| Mardi Gras luminary passes on |
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Gowland died peacefully in Surry Hills on Monday afternoon after a long battle with illness. One of a core group of people who initiated the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, in 1978, Gowland held the distinction of driving the first-ever Mardi Gras float, which was also the sole float that year. When police tried to stop the truck, Gowland argued and resisted. Mardi Gras Parade Co-Chair Liz Dods, who helped organise the 78er’s entry in this year’s parade, told SX: “Lance and the 78ers broke new ground. It’s because of the efforts of people like Lance that we have a Mardi Gras today.” Original 78ers Diane Minnis remembered Gowland as “a brave founding member of the first Mardi Gras” while Joseph Chetcuti said he was a “tireless activist”. “Today’s generation owe him a debt of gratitude,” Minnis said. “He shared his passion for justice with others whatever their political views, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation,” said Chetcuti. “Within the gays and lesbian movement, he was a passionate advocate for the rights of lesbians.” Minnis recalled that Gowland was an active member of the Gay Solidarity Group, one of the state’s earliest gay rights groups, and noted that he was also a strong unionist. “It’s fitting that Lance passed away peacefully on Labor Day,” she said. A celebration of Gowland’s life will be held in the coming days.
READ JOSEPH CHETCUTI’S TRIBUTE TO LANCE GOWLAND
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Original Mardi Gras ‘78er’ Lance Gowland has passed away at the age of 73.
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