Mardi Gras, censorship and the queer media

[philly]

Another one for the Mardi Gras cock-up files... Mardi Gras has banned Sydney Queers for Animal Rights/Animal Liberation NSW from this years parade claiming they are "not gay enough" even though they've been in the parade for years and almost all of the participants are gay or lesbian.

If "Sydney Queers for Animal Rights" isn't gay enough for the parade then why will Ikea, Foxtel, NSW Police, Tesltra, Virgin Blue, ANZ etc. be there??? Are they all 100% queer?

And why is this story making world headlines but being ignored by Sydney's gay media? SX did a story online but it was taken down the next day. Where is the Same Same story on this? Is Sydney's gay media too afraid to report on anything that makes NMG look bad? Is NMG forcing them to keep quiet???

[philly]

Gay animal rights group 'denied place in Sydney Mardi Gras'
By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • February 3, 2010 - 17:39

An animal rights group have complained they were denied a float at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras.

Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW) said it was deemed "not queer enough" to warrant a place in the festival, which kicks off later this month.

ALNSW communications manager Lynda Stoner told SX the group had even changed its name to Sydney Queers for Animal Rights but was again rejected by festival organisers.

She said she had submitted her group's application two weeks before the closing date but organisers left a voicemail telling her the group did not fit entry criteria.

The group has marched with the parade for years and Stoner said that most participants who wanted to join the parade were gay.

She added that companies such as ANZ Bank and Ikea were allowed floats, despite not being 100 per cent gay.

Stoner told the newspaper: "We feel marginalised and discriminated against, and that’s really quite distressing, especially coming from Mardi Gras, which is all about making a stand against discrimination.

“We’re really, really disappointed. In fact, I’m just gobsmacked."

New Mardi Gras co-chair Steph Sands declined to comment.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/02/03/gay-animal-rights-group-denied-place-in-sydney-mardi-gras/


Animal Rights Group "Not Queer Enough"
By Ryan Holman
The Advocate

An animal rights organization is complaining that its request for a spot in Sydney's Mardi Gras parade was denied for being "not queer enough."

According to SX Magazine, Animal Liberation of New South Wales was denied a float on the basis that it was "not queer enough," despite the group's claims that the majority of its participants in the past 13 years of the parade have identified as gay.

When the organization's application was denied, the group's name was changed to Sydney Queers for Animal Rights, but it was again denied. Animal Liberation has expressed dismay that several irrelevant floats were approved, including an Ikea float.

Communications manager Lynda Stoner told SX, "We feel marginalized and discriminated against, and that's really quite distressing, especially coming from Mardi Gras, which is all about making a stand against discrimination."

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/02/03/Animal_Rights_Group_Not_Queer_Enough/


Lynda Stoner's not gay about this year's Mardi Gras parade
The Herald-Sun
February 08, 2010 12:00AM

A BEASTLY row has broken out in Sydney's gay community with Mardi Gras organisers being accused of " hypocritical" and "discriminating" behaviour against their own while welcoming big corporate sponsors.

Lynda Stoner - former actress and star of Cop Shop, Prisoner and Chances - is now a senior Animal Liberation official and has been incensed that her organisation's float has been rejected by organisers after 14 years of taking part in the festival.

Stoner said she was told the float was "not queer enough" despite top sponsors such as the ANZ bank, Foxtel and Virgin Blue being allowed to have corporate-themed floats.

"We feel marginalised and discriminated against and that's really quite distressing, especially coming from the Mardi Gras which is all about making a stand against discrimination," Stoner said. "We're really, really disappointed. I'm gobsmacked."

Stoner offered to call the float Sydney Queers for Animal Rights but was again knocked back.

The annual parade - to be staged on March 6 - is run by New Mardi Gras, a committee trying to reinvigorate the event after criticism about its continuing relevance and general decline in recent years.

NMG CEO Michael Rolik responded to the criticism from Animal Liberation, saying 135 floats with 9000 participants had been carefully chosen.

