The mother of a gay son who has been a dedicated campaigner for LGBT rights since her son came out in 1998 has been bestowed with the honour of chief of the parade at next Saturday's (3 March) Sydney Mardi Gras parade.

‘When they told me I was chief of parade I wasn’t quite sure what that involved, but when I realised it meant actually leading the procession I was so excited,’ Argent told the Star Observer. ‘To me it’s the ultimate honour from the gay community.’

Argent joined PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) soon after her son James came out to her in 2008, becoming president, in fact the only member, of the Brisbane chapter. Now Brisbane PFLAG has a base of committed parents and family members and Argent is national spokesperson.

This year Argent has campaigned for marriage equality, starring in a national advertising campaign aiming to convince leader of the conservative opposition in Australia, Tony Abbott, to allow his MPs to vote freely in a conscience vote on the issue. Last year she was honoured as Queensland Senior Australian of the Year for her work for LGBT equality.

Every year the chief of parade Sydney Mardi Gras represents the values and spirit of Mardi Gras. Previous chief of parades include campaigner Peter Tatchell, diver Matthew Mitcham and actor Lily Tomlin.

Chair of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the board that oversee the festival, Peter Urmson told Same Same that Argent is ‘the obvious choice’ for chief of parade this year.

‘Shelley has been a tireless supporter of other parents and a persuasive advocate for full equality,’ Urmson said. ‘Her dedication to the rights of her gay son is an inspiration to LGBTQI Australians, their families and the nation as a whole.’

Argent will be joined by her son James and husband Don on the lead float, followed closely by members of PFLAG Australia.

‘If I could have planned my life or thought of what my life might be, I never would have dreamt that I’d be doing all this, but it’s a good thing and one of the lovely advantages of having a gay son,’ she said.