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Into the multi-coloured yonder

By on March 12, 2012

As we close another chapter in the history of the Sydney Mardi Gras, it’s exciting to look back on the changes that fuelled controversy and the future challenges that 2012 has brought us.

After experiencing this year’s season, I’ve noticed a key theme for Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 has been change and looking towards the future.

This could be something as simple as the Queer Film Festival’s tagline ‘Projecting The Future’ or something far more complex as the change from Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to simply Sydney Mardi Gras.

And this year Sydney Mardi Gras was put back on the world map with a high level of execution and attention to detail, the party being the greatest example of the organisation truly trying to please everyone.

But the greatest discussions I had about Sydney Mardi Gras’ changes and its future took place on the day of the parade about where Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was moving politically.

It was why I originally wanted to be a part of it all, to steer it to a more political future.

And with this year’s changes from inside SGLMG I’ve noticed, and I’m sure we all have, a large number of people who desperately and very loudly want Sydney Mardi Gras to change further and be a more positive reflection of our community and so much more.

And it could be, but that change doesn’t start by the board or the CEO or the men and women on the payroll. And they aren’t what makes up Sydney Mardi Gras.

It’s you.

You have to write an email, answer a survey, pick up a placard and volunteer because these people are listening and need you.

And that change, that evolution you want and could have in 2013 — it starts with you.

About Jesse Matheson

3 Comments

  1. Ash

    March 13, 2012 at 3:28 pm


    Well written post, and couldn’t agree more! Hear hear – *be* the change you want in the world (to paraphrase Gandhi). Cheers.

  2. Just a person

    March 13, 2012 at 7:59 pm


    Compliment for the picture, it is amazing and the guy in the picture it is an angel no other description can fit him. I am very happy to see stuff like that, It is important to have dream and to change the world.
    Well done!

  3. Wayne D

    March 19, 2012 at 1:21 am


    One of the things that constantly gets in the way of change is that the people who initially have the enthusiasm and impetus to push for change, get sick and tired of being shot down. Queens with nothing better to do than be a troll on various GLBTQI websites sap the energy and strength that our community volunteers have.

    I have volunteered with quite a few gay community organisations over the last 32 years I have been living in Sydney and I have seen so many good and talented people get burnt out, pissed off, and over it because of the pettiness of others in our community. Also when some of us push for change, we are only one vote on a community organisation board, and it is hard to get the votes needed to push change through when some board members are very resistant to the change needed. This is why some community organisations stagnate and die – they don’t evolve and provide their members and the wider GLBTQI community with what they are asking for.

    But we must never stop trying. It is lots of individuals devoting their time and talents that help make our community what it is. It’s great but could be greater – we need to respect the work people put in to make our communities better.

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