"Mardi Gras is first and foremost a gay pride event," he responded. "There is definitely a feeling amongst both staff and volunteers that on occasion it has been co-opted by groups who see it first and foremost as a vehicle for their own separate agenda."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/lynda-stoners-not-gay-about-this-years-mardi-gras-parade/story-e6frf96o-1225827603551

[philly]

MARDI GRIPES
The Sydney Morning Herald

ANIMAL Liberation NSW is no longer queer enough for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. The group, which first took part in the event 14 years ago, learnt last week that even a last-ditch name change to ''Sydney Queers for Animal Rights'' would not be enough for them to march alongside other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer supporters, such as ANZ, Foxtel and Virgin Blue. But while the animal liberationists see it as a case of out-and-out discrimination, the New Mardi Gras chief executive, Michael Rolik, said increasing numbers meant they were sticking closer to the rules and groups with a separate agenda had to be, well, culled. ''However worthy the intentions of those groups are, we have to question whether they have a legitimate place in our parade,'' he said. The Animal Liberation spokeswoman, Lynda Stoner, notes that members, who copped flak last year for their float ''Cows are Cool - Leather is Cruel'', were also unhappy that Mardi Gras fund-raisers will be held at Taronga Zoo and a horseracing event.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-diary/secret-life-of-hamish-20100207-nkxz.html


ANIMAL GROUP BARRED FROM SYDNEY MARDI GRAS
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Gay South Africa

An animal rights group's application to take part in the upcoming Sydney Mardi Gras Parade has been rejected because the organisation "isn't queer enough".

Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW) was refused entry to a float in the famous parade, taking place on 27 February, despite sending in its application two weeks before the closing date.

Organisers apparently left a voicemail message telling the organisation that it did not fit the criteria for eligibility. The group even changed its name to Sydney Queers for Animal Rights and resubmitted its application, only to b be rejected again.

"We feel marginalised and discriminated against, and that's really quite distressing, especially coming from Mardi Gras, which is all about making a stand against discrimination," ALNSW Communications Manager Lynda Stoner told SX.

The group has taken part in the parade for the past 13 years without any problems and most of the organisation’s participants at the event have been gay. In 2006, its float was chosen as one the "most creative" by the parade’s organisers.

“We’re really, really disappointed. In fact, I’m just gobsmacked," Stoner said.

Animal Liberation, founded in 1976, says that it works "to end the suffering of exploited and confined animals through legislation, consumer advocacy, actions and humane education".

Mardi Gras organisers have thus far refused to comment.

http://www.mambaonline.com/article.asp?artid=4095


Animal Rights Group's Float Banned From Sydney Mardi Gras For Not Being 'Queer Enough'
Queerty.com

Animal Liberation NSW, whose 2006 float was nominated "most creative," was shunned from this year's gay Mardi Gras in Sydney by organizers. Who wanted it more fagged up. Says a spokeswoman: "The subsequent feedback was that our entry didn’t fit the criteria of being queer orientated, so we changed the name to Sydney Queers for Animal Rights, but [again] they rejected us. … We’re really, really disappointed. In fact, I’m just gobsmacked."

http://www.queerty.com/animal-rights-groups-float-banned-from-sydney-mardi-gras-for-not-being-queer-enough-20100203/

[philly]

Queer animal rights activists excluded from Mardi Gras Parade
The Scavenger

A group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, sex/gender diverse and queer (GLBSGDQ) people who support animal rights have been denied permission to take part in this year’s Mardi Gras Parade, writes Katrina Fox.

Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW) – a Sydney-based charity – has taken part in the Parade for the past three years, and even been nominated for most creative float. According to ALNSW communications manager Lynda Stoner, at least 80% of the 90 participants who signed up to take part in the float identify as GLBSGDQ.

ALNSW submitted its application but was told it did not fit the criteria of being queer-oriented. I contacted Mardi Gras and was told that the Parade was becoming too long and taking too long to complete and ALNSW was one of 15 or 16 groups refused entry.

