Q-PAH is proud to have taken part in the Brisbane Pride events since our incorporation. Pups and Handlers march in the Rally each year, pups can always be seen serving drinks behind the bar and the Q-PAH tent is a perennial favourite where everyone can pat a puppy and give out affectionate scritches. We're proud of our association with Pride, both the organisation and the broader idea of inclusivity encompased within it.

That said, Q-PAH does not agree with Brisbane Pride Committee's decision this year to forbid Queensland Police Service members from marching in uniform. We denounce that decision unreservedly.

Q-PAH wholeheartedly supports QPS members and their right to march in uniform. We acknowledge the huge amount of work they have done in recent years and decades to reach out to the queer community. And while we don't ignore or diminish the hurts caused to anyone in the past, we look to the future and the hope that police and the queer community can work well together for the safety of all.

Q-PAH invites any member of the police force to march with us, whether in uniform or not.

We have made this postion public as various members have requested a response from us, and even suggested we boycot the event. However, we feel that the interests of our members are best served by us still taking part in the festival. We also feel we can do more good by being present and campaigning for positive change, rather than by giving in to cancel culture.

We have today written to both Queensland Police Service and Brisbane Pride Committee, and that correspondence can be viewed below:

• Our letter to Queensland Police Serivce
• Our letter to Brisbane Pride