Open Letter from the LGBTQ+ Community Regarding Mardi Gras’ Relationship with the Police and Corrective Services

To the Board of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras,

Amongst the global upheaval of 2020, Black Lives Matter protests, both here in Australia and in the USA, have shone a light on police brutality and deaths in custody.

As Mardi Gras season approaches, we the undersigned fervently hope that our internationally celebrated pride parade will be able to proceed, but we ask that the board reconsider the participation of the police and corrective services, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

First Nations people are the most incarcerated people in the world, and many have died due to the actions of police without any discipline undertaken against the people involved. Over 440 Black deaths in custody have occurred since the Royal Commission in 1991, including Veronica Baxter, a Sistergirl who died in a cell just 3 days after the 2009 Mardi Gras, and David Dungay Jr, whose family are currently leading Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney.

While First Nations peoples experience police violence in some of the harshest forms this is also an issue for other communities, and has been for some time. People of African, Middle Eastern or Pasifika backgrounds are more heavily policed than White Australians, and trans women in many states face the choice of harsh isolation or ongoing sexual violence within a male prison system. The role of police and prisons in our society is something we should all be re-evaluating, but especially those of us who identify as LGBTQI+ and remember the origin of Mardi Gras, that first night in 1978.

These issues are not isolated, but reflect a structural issue with the police and prison system. Not long ago the NSW Police Commissioner justified the strip searching of underage girls with the suggestion that it was important for young people to be afraid of the police. He has also made every effort to prevent Black Lives Matter activists from speaking out about the actions of the NSW Police.This suppression of free speech and protest has been compared to the violence of the first Mardi Gras by both 78ers and First Nations Rainbow. We are not optimistic that change will come if we stay silent.

We trust that you understand the gravity of the issue. As community members, and participants in Mardi Gras in many different forms, we are integral to the festival, party and parade. Given the issues raised by Black Lives Matter and the history of homophobic police violence in the parade — even as recently in 2013 toward Jamie Jackson Reed — we do not want the festival that we make possible to be one that promotes the activity of the NSW Police and Corrective Services.

We are also concerned that Mardi Gras has a private accord that has been signed with the police following the events in 2013. Since that time the parade has continued to be over-policed with sniffer dogs, strip searches, and use of police in the parade to silence people protesting in support of First Nations peoples. It is difficult to be part of an event when we do not know what agreement has been made with police on behalf of all those who perform, volunteer, and participate in the parade and Mardi Gras in general.

We request you collaborate with us to send a message to NSW Police, and in turn the Government and the public: that we will not accept the violence and brutality toward First Nations people and all others who suffer at the hands of the police; and that, as Mardi Gras, and as the community who participate in Mardi Gras and make Mardi Gras what it is, we do not want to be associated with these practices.

We understand that this puts Mardi Gras in a difficult position, and financial issues are difficult to manage in the midst of Covid-19. Community organisations are often just as reliant on the goodwill of the government and sponsors, as they are fundraising through events. We wish this were a country where the arts and cultural organisations were funded, rather than the police. We are aware of these complexities, and that there is no simple answer to a larger dilemma. However, while we strongly support Mardi Gras, as a LGBTQIA+ community we are the people that march in, watch, and are creatives in a parade that currently promotes the branding of the NSW Police.

So we ask the Board: what will you do?

We ask you to act in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and all of those who face violence and repression at the hands of the policing and prison system. We request that the Board end the tradition of the NSW Police Force float and the NSW Corrective Services float for future parades, whenever they may be, including any marches for World Pride 2023, make public any deals that have been signed with the police, and take a stance on the policing of the parade. This is an opportunity for Mardi Gras to join Pride festivals across the world in taking a stand against police violence. We are also asking you to respond with urgency.

We want to highlight that no individual is being excluded from the Parade, police officers and those in corrective services who are LGBTQIA+ identified may still march, they can do so under the many other amazing community floats that are involved in the Parade, just not under the NSW Police or Corrective Services banner.

We also encourage the Board to engage with First Nations and POC communities about the possible inclusion of a Black Lives Matter/No Deaths in Custody float.

We hope this discussion extends to many cultural institutions in the hope of highlighting the inequities in our society. We believe that this is a crucial challenge that we need to engage with, as LGBTQI+ people and as allies to First Nations communities, and we invite you to join us in meeting this challenge as best we can.

We look forward to hearing your response and given the urgency of this issue, hope that we can receive it by the 6th of November, 2020.

Thank you for your consideration.

SIGN THE LETTER!

We have closed signatures for this letter, and we have sent it to Mardi Gras. We will update you as soon as we hear back!

SIGNATORIES

ORGANISATIONS

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, Mardi Gras Members, Community Members, Involved in Mardi Gras Events

House of Slé, Sissy Ball Artists 2018–2020

House of Silky, Sissy Ball Artists 2020

House of Luna, Sissy Ball Artists 2018–2020

House of Dévine, Sissy Ball Artists 2020

CARR — Community Action for Rainbow Rights, Parade Participants

Pride in Protest, Parade Participants and Mardi Gras Members Caucus

Red Rattler Theatre, Event Space for Mardi Gras Festival Shows

Control, Regular Mardi Gras Event

Sydney Bi+ Network, Community Organisation, Fair Day Stall Holders

Department of Homo Affairs

No Pride in Invasion

Industrial Workers of the World: Warrang/Sydney General Members Branch

Undercurrent Community Education Project

Bi+ Community Perth

Bisexual Alliance Victoria

YGender

Street Roller Hockey Chix Club

Australian Student Environment Network — NSW

Victorian Pride Lobby

Mallee Pride

Macquarie University Queer Collective

UNSW People of Colour Collective

UNSW Women’s Collective

UNSW Grassroots

USYD Queer Action Collective

USYD Autonomous Collective Against Racism

USYD Environment Collective

NUS Queer Department

MSA Queer Department

MSA People of Colour Department

MSA Women’s Colective

NTEU Fightback — University of Sydney

National Union of Students

Gleam, Queer Student Organisation

MRS QUEER, Queer Student Representative Body

Melbourne Sound School

Lipp Media

Intersectional Irish Dancers

INDIVIDUALS

Rhonda Dixon Grovenor, Gadigal, Bidjigal, Dharawal, Yuin Elder

Esther Montgomery, Mardudhunera Elder

Montaigne, Singer-Songwriter, Express Yourself headliner 2020

Tom Ballard, Former Co-Host of SBS’s Mardi Gras Coverage, Mardi Gras Performer and Member

