited to have it back this year because it brings together everyone—young and old. Plus, it’s a nice, relaxed day when you’re not on committee duty!”

Samantha:“I’m really looking forward to the Mardi Gras Film Festival. I haven’t had the chance to attend in previous years, but I’m eager to dive into the work of queer creators in Australia. I’ve worked on film sets both in front of and behind the camera, so I want to explore that process further.”

What does Free to Be mean to you?

Emily:“For me, it’s all about autonomy and self-determination. It’s essential to have the freedom to identify and present yourself in a way that feels right for you. Anything less just isn’t a full life. We all come from various degrees of oppression in our childhoods—be it at school or within our families—but as we shed those layers and embrace our true selves, I absolutely love seeing that journey.”

Samantha:“I see my freedom as a privilege that many in the queer community around the world don’t have. It’s amazing to experience the Sydney queer community, but there are countless places where that’s not a reality. There’s a lot of hidden brutality and oppression out there. I hope that our representation can help someone, somewhere.”

Finish this sentence; Free to be:

Emily:“The person you were born to be.”

Samantha:“The person I’ve realised I could become.”