Fair enough, you may say, to exclude floats that don’t appear to have any relevance to the Parade’s queer theme. I then asked if ALNSW had emphasised the GLBSGDQ aspect of the float, would it have been permitted entry. I was told that it “would certainly be more relevant”.

So ALNSW then amended its application to reflect the queer aspect of the float and resubmitted it as Sydney Queers for Animal Rights. It was still denied entry.

Mardi Gras’ official line will no doubt me for reasons the organisation outlined above. However, the question begs whether other forces are at play that influenced Parade officials’ decision to exclude a large group of GLBSGDQ people who campaign for animal rights from taking part in the Parade.

Mardi Gras events that exploit animals

Take for instance two events that Mardi Gras is promoting – both of which involve exploiting animals. Dinner at Taronga Zoo is one. This is a fundraiser for the group Australian Marriage Equality.

There are many reasons why people – including queers – should not celebrate or support animals in confinement. This article goes into detail. Even open-plan zoos such as Taronga lead to animals going insane from boredom and being kept in unnatural environments and dying from insufficient or unnatural food or disease. Why would you raise money for a ‘good cause’ such as marriage equality at a venue whose sole purpose is to imprison non-humans?

The second event is the Pink Stiletto Racing Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Many GLBSGDQ people see ‘going to the races’ as a fun day out with big hats and big shoes. But see this site for why horse racing is no fun for the horses, which includes stats (with references) such as 89% of the horses at Royal Randwick have ulcers; 95% of racehorses have bleeding in their lungs and 18,000 Australian ex-racehorses are sent to the ‘knackers yard’ every year. Check out this video to see the ugly truth behind horse racing and this site on the horrors of jumps racing.

Commercial concerns v grassroots activism

Is Mardi Gras deliberately excluding queer animal rights activists from taking part in the Parade this year because two of the events it is championing involve cruelty and suffering to animals? It wouldn’t be the first time that commercial concerns rode roughshod over grassroots queer activities.

As far as I’m aware, no other queer group has been refused entry into the Parade (and if they have, that begs the question of why is any queer group being excluded from an event that began as a grassroots march for freedom?).

For all Mardi Gras’ posturing about inclusivity, the fact remains that a large group of GLBSGDQ people – Sydney Queers for Animal Rights – have been left out in the cold.

http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/queer-animal-rights-activists-excluded-from-mardi-gras-parade.html




MARDI GRAS ANIMAL LIBERATION SNUB MAKES WORLD HEADLINES
11 Feb 10 @ 06:00am by KATE CRAWFORD

THE Mardi Gras rejection of an Animal Liberation float organised by Lynda Stoner has made headlines in the gay press all over the world.

The float was to feature gay men and women dressed in yellow tutus and wings as a protest against battery hens.

Stoner said this week the story had been picked up by the gay press in Europe, US and South Africa.

“The story has also been the talk of the biggest gay blogs in America and Europe,” she said.

“I have had an unbelievable amount of emails in support - all disgusted with the Mardi Gras organisers for rejecting the float.”

Stoner said it was ridiculous the Mardi Gras committee had refused to allow the float in the March 6 parade, despite having an Animal Liberation float in the parade for the past 14 years.

Stoner, a former actress who lives at Balmoral, is the communications manager of Animal Liberation in Sydney.

The float was planned to have more than 100 gay, lesbian and bisexual people dressed in yellow tutus and wings, with a caged ``hen’’ in the middle of the float, as a protest against egg production by battery hens.

She said the reason given was that the float “did not meet the criteria” ‘

“But it has been bandied about that the float was not queer enough,” she said.

“I’m so disappointed. We are being discriminated against and the Mardis Gras is all about not discriminating.

``Gays and lesbians come from all walks of life and are involved in all sorts of issues.

``Many of the floats in the Mardi Gras are bright and happy and that’s how it should be but there also other floats like ours which carry a serious message.

``We are a charity and there are also other charity floats, plus corporate floats.’’