Bhenji Ra, Sissy Ball Curator 2018–2020, House of Slé Mother

Brendan Maclean, Singer-Songwriter, Express Yourself artist 2020

Celeste Liddle, Writer, Community Member

Nayuka Gorrie, Queer Thinking Speaker 2018

Witt Gorrie, Community Member

Alison Whittaker, Queer Thinking Speaker 2020, Community Member, Artist

Anne-lise Ah-fat, Undercurrent Victoria, Queer Thinking Speaker

Maeve Marsden, Producer Queerstories, Former Curator Queer Thinking Mardi Gras 2019–2020, Mardi Gras Member

Barkaa, Rapper, Ally

Mitzi Macintosh, Artist

Roj Amedi, Queer Thinking Speaker 2018 and 2020, LGBTIQ+ community member

Sally Rugg, Queer Thinking speaker 2018 and 2020, Parade Participant 2014–2019, Donor 2016–2020

Charlie Villas, DJ, Mardi Gras Party artist 2019-2020, Festival Program artist 2019-2020

Jax Jacki Brown, Queer Thinking Speaker 2019

Demi Lardner, Comedian, Laugh Out Proud Mardi Gras 2020

Kiki Dévine, Sissy Ball Artist 2020, House of Dévine Mother

Karlee Misipeka, Sissy Ball Artist 2018–2020, House of Luna Mother

Christina Radburn, Producer, Community Member, House of Slè

Keith Quayle, Community Member

Jade Quayle, Ally

Caroline Andersen, First Nations Community Member

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, First Nations Community Member

Corey, First Nations Community Member

Mitch Hibbens, Queer Wiradjuri Community Member

Warner Joseph Ward, Mardi Gras Member, Twenty10 Board Director

Monica Zanetti, Parade Participant 2015–2020, Mardi Gras Film Festival Participant/Filmmaker

Arden Cassie, Queer Thinking Speaker 2020

Zoe Terakes, Actor

David Abello, Disability Activist, 78er, Mardi Gras Lifetime Member

Ray Delaney, Parade Participant, 1988 First Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Float

Rae, 78er

Franc Hancock, 78er

Dave Urquhart, Artist, 78er, Mardi Gras Life Member

Simon Hunt AKA Pauline Pantsdown, Community Member

Lee Rhiannon, Mardi Gras Member

Kylee Nicholls, Parade Audience Engagement Team Member and Leader 2011–2017

Dyan Tai, Musician, Community Show Mardi Gras Party 2020

Marcus Whale, Musician, Queer Art After Hours 2018

Joshua Badge, Writer, Queer Thinking Speaker 2020

Nevo Zisin, Queer Thinking Speaker 2019, Featured on Sponsored Mardi Gras Float, Author

Huntly, Fair Day Mardi Gras 2020 Artist

Blake Lawrence, Performing Artist, 2017, 2019 and 2020 Queer Art After Hours and Mardi Gras Party

Cassie Workman, Comedian, Laugh Out Proud Mardi Gras 2020

Rebecca Shaw, Community Member

Lupa J, Musician, Queer Art After Hours 2020

Miranda Aguilar, Writer, PLAYLIST 2018, Queer Artist, Community Member

Eloise Monteiro, Mardi Gras Member, Bi+ Visibility float organiser 2020, Sydney Bi+ Network Fair Day stall volunteer 2019 & 2020

Liz Duck-Chong, Queer Thinking Speaker 2019

Hannah Joy-Gillard, Doctoral Researcher, Queer Thinking Speaker 2019

Zaya Barroso, Musician, Queer Art After Hours 2020

June Jones, Performer and Musician at Homage Mardi Gras 2020

HipHopHoe, DJ, Mardi Gras Party 2019 & 2020, Mardi Gras Launch 2019

Aren Aizura, Associate Professor University of Minnesota, Speaker Queer Thinking Mardi Gras 2019–2020

Paul Kidd, Speaker Involved in Mardi Gras Events, Queer Thinking Speaker 2019 & 2020

Hot Brown Honeys, Artists, Mardi Gras Launch 2020, Mardi Gras Festival 2020

imbi the girl, Artist

Stereogamous, Artists

Meredith Williams, Event Organiser, Video Artist, Curator, Red Rattler Programming Director

Tenille Rogers, Red Rattler Board Director, Performer, Artist, Musician

Aunty Johnny of the Dollar Bin Darlings, DJ, Queer Art After Hours 2019, Mardi Gras Party 2019, Mardi Gras Member

Christabel Millar, Community Member, President of Living Positive Victoria

Twiggy Styx, Drag Artist, Community Show Mardi Gras Party 2020

Tosh Lanyon, DJ (Dutch Kiss) Mardi Gras Party 2020

Sophia Davidson Gluyas, Lesbian Playwright of The Bed Party (Mardi Gras Event 2019), Community Member, Parade Participant.

