The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisation has begun consulting its members on their views about the participation of NSW Police in Mardi Gras events as it readies for a "leaner" 2025 festival.
In a survey email sent to members about 6pm on Friday, Sydney Mardi Gras said it was seeking "input specifically regarding the best way for the organisation to engage meaningfully with our membership to run a consultation process on the participation of the NSW Police Force in Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events and the relationship between our organisations".
"We understand and acknowledge that for us to significantly engage with as many members as possible, we need to ensure that we are doing it to the best of our ability," the email, sent at the start of a public holiday long weekend, continued.
The survey asked members how best they would like to contribute to the feedback process.
Among questions, it asked: "Are there any special considerations regarding the participation of the NSW Police Force in SGLMG [Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras] events that should be addressed in this consultation?"
The Sydney Mardi Gras organisation said it was "critical to get the process right" in collecting feedback.
The organisation said it recognised "the complex and sometimes contentious history between SGLMG and the NSW Police Force".
"The organisation is committed to addressing these issues through open dialogue and member engagement as we prepare for the 2025 season," it said. "As part of this co-design process, we will consider member feedback according to our capacity and operational needs.
"Your insights will not only help create a safe, welcoming space and robust process for this consultation but also shape future consultations and improve our engagement with the community."
Editor's note: Journalist Ben Grubb is a Mardi Gras member for discount purposes only. He will not be filling out the survey or participating in the consultation process, nor ever vote in any Mardi Gras annual general meeting while he is a journalist.
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: [email protected]
