Preparations for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras‘ 50th anniversary are firmly underway, with the Festival’s leadership team and Board representatives travelling to WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 to meet with the globe’s leading Pride festivals.
From 25 July – 8 August, the team will represent Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community on the world stage – marching in the WorldPride March, joining the iconic Canal Pride, hosting a stall at the Rainbow Markets in Pride Park and presenting on 50 years of Mardi Gras at the Human Rights Conference – in the organisation’s first major international engagement since Sydney proudly hosted WorldPride in 2023.
“Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is recognised as one of the world’s largest and most iconic LGBTQIA+ pride festivals. As we near our 50th anniversary, we’re reconnecting with our global Pride family and inviting the world to join us once again in Sydney for this once-in-a-generation milestone in 2028,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Jesse Matheson.
“From the first 78ers who marched in defiance in 1978, to becoming the first Southern Hemisphere city to host WorldPride, to now looking towards fifty years of pride, joy and celebration – we’re calling on the world to share in this next chapter of our story. Because 50 years of Mardi Gras isn’t just an Australian milestone, it’s a milestone for the global Pride movement.”
“Mardi Gras is also one of the most compelling and transformative platforms we have to showcase the very best of Australia to the world. Every year, it puts New South Wales and Sydney’s harbour, culture and unmistakable welcoming spirit on the global stage, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe and delivering a significant boost to our tourism economy.”
“As we build towards 2028, we want to harness that same energy on an even bigger scale – inviting our global Pride family not just to celebrate with us, but to experience everything Sydney and Australia have to offer,” said Matheson.
“Attending Amsterdam WorldPride is about far more than representing one of the world’s most recognised Pride festivals. It is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+SB communities across the globe, particularly at a time when many are facing renewed political, social and legal challenges,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Co-Chairs, Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle.
“Bringing together Pride organisations from around the world creates a unique opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas and support one another through common challenges. It is also an important opportunity to collaborate on the future of the global Pride movement.”
“Many Pride organisations are navigating increasingly difficult funding environments while facing growing expectations from their communities. WorldPride provides a rare forum to share resources, explore new partnerships, learn from successful initiatives and connect with philanthropic, government and corporate supporters who are committed to advancing equality and human rights.”
“Having hosted WorldPride in Sydney, we made a commitment to the global LGBTQIA+ community that extends well beyond a single event. Our presence at Amsterdam WorldPride reflects that ongoing commitment – to remain an active contributor to the international Pride movement, to support our sister organisations, and to continue building the relationships that strengthen our communities around the world.”
“As we look towards Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ 50th anniversary in 2028, attending WorldPride is also an opportunity to invite the world back to Sydney. We want our international partners, supporters and visitors to celebrate this milestone with us, just as we continue to support and celebrate theirs.”
“Pride has always been a global movement, and by showing up for one another we ensure its legacy, resilience and impact continue for generations to come,” said Pavlich and Delisle.
For more information about Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: Courtney Act Live and Proud at Sydney WorldPride – photo by Anna Kucera