Cat Rose, Co-convener of Community Action for Rainbow Rights, Mardi Gras Member

Krishna Istha, Artist and Performer

Annaliese Constable, Comedian, Event Organiser

Katelyn Jones, Queer First Nations Community Lawyer

Helen Razer, Writer

Cassie Tongue, Community Member, Culture Writer and Critic

Hoax Trinket, Queer Artists

The Huxleys, Artists, Several Mardi Gras Events

Nic O’Lodeon, Drag Artist, Community Show Mardi Gras Party 2020

Et Cetera, Drag Artists and Event Curator

Hayley Dinnison, Producer, Video Artist, President/Founder of Street Roller Hockey Chix Club

Emily Thornley, National Convenor, Australian Queer Students’ Network

Dashie Prasad, NUS Queer Officer and Mardi Gras Member

Jay Muir, Macquarie University Queer Collective Co-President

Roxana Fitzpatrick, Macquarie University Queer Collective Co-President

Priya Gupta, University of Sydney SRC Queer Officer, NSW University Student Float Organiser Mardi Gras 2020

Jain Moralee, Parade Participant, Mardi Gras Member, Queer Screen General Manager

Chloe London, Hostess, Event Curator, Artist

Sherrie Beaver, I Sign. I Wander Blogger, Community Member

Isabel Blanchard, AUWU Secretary, Mardi Gras Member

Jonno Revanche, Mardi Gras Member, Journalist

Aysha Zaharin, Forcibly Displaced People Network

Adele Perovic, Actor, Writer, Community Member

Patrick Morrow, Mardi Gras Member

Honey Christensen, LGBTQI+ person

Erin Hodge, Community Member

Nicholas, Community Member

The Cat’s Face Tailor D FitzGerald, Arts Worker, Community Member

Jules Wilkinson, Community Member

Brianna Bullivant, Community Member

Kath MacDonald, Community Member

Tara Rowan, Friend and Ally

Abi Ablon, Community Member

Tom Williams, Community Member

Miranda Jordan, Community Member

Alex Bouchet, Mardi Gras Member

Evan Van Zijl, Mardi Gras Member

Bridget Harilaou, Mardi Gras Member

Amber Loomis, Mardi Gras Member

Lungol Wekina, Mardi Gras Member

Momo Newberry, Mardi Gras Member

Hayden Moon, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Amanda Z, Mardi Gras Member

Emily Hogan, Community Member, Parade Participant

Markela Panegyres, LGBTQI+ Community Member, Artist

Luna Celeste, Community Member

Jessie Lu, Mardi Gras Member

Genevieve Malloy, Community Member

Sage Eloise Savins, Community Member

Sinea Weintz, Queer Community Member

Mahyar Pourzand, Community Member

Ben Robinson, Community Member

Aston Ashley, Community Member

Ivy Scurr, Academic, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Katherine Shead, Community Member

Cassandra, Community Member

Chad Barnier, Mardi Gras Member

Alfred Pek, Community Member

Andre Bosch, Mardi Gras Member

Alex Kropper, Community Member, Previous Mardi Gras Member

Ruby Pandolfi, Mardi Gras Member

Kaitlin Mitchell, Community Member

Lyn Luu, Community Member

Raven, Community Member

Connor Parissis, Mardi Gras Member

Tara, Community Member

Ben Moroney, Mardi Gras Member

David Briggs, Mardi Gras Member

Dani Cotton, Mardi Gras Member

Amy Clarke, Community Member

Taylor Redwood, Community Member

Paul Collins, Mardi Gras Attendee

Emery Boccanfuso, Parade Participant, Academic Author, LGBTIAQ+ peer counsellor

Axel Rose, Community Member

Finola Laughren, Community Member

Theodore Sim, Community Member

Priscilla Iles, Community Member

Briana Symons, Community Member

Angela Ludlow, Community Member

Dylan Barnes, Community Member

Kaylee Rankin, Community Member

Caitlin Remy, Parade Participant, Community Member

Nasrin Keast, Community Member

Alex, Community Member

Chris Maltby, Community Member

Theodore White, Community Member

Bede Carr, Community Member

Aaron Hind, Community Member

Tobi Jeffs, Community Member

Alex Clarke, Mardi Gras Member

Raelee Lancaster, Community Member

Alycia Ashcroft, Community Member

Chelsea Large, Queer Community Member

Katie Wells, Community Member

Amelia Mertha, Mardi Gras Member

Jay Shelley, LGBTQ+ Youth

Tom Hume, Community Member

Amiya, Community Member

J Mills, Community Member

Meeghan Oliver, Community Member

Rabiah, Community Member

Thomas Backhaus, Community Member

Frances Lockie, Community Member

Mackenzie Martin, Community Member

Nicholas Linsley, Community Member

Lachlan Monsted, Mardi Gras Member

Jasmine Noud, Queer Community Member — who stopped being a Mardi Gras member due to the Board’s ongoing support of police and corrective services

