As Sydney counts down for Australia’s biggest annual pride celebration – the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival – ACON is reminding everyone to prioritise health and safety during the celebrations.
“Mardi Gras is all about celebrating who we are as a community and having a great time doing it,” said ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse. “Playing safe, staying vigilant, and being aware of health and safety issues will ensure everyone has an enjoyable and memorable Mardi Gras experience.
“Our communities have a long history of doing what it takes to take care of ourselves and our partners. We have always embraced new strategies and measures to maintain optimum health and reduce drug-related harms. This Mardi Gras, let’s continue looking after our health and each other,” Woodhouse said.
Here are ACON’s top tips for a fun and safe Mardi Gras season:
Stay Safe – condoms, PrEP and undetectable:
There are now multiple effective HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP, condoms, and maintaining an undetectable viral load. Be sure to plan ahead. Check your PrEP supply, get a new script if needed, and stock up on free condoms and lube from sexual health clinics or ACON. Visit www.endinghiv.org.au for more.
PEP – act quickly:
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can help – but you need to act within 72 hours. Call the 24-hour NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 824 for assistance.
Get tested – know for Sure:
Knowing your HIV status helps protect your health and that of your partners. ACON offers a[TEST] services in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and now Newtown. There are also many convenient options for sexual health checks, including sexual health clinics and GPs. Find providers at www.endinghiv.org.au
Prevent Mpox – get your jab:
Mpox is still circulating, so vaccination is vital. Two doses provide the best protection. Free or low-cost vaccinations are available without a Medicare card. Learn more at www.health.nsw.gov.au
Alcohol & other drugs – reduce harm:
Follow harm reduction advice, know the risks and the strategies to stay safe, and look out for each other. Naloxone, a lifesaving medication for opioid overdose, is available for free from ACON offices. For tips, visit ACON’s harm reduction resource: www.betweenthelines.org.au or follow on IG @betweenthelines.acon
ACON Rovers – here for safety:
ACON Rovers are trained volunteers providing support and information at LGBTQ events. Rovers are there to provide party info and assist those who may need medical assistance to get where they need to go.
Out & About – be vigilant:
Anti-LGBTQ abuse can increase during pride events. Stay aware, plan ahead, and travel with friends. If you experience harassment or violence, report it to police or contact ACON for support.
On the APPS – hook up safely:
To stay safe during online hook-ups, share your location with a friend, do a video chat first, and meet in public. If something feels off, trust your instincts and leave. For more tips, visit: www.sayitoutloud.org.au
Cervical & Breast Screening – do it at Fair Day:
Research shows lower cancer screening rates in LGBTQ communities. Visit ACON at Fair Day for free mammograms and self-swab cervical screenings at the BreastScreen NSW van. Learn more at: www.canwe.org.au
The 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival runs from Friday 14 February – 2 March. For more information and full program, visit: www.mardigras.org.au
For more information about ACON and their programs, visit: www.acon.org.au for details.
Image: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – photo by Joseph Mayers