Call goes out to Gen Y

Young people were tempted by the ‘Ghetto Fabulous’ Sleaze Ball, but remain an elusive market for Mardi Gras.

Fewer than a quarter of all members are under the age of 36, the 2007 New Mardi Gras annual report reveals – no greater than last year. Those under 25 represent a mere five percent.

NMG chair Marcus Bourget said youth remained a key focus of the organisation. He said a plan to increase youth participation would be made public in the coming months.

“The clearest message we received from older partygoers was the need to appeal to younger gays and lesbians,” a report from the NMG marketing and communications working group states. “That in turn would keep the long-term party regulars interested.”

The working group reported a jump in under-25 sales to the ghetto-themed Sleaze Ball, which employed the illustrative artwork of Glen Hanson.

NMG faces strong competition from rival dance parties like Toy Box and Homesexual, which are usually more affordable for young people.

Former NMG youth working group member and Velocity president Murray Hood said getting young people interested in themed parties could be a stepping-stone to increasing their involvement in New Mardi Gras.

“But there are also a lot of people that aren’t interested in the parties,” Hood said. “Find a way to relate to young people, learn their language, and go to the places they go.”

Despite New Mardi Gras no longer having a youth working group, Hood said the organisation was still focused on the demographic.

“There wasn’t so much of a need [for a youth working group] because they were already involved – though perhaps not enough,” he said.

Kai Aiyub, 26, said although he loved and embraced the Mardi Gras and Sleaze parties, New Mardi Gras did need to find events that captured the attention of Generation Y.

“Maybe New Mardi Gras could employ the services of a great young, gay ambassador who would appeal across the board,” he said.

“We are the “can’t be bothered generation” and I know that, but New Mardi Gras is only visible one or two times a year and there are a lot of young people out there who just don’t know how to get involved as a result.”

Aiyub said a youth committee would be a wise way for New Mardi Gras to tap into the youth market.

“A group of people under the age of 30 who could talk to others out there, get their views and feed it back through the New Mardi Gras board would be a great place to start,” he said.

“It’s about getting involved, opening the lines of communication to young people. But there is also a need for the organisation to appeal to those things that appeal to Generation Y – fashion, vanity and the internet – and combine it with great music to get their attention.”

Details: www.mardigras.org.au