Yen-Rong Wong, Community Member

Ashley Campbell, Community Member

Joshua Francis, Producer, Organiser, Community Member

Richard Watts, Queer Community Member

Elen O’Connor, Community Member

Madhuraa Prakash, Mardi Gras Member

Clodagh, Mardi Gras Member

Fionn Volkov, Community Member

Andrew, Community Member

Troy Kelly, Community Member

Bec Gerrard, Community Member

Pamela Piechowicz, Community Member

Anna Olivia Burnett, Queer Person

Veronica Coffey, Community Member

Danielle Hart, Community Member

James W, Community Member

Louise Knox, Community Member

Matt Andonov, Community Member

Claire Bostock, QTIPoC Community Member

Ben Rolfe, Ally

James White, Community Member

Lee, Community Member

Tash P, Community Member

Zoe McMillan, Community Member

Maddy Tolhurst, Community Member

Caitlin, Community Member

Sam McGowan, Community Member

Tara Mae, Community Member

J. Rosenbaum, Community Member

Jules Kelly, Community Member

Jarrod Melmeth, Community Member

Ginger, Mardi Gras Attendee

Ruin McGuire, Active Queer Community Member

Av De Vries, Genderqueer Man

Alison Hopkins, Community Member

Briar Rolfe, Community Member

Taneha, Community Member

Matthew Fiacchi, Community Member

Emily Wilkinson, Community Member

Jude Gosden, Community Member

Michela Ledwidge, Community Member, Creative Business Owner

Cyndal Nelson, LGBTIQA+ Community Member

Ben Cooper, LGBTI Rights Australia Admin

Vanamali Hermans, Community Member

Kelly Murray, Community Member

Jeremiah Bone, Community Member

Nathan Shugg, Community Member

Luke Sanderson, Community Member

Ben Fowler, Community Member

Lexa Adams, Community Member

Christopher Adams, Supporter of LGBTQIA+ Rights

Reed Atkinson, Community Member

Rebecca Cushway, Community Member

Liam York, Community Member

Sonder Peters, Community Member

Lena Li, Community Member

Ava A, Community Member

Amelia Smoker, Community Member and Advocate/Ally

Timothy Mannering, Community Member

Ashley Nichols, Bi+ Community Member

Angus, Community Member

Crina Belevi, Community Member, Previous Volunteer/Event Organiser

Tim Livingstone, Mardi Gras Member

Jacqueline Marks, Community Member

Coby Hutton, Community Member

Hannah Lawrence, Community Member

Laura McClintock, Community Member

Hayley Rochefort, Community Member

Kim Kemmis, Community Member

Chelsea Burgemeister, Ally

Tash Howson, Community Member

Katie Wrigley, Fervent Lesbian

Charley Sanders, Community Member

Kochava Lilit, Queer Disabled Activist, Community Member

Teresa Savage, Community Activist and Veteran of at least 30 Mardi Gras

Lisa McDermott, Community Member

Natasha, Community Member

Taylah Lanting-Jolly, Community Member

Keenan Smith, Community Member

Anna Ho, Community Member

Jenn Blake, Fambo Festival, Community Member

Jen Peden, Community Member

Cooper, Community Member

Katherine Hobbs, Community Member

Catherine Văn-Davies, Performer, Community Member

Elias Blanch, Community Member

Naomi Munro, Community Member

April Hayward, Community Member

Braedyn Edwards, Community Member

Thierry Falcone, Community Member

Luke Ottavi, Community Member

Mahmoud Eideh, Mardi Gras Member

Stephen Woods, Community Member who has been abused by police

Julia Thomas, Community Member

Nora Selviana, Mardi Gras Member

Katie Morrison, Community Member

Rebecca Annetts, Community Member

Clare Hawley, Community Member

Victoria Falconer, Community Member

Kylie Benton-Connell, Community Member

Lana Laham, Community Member

Olivia, Community Member

Crystal Miller, Community Member

David Laws, Mardi Gras Member

Ray Ziesing, Mardi Gras Member

Ellie Stephenson, Community Member

Stella Marlis, Community Member

Lachlan Good, Mardi Gras Member

Thomas Sargeant, Community Member

Amanda Galea, Community Member, Previous Performer

Paul Gregoire, Journalist

Lila Lake, Community Member

Stephanie Robertson, Community Member

Josep Grew Figuerola, Community Member

Bonnie Huang, Community Member

Anie Kandya, Community Member

Ella Vee, Community Member

Sophie O’Bryan, Community Member

Matthew Siddall, Community Member

Amy Lesac, Community Member

Melissa P, Community Member

Annamaria Scarimbolo, Community Member

Grimmer, Community Member, Artist

Sophia Roberts, Mardi Gras Member

Jackie De Lacy, Community Member

Tamsyn Michael, Community Member

Eli E, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Naif-Jamie Martin, Known Fag (signatory’s own words)

Kim, Community Member

Cat Knight, Community Member, Queer Mental Health Worker

Michael Schembri, Community Member, Activist

Belle Beare, Community Member

Liz Ross, Community Member

Mitch Gillett, Community Member

Caitie Gutierrez, Member of the Bisexual Community

Arden Sloane, Community Member

Loukas Kakogiannis, Mardi Gras Member, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union

Patrick Durnan Silva, Community Member

Kira Evans, Mardi Gras Member

Lakshmi Krishnan, Community Member

Shiralee Dennis, LGBT Community Member

Aimee Platts, Community Member

Ryan Dodd, LGBTI Community Member

Dettie Sebastian, Community Member

Tarneen Onus-Williams, Community Member

Julia Harris, Community Member

Bailie Erbacher, Community Member

Avery Howard, Community Member

Kate Buchanan, Community Member

Cobie Farmer, Community Member

Kaj Brown, Community Member

Blake WIlson, Community Member

Jacqui, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Malaika Green, Mardi Gras Member

Alanah Parkin, Community Member

Saria Green, Community Member

Guy Segev, Community Member

Andrew Bagala, Artist

Rachel Hayden, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Alex, Community Member

Samuel Leighton-Dore, Community Member, Artist

Evan Kisseloff, Community Member

Catherine Bouris, Community Member, Parade Participant 2016 & 2017, Freelance Writer

Girl Bear, Writer, Disability Activist, Lesbian Bear, CPSU Member

Aki Swift, Community Member

Sofie Nicolson, Community Member

Sophie Dean, Community Member

Sal, DJ

Liv Beaumont, LBTQIA+ Community Member

Natalie Shields, Community Member

Alison Wong, Community Member

Catherine Tatuila, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Riki Scanlan, Mardi Gras Member

Psychology of Thriving, Community Member

Ruby Leonard, Community Member

Andrew Wilkie, Community Member, Parade Participant

Rebecca, Community Member

Clayton Waddell, Community Member

Angelica M, Community Member

Ivan Crozier, Community Member, Writer

Emma Barnes, Another Trans Person Terrified of the Police

Grace Siminski, Community Member

Ben Bakker, Community Member

Clarrie Lock, Community Member

Isabella Mrljak, Community Member

Theodore Quinn, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Natasha Kennedy, Community Member

Sam Dengate, Community Member

Kate Thompson, Community Member

Gemma Stubbs, UNSW Student

Scott Kirkaldy, Community Member

Mackenzie Benato, Community Member

Louise Nolan, Community Member

Dash Barnes, Community Member

Ailish Gannon, Community Member

Darcy Hytt, Community Member

Willow McCauley, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Ka Chun Tse, Community Member

Harrison Cromarty, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Jordanna Moroney, Mardi Gras Member

Siena, Community Member

Caitlin Molloy, Community Member

Emma Randall, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Mo, FERN Collective, Community Member

