We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jesse Matheson as the new CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 🌈 Under his leadership, Mardi Gras has already begun its transformation into a more modern and future-ready organisation. Recent milestones include the launch of the year-round Mardi Gras App, a refreshed visual identity that brings greater clarity, vibrancy and inclusivity to how we present ourselves to the community and our partners; a new collaboration model for delivering our signature events in partnership with community creatives and cultural institutions; and the development of our new strategic plan. These changes reflect a broader shift toward innovation, accountability and long-term sustainability. As we approach our 50th anniversary, Jesse will focus on strengthening trust, deepening community engagement and delivering a 2026 festival program that honours almost five decades of activism, creativity and pride - while shaping the next chapter of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australia. We look forward to this next chapter under Jesse’s leadership. #MardiGras #ECSTATICA #CultureAndCommunity #Leadership #Inclusion #LGBTQIA
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Non-profit Organizations
Darlinghurst, NSW 7,329 followers
⭐️ ECSTATICA ⭐️ 13 FEB - 1 MARCH 2026 JOIN THE 2026 FESTIVAL AT MARDIGRAS.ORG.AU
About us
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the non-for-profit organisation that runs the annual Parade as well as a number of other events throughout the year. Our general objective is to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities. We do that in many ways but the most notable of these is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Mardi Gras hopes to inspire the world to love each other by celebrating the power and beauty of diversity.
- Website
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http://www.mardigras.org.au/
External link for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Darlinghurst, NSW
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1978
- Specialties
- Event Management, Entertainment, LGBT, Festival, and Arts
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Suite 6, 94 Oxford St
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, AU
Employees at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
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Steph Sands
Head of CSR & Inclusion | Strategy & Culture Transformation Champion | Stonewall Global Change Maker 2023 | Australian OUT Role Model 2021
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Anthony Young
Experienced Senior People & Culture Specialist & Leader
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Tony Kimber 🏳️🌈
Director; People & Performance @ MindChamps 100% Respect. Zero Fear!
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Gavin Murphy
at
Updates
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Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we honour and mourn the trans and gender-diverse lives lost to violence, hate and discrimination. TDOR is a solemn reminder that while our community is rich in strength, resilience and pride, too many trans and gender-diverse people still face disproportionate harm. We remember those who should still be with us, and we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where trans people can live safely, openly and freely. To our trans communities: we see you, we stand with you, and we will always fight for your right to live with dignity, safety and joy. 🏳️⚧️ #TDOR #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransLivesMatter #MardiGras
* Content warning: transphobic violence and trans misogyny Today is Trans Day of Remembrance; a movement to honour and remember all trans and gender diverse people whose lives have been taken by transphobic violence. While TDoR allows us to reflect on historical violence - trans and gender diverse people still do not feel safe on our streets today. The 2023 Trans Justice Project report noted that 1 in 10 trans people experienced anti-trans violence and assault. Since 2009, the Trans Murder Monitoring Project, a project recording the number of global homicides against trans people, has reported 5322 murders worldwide; with 281 occurring this past year. Sex workers (34%) remain the most targeted group of all known occupations. This last year, there was a notable rise in murders of activists and movement leaders. Black, brown and First Nations trans women and trans feminine people are consistently the predominant target of transphobic homicides. Days like TDoR are stark reminders of what is happening to trans women of colour and trans feminine people in our society. Any discussion of TDoR would be incomplete without highlighting the continued need for safety. Tonight, we gather to speak the names of those who have passed, so their memory can live on. Tomorrow, we continue to work toward a culture where trans women and all trans and gender diverse people are safe. TransHub want to thank our community for continuing to work towards this safety. We want to thank you for standing by trans-lead movements and projects like TransHub that aim to build knowledge, safety and awareness to trans people and our allies. Please check our bio to find a vigil in your local area as well as resources to continue to educate and build awareness against trans misogyny and transphobia. To trans folk reading this today, and especially our trans sisters, know that you are cherished. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDOR
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Have you downloaded the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras app? 📱 The new Mardi Gras App is your festival companion, as previewed by the iconic Milo. It will connect you to every event, lineup, and moment of joy. Stay in the loop, plan your nights, and carry the celebration with you, wherever you go. Download today: https://lnkd.in/gU6BH_eA #ECSTATICA #MardiGras2026 #SydneyMardiGras
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We're hiring! Find out more via the link below and get involved in an unforgettable festival on the horizon: https://lnkd.in/g9GHwFVr
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This Trans Awareness Week, we’re celebrating resilience, transformation and authenticity. 💜 As part of Mardi Gras+, we’re offering free inclusion for trans and gender-diverse events this year — because our trans family deserves to shine every day. And don’t miss Black Cherry, curated by Kianna Edisane, and presented with National Art School — an immersive celebration of BIPOC trans talent, blending performance art, live music and a dance-floor powered by local trans DJs and artists. Let’s make space for every story, every voice, every identity. Find out more: mardigras.org.au Photos by Georgia Griffiths #TransAwarenessWeek #MardiGrasPlus #TransAndGenderDiverse #TransJoy #TransVisibility #MardiGras2026 #ECSTATICA #SydneyMardiGras #QueerSydney #MardiGrasParade #ThisIsOurPower
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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras reposted this
Looking for a way to commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance this month? Join community vigils across the country to honour trans and gender diverse lives lost to transphobia and violence. - New South Wales (NSW) | Thursday 20 November, 5:30pm - The vigil will be hosted by the Gender Centre at 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville. - Victoria (VIC) | Thursday 20 November, 5:30pm - The vigil will be hosted by Transgender Victoria at Collingwood Town Hall. - Western Australia (WA) | Thursday 20 November, 6.15pm at the Ozone Reserve, East Perth. - South Australia (SA) | Thursday 20 November, 6:00pm - Vigil hosted by TransMasc SA, TransFemme SA & SARAA at Howling Owl, Adelaide. Know of another vigil happening? Drop it in the comments below! Registration is essential for most events. Check www.transmonth.org.au for more info.
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Can you feel it?! Tickets are now on sale for all 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Signature Events! Don’t miss your moment. Grab your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/g-C7Wvk4 #MardiGras2026 #ECSTATICA #SydneyMardiGras #QueerSydney #MardiGrasParade #ThisIsOurPower
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Have you downloaded the new Mardi Gras App? Download and explore this year's Signature Mardi Gras events (on members sale now and general sale tomorrow), plus over 80 community and partner events as part of Mardi Gras+ https://lnkd.in/gU6BH_eA #MardiGras2026 #ECSTATICA #SydneyMardiGras #QueerSydney #MardiGrasParade #ThisIsOurPower
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Continuing the celebration here are a red carpet moments at last night's 2026 Mardi Gras Festival launch. Hosted by the National Art School. 📷 Ash Pennin #MardiGras2026 #ECSTATICA #SydneyMardiGras #QueerSydney #MardiGrasParade #ThisIsOurPower
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The energy was ECSTATICA! A massive thank you to the National Art School for the stunning setting, and to everyone who joined us to kick off the 2026 Mardi Gras Festival. Our community showed up and showed out and this is only the beginning. 🌈🔥 #MardiGras2026 #ECSTATICA #SydneyMardiGras #QueerSydney #MardiGrasParade #ThisIsOurPower