aussieBum is an Australian men’s swimwear and underwear brand that was founded in 2001. The brand is known for its high-quality swimmers and underwear, unique designs, and commitment to promoting equality and inclusivity. Today, aussieBum is a well-known global brand that sells a wide range of men’s clothing and accessories. The brand’s products are available online and in retail stores worldwide.
Sean Ashby is the founder of aussieBum. Ashby started the brand in his garage, and it quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality products and unique designs. Apart from men’s fashion, Ashby is passionate about promoting equality and inclusivity, and he frequently uses his business reputation to support these values.
In this Q&A interview, Sean Ashby discusses aussieBum’s upcoming WorldPride event, which is set to take place at The Ark, a private tennis centre in Sydney’s Haberfield on 3 March 2023 between 10am and 1pm.
The event has caused excitement and consternation among the LGBTQ+ community as it is being held at a venue with a controversial reputation. Sean will be sharing his thoughts on the event, why he decided to host it, and what message he hopes to send with this event. So let’s dive in and learn more about this exciting event and aussieBum’s commitment to promoting equality and inclusivity.
Q: Can you tell us about the upcoming WorldPride event that aussieBum is hosting at The Ark in Sydney’s Haberfield?
A: The event is set to take place at The Ark from 10am to 1pm on Friday, 3 March 2023, and it’s a fun-filled celebration that invites everyone to come and participate. The party’s goal is to promote equality, inclusivity, and fun, and it’s an opportunity to show solidarity with attendees who are passionate about these values.
The event also features a free elite gym facility, sauna, and circuit gym, the same place where Nick Kyrgios has trained. For Pilates enthusiasts, there’s state-of-the-art equipment, and for those chasing a pump, a brand new gym is on site to get your groove on.
The event runs from 10 am to 1 pm, providing attendees with ample time to soak up the sun and maximise their tans, allowing them to show off their golden glow at the Bondi Beach Party, Mardi Gras Sissy Ball, and Pride March occuring on the following days.
We also promise a special goodie bag for all attendees, with the first 500 people receiving an extra-special curated gift pack. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as the event will be a lockout, and spaces are limited.
Q: What inspired you to host this event?
A: We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to using our platform to promote these values and to help create a more equal world. The event is all about celebrating equality in an inclusive and fun way.
Q: Can you tell us why the event is controversial?
A: The Ark was opened by Margaret Court, the retired Australian tennis player, and it’s located on land owned by the Catholic Church. It’s a venue with a divisive reputation, but we are determined to make a global statement about living in harmony and supporting equality for all, regardless of their background.
Margaret Court has been vocal in her opposition to same-sex marriage and has made a number of homophobic comments over the years. In 2017, she stated that same-sex marriage was a plot by the devil and that tennis was “full of lesbians”. Despite the controversy surrounding her, Court has continued to stand by her statements, with her church also supporting her views.
Q: How will the event emphasize the theme of unity and inclusivity?
A: We want to make a point with this event that we all need to come together and overcome discrimination many of us have faced in the past. To emphasize the theme of unity and inclusivity, we have invited Deborah Lennis, the Indigenous Australian representative for her land in the Inner West NSW region, to attend and bless the event. This gesture holds great significance since the traditional Aboriginal groups of the Inner West Council area, the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora Nation, will welcome and bless attendees as a show of support for equality.
The controversy surrounding the event at The Ark brings attention to the ongoing global discussions about LGBTQ rights and discrimination. Actor, dancer, and “Gay Street fighter” singer Keiynan Lonsdale, who was born in Sydney, will also be attending the event to support equality for all. He will be performing at the closing concert ‘Rainbow Republic’ for this year’s Sydney World Pride.
Q: How much does it cost to attend the event?
A: The event is complimentary. Attendees can turn up from 10am on Friday, 3 March 2023 at The Ark (Haberfield Tennis Centre). The address is 154A Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield NSW. Attendees can participate in various events, including the “double slip and slide competition,” which has a distinctive moniker, with the winner taking away $5,000. It’s an event not to be missed.
Q: What message do you hope to send with this event?
A: While progress has been made in some areas of gay rights, there is still much work to be done to address discrimination and promote equality for all. We hope to show our support for these values and promote unity and inclusivity through this event.
Media Inquiries: Sean Ashby, Founder +61 405 719 669
Email: sean@aussiebum.com
Date of Event: Friday, 3 March 2023 from 10am – 1pm
Location: THE ARK (Haberfield Tennis Centre), 154A Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield NSW 2045. Signs will direct attendees to the private exclusive The Ark tennis centre
Cost: Complimentary, 500 guests at any one time
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