Jacob Gillard, Community Member

Tzion Desta, Community Member

Jacinta Hennekam, Community Member

Sophie Alder, Community Member

Sarah Jane, Community Member

Zachary Pidd, Community Member

Edden, Lover of Mardi Gras, Supporter of LGBTQIA+ Rights

Alana Rivera Kingston, Community Member

Carys, Community Member

Jasmine Fletcher, LGBTQIA+ Community Member, Advocate for Queer Rights

Katherine Moten, Community Member

Adam Oehlman, Mardi Gras Member

Declan Saunders, Community Member

Ace Wood, Community Member

Natalie Vigo, Community Member

Jes Layton, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Nathalie Macgregor, Community Member

Boz Izzet, Community Member

Kylie, Community Member

Lucy Adams, Community Member

Tom Bridges, Community Member

Laura Du Ve, Community Member, Photographer

Joseph Larkings, Community Member

Florin Douglas, Community Member

Basjia Almaan, Community Member

Tanya van der Weert, Community Member, Parade Participant

Chloe Genion, Community Member

Tam Bower, Ally

Caitlyn Hearne, Community Member

Lani, Ally

Jennifer Tsai, Artist

Macauley Mckenzie, Ally

Peoly Gunaratne, Community Member

Louise McMahon, Community Member, Artist at 2020 Mardi Gras Event

Mimmi-Rose Paljakka, Community Member

Kel Henderson, Community Member

Elysia Desille, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Aurora Green, Community Member

Bella Pavia, Community Member

Claire Mulraney, Community Member

Camille Gierck, Community Member

Hasan, Community Member

Natalie Ironfield, Community Member

Shayaki N, Community Member

Connor Gordon, Community Member

Julia Paterson, Community Member

Ivy McGowan, Community Member

Nick Lazzara, Community Member

Emily, Community Member

Joshua Jasper, Community Member

Nighean McConchie, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Anatole Auzou, Community Member

Hannah Chapman, Concerned Queer

Mitch Evans, Community Member

Clare Rosen McGarry, Community Member, Lifelong Attendee

Base Gulmez, Community Member

Ishanavi B, Community Member

Fergus McCracken, Community Member

Isabel Samantha, Community Member

James Morley, Community Member

Dr. Naomi Koh Belic, Community Member

I. Chapman, Community Member

Alicia Harvey, Mardi Gras Member

Zoe Nadenbousch, Community Member

Luke Corcoran-Smith, Community Member

Thomas Athan, Ally

Carrell Hambrick, Community Member

Alex Dowell-Day, Mardi Gras Member

Lara O’Brien, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Stacey Little, Community Member

Bradley Storer, Community Member

Jack Stewart, Community Member

Elizabeth Wait, Community Member

Tegan Kop, Community Member

Pauline Coffey, Community Member

Aurelia Pichay, Community Member

L. Simpson, Community Member

Kirra Hampson, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Cameron Stewart, Community Member

Dr. Léuli Eshraghi, Community Member

Ella Horska, Community Member

Jess Allen, Community Member

Jessica Warr, Community Member

Cara Roe, Community Member

Laurrie Brannigan-Onato, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Rodney Hanratty, Community Member

Lydia Hobden, Community Member

Martti Siitonen, Community Member

Shiri Nassi, Community Member

Mikael Johannes Tailor, Community Member, Activist

Josh Joy, Community Member

Isabella Barker, Community Member

Al Littlewood, Community Member

Emma Balfour, Community Member

Eddie Gardiner, Community Member

Abi Ablon, Community Member

Tash Bartlett, Community Member

Linus Zheng, Community Member

Ruby McAllan, Community Member

Jacobin Bosman, Community Member

Bachelorette Beauty, Community Member

Aimee Rachael, Community Member

Rosie Pavlovic, Community Member

Andrew Sutherland, Community Member

Theo Delaney, Community Member

Connor Dansie, Community Member

Eleanor Moller, Community Member

Addison Hunt, Community Member

Gavin Kurtz, Community Member

Mikaela Wood, Community Member

Caitlin Sullivan, Community Member

Selena, Community Member

Josephine Walsh, LGBTQI+ Community Member

Lucy Seale, Community Member

Louise Stockton, Community Member

Bella Mayweather, Community Member

Elle, Community Member

Alicia May, Community Member

Allison Blinkhorn, Community Member

Marti Kaiser, Community Member

David Geoffrey Hall, Community Member

May Sharma, Community Member

Cosmo Varty, LGBTQI+ Community Member

Henry Small, Community Member

Lachlan B, Community Member

Raven Esque, Community Member

Klementine Burrell-Sander, Community Member

Hayden Williams, Mardi Gras Member

Maggie Holles, Regular Mardi Gras Attendee

Sana Altai, Community Member

Jamie Livingstone, Community Member

Rashini Suriyaarachchi, Parade Participant, Community Member

Alexander Lawrie, Community Member

Brodie James, Parade Participant

Henry Nelson, Community Member

Jason Fernandez, Mardi Gras Member

Marlena Dalí, Artist, Event organiser

James Sherriff, Community Member

Lauren Bull, Community Member

Morgan, Ally

Amber Karanikolas, LGBTQI+ Community Member

Colvin, Community Member

Gideon Cohen, Community Member

Amy Sutherland, Community Supporter

Andrew Tolé, Community Member

Jasmine Takchi, Community Member

Connor O’Donnell, Community Member

Vanessa Porter, Community Member

Maya Thomas, Community Member

Claudia Gallois, Community Member

Harrison Sharpe, Community Member

Grace, Community Member and Parade Participant

Georgia Marley, Community Member

Grace Willcocks, Community Member

Amber Deanna, Community Member

Elena, Community Member

Michele Vescio, Community Member

Megan Stosser, Member of LGBT+ Community

Zoe Rixon, Community Ally

Madeleine Mitchell, Community Member

AJ, Community Member

Natasha, Community Member

Naomi Dingle, Community Member

Kristen Sclater, Community Member

Lumi Lee Jones, Community Member

Lachlan Musician, Ally

Monique Dennehy, Community Member

Adrian Kalaiziovski, Community Member

Harry Kennewell, LGBTQIA+ Community Member, Mardi Gras Member

Anastasia La Fey, Community Member

Ronnie Scott, Community Member

Colin Dunn, Community Member

Dr. Matthew Ball, Community Member

Cath Young, Community Member

Holly Dixon, Community Member

Fotini Kapsabelis, Community Member

Aishlin O’Leary, Community Member

Trinity, Community Member, Involved with Pride in Protest

Jaime Brown, Bisexual Genderqueer Woman

Raymond Temple, Community Member

Ella Somerville Glover, Community Member

Tamsin Melland, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Jack Trudgett, Community Member

