We, the undersigned, call on Sydney Mardi Gras and relevant government and local partners to host an official Sydney Mardi Gras event (or sanctioned Mardi Gras Festival program) in Lakemba during the festival period.

Sydney is proudly diverse. That diversity must include visible, public support for LGBTQ+ people in every part of our city—especially in communities where young people may feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsafe.

Why this matters

Recent incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and intimidation have reminded Sydneysiders of a basic truth: Pride isn’t only a party - it’s public solidarity and safety.

Taking Mardi Gras programming beyond the inner city helps ensure LGBTQ+ people across Sydney can feel seen and protected, and it builds relationships that reduce fear, misinformation, and extremism of all kinds.

Our goals

We support an event in Lakemba that is:

Pro-LGBTQ+ safety: clear, practical measures to protect attendees and local residents.
Community-led and respectful: planned with local organisations, faith leaders, youth services, businesses, and residents.
Anti-racist and anti-Islamophobic: explicitly welcoming to Muslim LGBTQ+ people and Muslim allies; no scapegoating of any community.
Family-friendly and culturally appropriate: a format that fits the area (e.g., daytime community festival, arts/culture night, food and music, storytelling, youth services expo).
Focused on social cohesion: building durable partnerships, not staging a stunt.
 

What we are asking for (specific actions)

Sydney Mardi Gras to announce and host at least one official festival event in Lakemba (or the Canterbury–Bankstown LGA) within the next festival cycle.

NSW Government and the City of Canterbury–Bankstown to provide logistical support and funding, including venue facilitation and community grants.

NSW Police and event partners to deliver a transparent safety plan, including liaison officers and community safety ambassadors, while ensuring policing is proportionate and respectful.

Establish a local advisory group including LGBTQ+ organisations, Muslim community organisations, youth services, and multicultural groups to co-design the event.

Commit to ongoing programming—not a one-off—so the impact lasts beyond a single night.
 

The principle

A safer Sydney isn’t built by retreating into bubbles. It’s built by showing up—peacefully, respectfully, and together—across lines of culture, faith, and postcode.

We urge Sydney Mardi Gras and public officials to act now.