"One of the member resolutions, dubbed "embrace trans rights, not Trump", called for the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to focus specifically on the rights of trans and non-binary people by "encouraging parade floats to show support for the trans community", while also condemning US president Donald Trump. The LGBTQ+ event, which takes place every February, first began in the 1970s and acts as one of Australia's biggest Pride events."
"Mardi Gras's board members denied this and two more resolutions, arguing in a Tuesday (20 January) statement that, if implemented, it would restrict the "creative direction" of parade participants and was "inconsistent with our standard application process". The member resolutions were denied, according to its board, to ensure consistency among Mardi Gras's "values, strategic, priorities, and long-term sustainability"."
""Mardi Gras stands proudly with trans and gender-diverse communities. We are, and always will be, a visible, active ally," a spokesperson said. "This decision reflects [the Board's] responsibility to ... respect the independence and diversity of Parade participants. Ensure Parade participation is not used to leverage political outcomes, [and to] act in line with responsible governance and our Ethical Charter." According to the organisation, board members and staff were "subject to personal and harmful commentary online" in the wake of the November meeting. It further claimed that a "coordinated email campaign" allegedly sought to influence the board's decision-making."
Board members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras refused to uphold operational resolutions submitted by members at the November annual general meeting. One resolution, titled "embrace trans rights, not Trump", sought a 2026 parade focus on trans and non-binary rights and encouraged floats to show support while condemning US president Donald Trump. The board said implementing the resolutions would restrict creative direction for parade participants and conflict with the standard application process. The board said denial preserved consistency with Mardi Gras's values, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. The organisation reported online harassment of staff and alleged a coordinated email campaign after the meeting.
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