Bonnie Leigh, Community Member

Brie, Community Member

Julian Grace, Community Member

Lisa St Clair, Community Member

Amber, Community Member

Liam, Queer Trans Community Member

Rachel Maria Cox, Artist

Jen Cloher, Community Member

Charlie Komsic, Community Member

Isaac, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Sophie Perillo, Community Member

Remy Coleman, Community Member

Graham Price, Mardi Gras Member

Sharon Wong, Community Member

Alice Quinn, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Katherine Back, Community Member

Ele Jenkins, Community Member

Emma Jones, Community Member

Hannah Firth, Community Member

Paul Byron, Community Member

Jonathan Griffiths, Community Member

Meg Cooke, Float Participant

Jax, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Matthew Delaney, Community Member

Kasey Gambling, Community Member

Annika Wagar, Community Member

Trelawney Edgar, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Aaron Lucas, Community Member, Float Participant

Maria Veloso, Community Member

Laura Stortenbeker, Community Member

Meg Sheehan, Community Member

Kirsty Whyte, Rainbow Community

Darcy Lumtin, Community Member

Helena, Community Member

Sophia, Community Member

Erica Wild, Community Member

Mitchell Geddes, Ally

Mabel Warth, Supporter

Laura Irwin, Community Member

Emily Greenwood, Community Member

Alice McDonald, Community Member

Leilani G, Community Member

Bec Stewart, Community Member

Kiri Davies, Community Member

Lara, Community Member, Float Participant

Julia Packard, Community Member

Tara Willoughby, Community Member

Thanh Pham, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Tristan Niemi, Community Member

David James Young, LGBT Music and Arts Journalist

Claire Anderson, Community Member

Sera, Community Member

Emily C, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Jarryd Prain, Community Member

Jack Carpenter, Community Member

Genevieve Hassett, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Yasmin Archibald, Community Member, Parade Participant

Lisa, Community Member

Laura Forbes, Community Member

Claire aka Gus Bowden, Community Member

Pony (Business Pony), Trans and Queer Artist, Kaurna Yerta

Emilie D’Acre, Community Member

Matthew Kneller, Community Member

David Arundell, Community Member

James Ferguson, Community Member

Bryony, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Genesis Mansilongan, Artist, Community Member

Vanessa Morrow, Community Member

Peta Kiernan, Community Member

Hannah Lehmann, Community Member

Tom Wright, Community Member

Timothy Blofield, Mardi Gras Member

Holly Wilson, Community Member

Stacey Abdilla, Community Member

Abhainn Treacy, Community Member

Harriet Cronley, Mardi Gras Member

Mo Musil, Community Member

Betty Buckrich, Community Member

Scott Dunsdon, Community Member

Stella Farnan, Community Member

Mal, Community Member

Catherine Davies, Community Member

Mel Waters, Community Member

Jones K, Community Member

Darren Livings, Community Member

Cai O’Donnell, Community Member

Amelia Black, Community Member

Nick Nesbitt, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Sara Aberdeen, Community Member

Wahaj Badri, Community Member

Matt Mcenally, Community Member

Maddison, Community Member, Parade Participant

Louise Lambert, Community Member

Madi Jay, Community Member

Bridgette Murphy, Community Member

Ben Scott, Community Member

Nina Lee, Community Member

Cleonie Quayle, Ally

Victoria, Community Member

Joseph Leone, Community Member

Jema Gaskin Charles, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Connie Batchelor, Transgender Community Member

Tanya Nguyen, Community Member

Emma D, Community Member

Tasha Tong, Community Member

Braden Sheehan, Ally

Caitlyn, Community Member

Charlotte Caddick, Community Member

Naomi Webb, Community Member

Sophie Pezzutto, Community Member

Lila Rhodes, Community Member

Sarah Johnson, Mardi Gras Attendee

Kat Reimann, Community Member

Arlia Fleming

Ava Lacoon-Robinson, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Tyrone Bullivant, Community Member

Thomas O’Connell, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Charlie Lewis, Community Member

Cody Brown (Demonica), Drag Queen

Leslie Holland, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Michael Szabo, Community Member

