Get your questions ready

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has teamed up with New Mardi Gras (NMG) and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) to create an exciting new event to promote community engagement with politics during the 2011 Mardi Gras season — Politicians Say Something.

Politicians Say Something is modelled on the ABC program Q & A and will take place on Thursday, February 24 at 6.30pm at the Sydney Masonic Centre. SBS reporter Ricardo Goncalves will host.

The event will give people the opportunity to ask a panel of NSW politicians from each major party about key issues relevant to sex, sexuality and gender diverse communities.

Don Harwin MLC (Liberal), Cate Faehrmann MLC (Greens), Trevor Khan MLC (Nationals), Verity Firth MP (Labor) and the Independent Sydney MP Clover Moore will make up the panel.

You can buy tickets now at www.mardigras.org.au/pss Tickets cost $25 for GLRL, NMG and SGLBA members and $35 for non-members. The ticket price includes drinks and canapés. Money raised from the event will go to the three organisations.

We invite people attending the event to visit www.glrl.org.au and submit questions they’d like to ask the politicians. Audience members will also be encouraged to ask questions on the night.

This event timely coincides with the NSW state election to be held in March, so don’t delay in buying tickets.

The GLRL will also hold other fundraising events during the season, including a workshop on discrimination at Queer Thinking, our annual donation drive on Oxford St, the Sea of Hearts at Fair Day, and running cloakrooms at parties.

Volunteers at the party events should receive a free ticket to the event and are able to enjoy the party when they have completed their shift.

We are calling out to members of the community to assist us with what is a very busy and exciting time for the GLRL. All these events contribute significantly to helping the GLRL spread our message, and ensuring we have the funding to continue campaigning for legislative equality and social justice.

If you are able and willing, we welcome you to roll up your sleeves and help the GLRL this Mardi Gras season!

info: To register interest in joining our float or volunteering, email [email protected] or phone (02) 9571 5501.

By Kellie McDonald, NSW GLRL