Community initiative recognises Aussies for their support, involvement or commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community
American Express, principal partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride 2023, has teamed up with Brisbane pop duo, Lisa Origliasso (she/her) and Jessica Origliasso (she/her) from The Veronicas to launch a nationwide community initiative, With You &Proud. The initiative celebrates champions within the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters who proudly back them.
From today, Australians can nominate an individual they would like to recognise for their support, involvement or commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community to attend a special Sydney WorldPride experience including tickets to sold out events, the chance to experience exclusive meet-and-greets, and dining and entertainment vouchers. Fifteen recipients and their nominators will be selected by a panel of representatives from community organisations, Sydney WorldPride and American Express’ Pride+ Colleague Network.
Corrina Davison, Managing Director, American Express Australia & New Zealand says: "American Express is proud to launch a community initiative that pays tribute to individuals who have made a positive difference within the LGBTQIA+ community and share an important message about the power of allyship. As an organisation committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, we recognise the magnitude of what this world-class festival represents and the extraordinary courage it can often take for a person to express their true selves. With You &Proud highlights that having someone by your side showing support can be pivotal in someone’s journey."
The Veronicas are official ambassadors of With You &Proud and staunch supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lisa and Jessica Origliasso say: “For Jessie, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for both of us as passionate allies, we’re honoured to bring American Express’ With You &Proud initiative to life - we can't wait to celebrate this incredible community and share our personal stories of pride together.
“Having grown up deeply connected and involved with the LGBTQIA+ community from a young age and creating safe space for all at our shows for 18 years, representing Australia for WorldPride and being part of this incredible initiative will be an absolute personal and career highlight.”
With You &Proud forms part of American Express’ broader &Proud campaign designed to encourage widespread support of the LGBTQIA+ community during Sydney WorldPride. The campaign will celebrate the myriad of ways the LGBTQIA+ community expresses their pride and their advocates.
Joining The Veronicas to lend their support are celebrities including NBL player Isaac Humphries (he/him) and MasterChef and restaurateur Khanh Ong (he/him). Through social media, each will speak to how their support networks have been instrumental in their journeys of self-expression.
Kate Wickett, CEO Sydney WorldPride says: “With You &Proud is just another way that American Express continues to support the LGBTQIA+ community and Sydney WorldPride at a grassroots level, recognising individuals who have made a difference within the community and really highlighting personal stories of pride. Sydney WorldPride is thrilled to be working with American Express and The Veronicas throughout this campaign.”
American Express’ Sydney WorldPride partnership continues the company’s commitment to supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and society. With You &Proud extends American Express’ My First Mardi Gras community initiative that launched in 2022 and enabled members of the LGBTQIA+ community to experience the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the first time.
To nominate someone you are proud of, complete the With You &Proud nomination form here by 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 29 January 2023.
Learn more about American Express’ involvement in Sydney WorldPride 2023 at www.americanexpress.com.au/swp.
American Express has an unwavering commitment to backing the LGBTQIA+ community and a long-standing promise to uphold an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the customers and communities it supports. American Express has scored 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since 2004, based on the organisation’s policies and practices that support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. American Express’ principal partnership of Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022-2024, continues the organisation’s commitment and involvement in the 2017 Australian Marriage Equality debate and its work and membership in Open for Business, a coalition of global companies making the economic and business case for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in companies around the world. American Express is also an active member of Pride in Diversity and OUT Leadership and received Silver status in the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).
American Express has a dedicated Pride+ Colleague Network that is committed to raising awareness and advancing positive change for all.
Learn more about American Express’ commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in its 2022 DE&I Report.
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Notes to Editors:
About the With You &Proud recipient experience
With You &Proud is designed to help facilitate connections for LGBTQIA+ people and their supporters, and provide a shared platform for authentic, whole, self-expression. The initiative will see 15 recipients and their nominators receive a once in a lifetime experience throughout the 2023 Sydney WorldPride festival.
Recipients will receive tickets to the sold-out Opening Ceremony where they will view a showstopping performance by Kylie Minogue and Charli XCX, VIP viewing access of the Parade, as well as dining and entertainment vouchers at top Sydney venues. They will also be invited to attend American Express events throughout Sydney WorldPride where The Veronicas will feature. Flights and accommodation will be provided for interstate recipients.
Promotion commences 8:00am AEDT Wednesday 18 January 2023 and closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 29 January 2023. The Promoter is American Express Australia Limited. The recipients will be notified by Thursday 9 February 2023 by 12:00pm AEDT. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person. Total prize pool value is up to AU$40,585. For full Terms and Conditions visit: www.americanexpress.com.au/swp.
Other ways American Express is backing the LGBTQIA+ community through &Proud
- American Express small businesses are being invited to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community by displaying &Proud signage in their businesses. The signage is available for download here.
- Live from 19th February - Sunday 5th March, American Express will take over The Oxford on Sydney’s Oxford Street throughout the festival period. ‘Amex House’ will be an exuberant beacon of pride that welcomes one and all – from Sydney locals to WorldPride visitors from across the globe. A space where people can truly express themselves, where they can connect, celebrate and be proud of who they are.
- American Express will back its LGBTQIA+ colleagues as they march in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
About American Express
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About The Veronicas
The Veronicas hail from Australia, yet their impact has been felt around the globe. Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, twin sisters, were teenagers when they moved to Los Angeles, signing a record deal with the grandfather of Punk Rock, Seymour Stein (Madonna, The Ramones) to Warner Bros/Sire Records. They released their first album, “THE SECRET LIFE OF” to critical acclaim with 3 top 10 singles, including their songs with Swedish hitmaker Max Martin (Pink, Britney Spears, The Weekend), 4EVER and EVERYTHING I'M NOT. The Veronicas first #1 followed with their 2nd album “HOOK ME UP”, skyrocketing the girls into the USA market with a billboard top #20 hit of their now iconic hit UNTOUCHED.
The Veronicas surprised their fans in 2015 by releasing a piano driven ballad, “YOU RUIN ME”. A brave departure from their pop/rock roots, which put them in the Australian songwriter’s hall of fame. YOU RUIN ME awarded The Veronicas their second #1 hit, with a top #5 billboard hit in the UK, and throughout Europe. In 2016 The Veronicas were back yet again in the number #1 position with their euphoric dance floor Anthem “IN MY BLOOD”. Currently in the studio working on their 6th studio record, with American powerhouse label Big Noise, it's set for release mid 2023, with USA festival WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, enlisting the girls for a prime position on their 2023 line up.
With countless international awards under their belt from MTV Australia, MTV Europe, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, ARIA, APRA, TMF, and Los Premios MTV, The Veronicas are not slowing down.
On a personal note, The Veronicas have been passionate advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community from the inception of the band in 2005, writing queer centred songs, and music videos, as well as becoming public ambassadors for Marriage Equality in Australia, and equality campaigns around the world for over 18 years.
The Veronicas spectacular 18-year career speaks for itself: solidified as Australian Icons, they are thrilled to return home to Australia for this historic event, representing Australia on the WorldPride stage.