Rebekkah Law, Community Member

Sid Littlewood, Mardi Gras Member

Jennifer Cant, Community Member

Victoria Wauchop, Ally

Sarah Barry, Community Member

Dylan Stiens, Community Member

Aleeza, Community Member

Honey Sassano, Community Member

James Stroinovsky, Community Member

Shelby Robertson, Community Member

Stephanie Walker, Community Member

Caitlin Davey, Community Member

Janet Carter, Artist

Alexandra Officer McIntyre, Community Member

Jacklyn Rose, Member of the LGBTQ+ community

Lisa Alexander, Community Member

Lindsay McCabe, Community Member

Dove Hollier, Community Member, Advocate, Activist, Entertainer

Vanessa Li, Community Member

Honae Cuffe, Member of the Queer Community

Monica Fahey, Community Member

Bethany Colton, Community Member

Shayna Watson, Community Member

Ainslie Templeton, Artist, Community Member, Parade Participant

Maya Ophir-Verheyden, Community Member

Hannah Hitchcock, Community Member

Brighid Fitzgerald, Community Member

Thao L, Community Member

Natalie Blokh, Community Member

Cylie, Community Member

Tristan Ryan, Mardi Gras Member

Luca Bianchino, Community Member

Phil Evans, LGBTIQA+ Community Member

Elyse Constable, Queer Community Member

Jen Sutton, Community Member

Tamara, Queer Community Member

Emma Sinn, Community Member

Emiria Tellegen, Community Member

Emma Druett, Community Member

Riley Glen, Community Member

Jake Severino, Community Member

Alex, Community Member

Selin Karakus, Community Member

Aarin S , Community Member

Tony Morello, Community Member

Fay Kyuman, Community Member

Siobhan Thomasson, Queer Parade Participant

Ekta Sharma, Mardi Gras Member

Karla Sinn, Community Member

Amy Simonella

Laura Clarke, Community Member

Stephen Nicholson, Mardi Gras Member

Emalee Plater, Community Member

Alex Buist, Community Member

Mariko Everett, Community Member

Mel Smithers, Community Member

Stephanie Rosier, Community Member

Stevie, Community Member

Aneshka Mora, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Chris Cornale, Community Member

Effy Elden, Community Member

Clare Lucre, Community Member

Paul Kelaita, Community Member

Anwen C, Community Member

Apple Jack Brown, TGD Advocate, Parade Participant, Speaker, Mardi Gras Member

Poppy King, Member of Mardi Gras community

Anastasia Keshan, Stylist

Ella Klarich, Community Member, Community Member

Rohan Whitele, Community Membery

Laura, Community Member

Peter McGrath, Community Member

Melanie, Community Member

Troy Byrnes, Community Member

Mia Falstein-Rush, Community Member

Fiach Smyth, Queer

Aida Azin, Friend of the Queer Community

Harpreet Dhillon, Mardi Gras Member

Mik Ucherek, Mardi Gras Member

Katy Breakwell, Community Member

Marnie Bee, Community Member

Nunzio Madden, Queer Artist, Musician

Tahlia Geach, Community Member

Tahlia Biggs , Community Member

Henry Mullan, Community Member

Tara S, Community Member

Eliza Berlage, Former Mardi Gras member

Dasha, Professional Theatre-Maker, Community Violence Education Worker

Robert Meek, Community Member

Ash Kennedy, Queer Australian

Kate Hutchinson, Community member and social worker

Bryn Hutchinson, Member, NSW Legislative Council Candidate 2019, Community Member

Rebecca Callander, Community supporter

Julian May, Community Member

Holly Wilson, Community Member

Tay Tallis, Community Member

James Cruz, Community Member

Imogen Maclean, Community Member

Hannah Sycamore, Community Member

Anastas Miller-Csapo, Community Member

Charlotte Smee, Community Member

Jack Morris, Community Member

Issy Phillips, Community Member

Jess Connoley, Community Member

Cassie, Community Member

Anonymous Mardi Gras Member

Shannen Findlay, Supporter Of The Community

Joshua Han, Mardi Gras Member, University of Sydney SRC Queer Officer 2015

Joshua Irving, LGBTQI+ Community Member

Thom Smyth, Unfunded Empathy, Independent Arts Producer, Community Member

Diimpa, Musician

Simo Soo (Yes Rave), Community Member

Tom Sandercock, Community Member

Brodie, Community Member

Harry Irvine, Community Member

Kirra Jackson, Community Member

Tom Sandercock, Community Member

Daniel Bennett-Spark, Queer Community Member

Joshua Bushby, Proud Queer Australian

Louie Dalzell, Community Member

Cassandra Community Member

Shane Bazzi Community Member

Eilish Fitzpatrick Community Member

Olympia Bukkakis Community Member

Geoffrey Parry-Ewing Community Member

Ailsa Traves, Community Member

Jamie Maclean, Ally

Kai Lockwood, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Patrick Clancy, Community Member, Radio Host

Joel Humphries, Community Member

Lucas Bird, Community Member

Thomas Anderson, Community Member

Charles Kennedy, Community Member

Mark Dessaix, Community Member

Simon Croker, Mardi Gras Member

Eden Gardenia, Community Member

Ethan Kinlock, Community Member

Hillary Caldwell, Mardi Gras Parade Marcher

James Meland, Community Member

Adam Christou, Community Member

Tina, Mardi Gras Member

Sophie Hill, Community Member, Artist

Woz Wagner, Community Member

Dr. Brandy Cochrane, Community Member

Ebbiny Bradshaw, Community Member, Mardi Gras Parade Marcher

Gavin Vance

Robert Jullian, Community Member, Mardi Gras Member

Kate Hartwell, Community Member, Attendee

James Mewett, Community Member, DJ, Promoter

Amie O’Shea, Community Member

Georgia Carr, Community Member

Micaela Pattison, Community Member

Emily Eve, Community Member

Sophie Daddo, Community Member

Ariel M, Community Member

Cass Mac, Aspiring Academic

Willow Lont, Community Member

Kt Harvey, Community Member

Ranuka Tandan, Community Member

Rob Little, Community Member

Rick Smith, Community Member

Adrian Szabo, Community Member

Lochie Greene, Community Member

Jonathan Blackmore — Romanov IX

Izabella Nantsou, Ally

Izumi Tam, Member of Mardi Gras

Toby Walmsley, Member of Mardi Gras

Logan Mucha, Artist

Niki Giokas, Community Member

Ron Harmer, Community Member

Kurt Poniewierka, Community Member

Kimberly Carland, Mardi Gras Member

Alexander Eordogh, Member of Mardi Gras

Nevena Spirovska, Mardi Gras Attendee

Joe Ball, Community Member

Tenneil Burgess, Community Member

Natalie Fleur, Dykes on Bikes Member

Faelan, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Laura Wizgier, Community Member

