The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras has postponed this weekend’s two-day “Queer Futures” conference that was due to discuss everything from sports to the arts, politics and education – blaming the flow-on effects of Fair Day’s cancellation.
Sponsored by Deloitte, participants were set to hear from 27 speakers across six sessions at the National Art School. The conference’s theme was “Where does our community want to be in 50 years?”.
The postponement follows Mardi Gras axing its February 18 Fair Day event after toxic asbestos material was found in mulch at Victoria Park, where the queer event was due to be held.
“Queer Futures has not been cancelled, just postponed,” a Mardi Gras spokesperson told GSN when it inquired about a notice added to the Queer Futures event webpage.
“Unfortunately, this is a direct result of the cancellation of Fair Day.
“The organisational impact on Mardi Gras is significant, so the decision has been taken to postpone this important event to a time that the organisation can dedicate the necessary resources to it, and amplifying [sic] the voices of our participants.
“We look forward to announcing a new date for Queer Futures in the coming weeks.”
A description of the Queer Futures event on the Mardi Gras website said it aimed to bring the queer community together “to realise the path forward”.
“LGBTQIA+ communities are strong and remain a beacon of joy, expression, and excellence in the face of damaging laws, downgrades in equality and disrespectful debate.
“Over two days of passionate conversation we’ll explore bold new possibilities, ancient wisdom, bright ideas, and avenues for creative collaboration.
“Each session will make you reflect on the challenges of our present and consider the opportunities of our future.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Mardi Gras said on its website that the event had been postponed “due to unanticipated and unavoidable circumstances”.
It said it would be postponed to “later in the year”.
“Hold on to your tickets for the rescheduled dates to be announced shortly,” it said. “Otherwise ticketholders can request a full refund.
We apologise for any inconvenience.”
Tickets started at $39.
Sessions were co-curated with Pride In Sport, The Gender Centre, Equality Australia, Twenty10, Queer PowerPoint, FEM Presents and Peta Friend.
FEM Presents said it was “extremely disappointed Queer Futures, including My Trans Story will not be going ahead this weekend for Sydney Mardi Gras”.
“The storytellers and whole team had created a wonderful new way to bring their stories to life, and we were all so excited to share this with you. FEM Presents is committed to finding a new opportunity to present this wonderful season of storytellers in 2024.”
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