Andromeda, Mardi Gras Member

Sammia Kendrick, Community Member

Victoria Hawron, Community Member

Bernadette Bockis

Colleen Gonzales, Ally

Stephanie Putker, Community Member

Sam Dunlevie, Queer Community Member, Mardi Gras Parade Marcher

Craig Torrance, Mardi Gras Member

Krystle Scott, Community Member

Lena Peacock, Community Member

Nik Lewis Masters, Community Member

Elissa Cecilia del Valle, Community Member

Parker, Community Member

Lily Tucker, Community Member

Naima Fine FIne, Community Member

Same Eacott, LGBT+ Event Producer

Melissa de Silva, Community Member

Giselle Nixon, Mardi Gras Member, Unionist

Matthew Thompson, Mardi Gras Member

Hayden Walsh, Mardi Gras Member

Garry Ryan, Community Member

Imogen Rees, Community Member

Anjali W, Community Member

Cylie, Community Member

Lee Dewar, Walked with Closet Party 2019

Alice, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Mariana Green, Community Member

Fin Healy, Community Member

Liam Ellis, Mardi Gras Member

Mayleah House, Community Member

Finlay Long, Community Member, Mardi Gras Parade Float Participant

Dani Roberts, Community Member

Madi Weston, Community Member

Serena, Community Member

M L, Community Member

Grace Dowling, Supporter

Kylie Harvey, Community Member

Anjelica Freeman, Trans Community Member

Tessa McElhone, Ally

Ray Cox, Community Member

Rina Choy, Community Member

Geir Henning Presterudstuen, Mardi Gras Member

Caitlin Docwra, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Josh Green, Community Member

Bonnie Taylor, Community Member

Jake Sullivan, Proud Gay Man in the Community

Yanni Jiang, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Isabel Lee, Community Member

Bryda Nichols, Ally

Connor Duncan, Community Member

Eva, Community Member

Astrid Graham, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Jonathan Vi, Community Member

Argo Theoharis, Community Member

Eden, Community Member

Holly Cooper, Community Member

Callan, Community Member

Kate Green, Community Member

Liam Nguyen, Community Member

Juliet Steel, Community Member

Melinda Cooper, Community Member

Helen Lind, Community Member

Stella Hayman, One-time Mardi Gras Volunteer & Float Participant

Bridge Truell, Community Member

Axel, Aboriginal Community Member

Indra Pal, Community Member

Alex, Community Member

Gem Ritchie, Community Member

Madeline Za, Community Member

Patrick Stephenson, Mardi Gras Member

Shannan Langford Salisbury, Community Member

Joy O’Toner, Community Member

Bert Conner, Community Member

Connor Xia, Community Member

Tom Summers, Community Member

Ash Gumley, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Casey Brooks, Community Member

Julian Ranguetat, Community Member

David Pryce, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Bane Hill, Community Member

Dominic Westcott, Conscientious Observer

Tom Macrossan, Queer Medical Student

Benjamin Hammond, Community Member, Regular Mardi Gras Marcher

Madeleine Strummer, Community Member

Tharaka Kaluarachchi, Community Member

Ellie Woodward, Community Member

Stella Maynard, Community Member

Kai, Community Member

Janey Li, Community Member

Connor Wakefield, Community Member

Jared Stern, Community Member

Elly Zurowski, Community Member

Angela Mao, Community Member, Mardi Gras Parade Participant

Meg Ruyters, Community Member

Bonny Miller, Community Member

Jade Mirabito, Community Member

Adam Fernandes, Community Member

Emily Rossi, Queer Kid

Jocelyn Dracakis, Community Member

Stella Mcinnes, Community Member

Jeanne Carter, Community Member

Ash Rowland, Community Member

Cyma Hibri, Community Member, Mardi Gras Attendee

Riley Towers, Community Member

Izzy Moss, Community Member

Samantha Connor, Community Member, Disability Rights Activist

Aleks Djukic, Community Member

Miriam Osburn, Community Member

Alexander Oluk, Community Member

Arlie Jace Barwell-Chung, Community Member

Nikita Donovan, Community Member

Emily Rowland, Community Member

Nicholas Teng, Community Member

Hayley Kohler, Community Member

Elizabeth Morley, Mardi Gras Member

Kieran Bennett, Mardi Gras Member

Ché Baines, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Ross Williams, Trans Community Member

Tomas Emmet de Bhaldraithe, Mardi Gras Member

Lynette Aike, Mardi Gras Member, Community Member

Jessica Halligan, Community Member

Emma Brennan, Community Member

Amelia Klein, Mardi Gras Member

Jodie Pall, Mardi Gras Member

TJ Hay, Community Member

Bryony Walters, Mardi Gras Member

Hannah Roberts, Community Member

Tahlee Leeson, Community Member

Sam Elkin, Community Member

Cheryn Frost, Community Member

Linly Wang, Community Member

Anna Carlson, Community Member

Stephen Meiklejohn, Community Member

Clare Rosen McGarry, Mardi Gras Participant/Attendee

Karissa Taylor, Community Member

Cai Fong, Community Member

Chris Howell, Community Member

Grace Joseph, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Danika Zuks, Community Member

Sky Edwards, Community Member

Rebecca Slip, Community Member

Jules Rountree, Community Member

Steven Kwon, Mardi Gras Member

Kobi Taylor-Forder, Ally

Imogen Brackin, Mardi Gras Member

Louie Young, Community Member

Fatima Rauf, Mardi Gras Member

Jazzlyn Breen, Community Member

Chris, Community Member

Alex Saracoglu, Community Member

Rathai Manivannan, Mardi Gras Member

Patrick Hildehand, Mardi Gras Member, Float Organiser

Leo Balfour, Community Member

Danielle Southcombe, Community Member

Aimee Cass, Community Member

Adrian Bee, LGBTQIA+ Community Member

Darcy Wallis, Community Member

Dang Nguyen, Community Member

Harry, Community Member

Alya Egoz, Mardi Gras Member

Nick, Community Member

Maxwell Marginson, Community Member

Jenni Wentworth, Community Member

Martinus Kraan, Community Member

Alysha Hardy, Member of Mardi Gras

Laura McLean, Community Member

Dulasi Amarasingha, Community Member