Do you think the float should have been rejected from the parade? Comment below.

Stoner has speculated that last year’s Animal Liberation float may have been a factor in the decision.

The float had the theme Cows are Cool: Leather is Cruel and featured a life-sized model of a cow and was designed to highlight cruel practices in producing leather from cow hides. “We were verbally abused at the Mardi Gras by some people - I think they took objection to our protest about leather,” she said.

Ms Stoner said Animal Liberation had already spent a significant amount of money on preparing the float and having the tutus made.

She many more people had volunteered to man the float than was needed.

A spokesman for the New Mardi Gras said organisers had tightened guidelines for participation in the parade in recent years because of the record numbers of organisations seeking to have a float in the parade.

``It is quite hard to justify why Animal Liberation would be included in the parade,’’ he said.

``Animal Liberation is not specifically a gay and lesbian group.

``Animal Liberation is not a group that support the gay and lesbian community outside the parade.’’

http://cumberland-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/animal-liberation-snub-makes-world-headlines/

[naughtylion]

pfft! that's a bit dumb!

[tricky28]

I want to know the real reason they aren't being allowed to participate. I smell bullshit.

Why hasn't same same picked this up? Hmmmm...

What do you think Mel, is there a conspiracy at foot?

http://movies.infinitecoolness.com/06/conspiracy10.jpg

[naughtylion]

sorry...

[philly]

Why hasn't same same picked this up? Hmmmm...


Yep, it's strange Same Same hasnt picked it up when gay mags all over the world are running with it. Maybe NMG threatened to drop advertising?

[crazzymikey]

mardi gras is so fucked

[jimmy_]

That is just ridiculous.

I've never understood why there are foxtel, etc floats...

To deny a legitimate group the right to march in such an event (which used to mean something) is offensive, and simply unfair.

How stupid.

[naughtylion]

This is why I no longer go. It's like watching a shit float about Kylie surrounded by commercials.

[crazzymikey]

This is why I no longer go. It's like watching a shit float about Kylie surrounded by commercials.

yeah I never used to go - if I wasn't in it I wouldn't go. I used to march with the uni floats years back and they were never televised or shown as they were seen as too political. Go figure!

[Light-Bearer]

I'm going to have a BBQ in protest.

[ammonite]

lame

[Barrin]

Censorship? I just read it on page 3 of the hard copy of The Star Observer. CEO Michael Rolik is quoted at length. "...I acknowledge they've been in the parade for a number of years, but the parade is getting bigger. We're not going to refuse bona fide community groups, but in the instance where the group is ambigous, or not a gay and lesbian community group, then we're going to enforce that standard."

It's also online: http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2010/02/10/parade-decision-unfair/21426

For a public event that's been getting bigger and bigger every year it sounds like a very reasonable policy to me.

[philly]

Censorship? I just read it on page 3 of the hard copy of The Star Observer. CEO Michael Rolik is quoted at length. "...I acknowledge they've been in the parade for a number of years, but the parade is getting bigger. We're not going to refuse bona fide community groups, but in the instance where the group is ambigous, or not a gay and lesbian community group, then we're going to enforce that standard."

It's also online: http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2010/02/10/parade-decision-unfair/21426

For a public event that's been getting bigger and bigger every year it sounds like a very reasonable policy to me.
If the parade's "too big" and they need to cut floats, why not cut some 'non gay' ones like ANZ? Why should queer community floats go when big corporations can stay? It is the 'Sydney GAY AND LESBIAN Mardi Gras Parade'' not the 'Sydney Advertising and Marketing Parade'.

And yes there is censorship: the story on SX website disappeared, it didn't appear in print, Same Same didn't cover it (not yet anyway) and SSO didnt give it enough prominence and made it all sound like a reasonable NMG decision. Kudos to them for at least covering it though.

[Barrin]

If the parade's "too big" and they need to cut floats, why not cut some 'non gay' ones like ANZ? Why should queer community floats go when big corporations can stay? It is the 'Sydney GAY AND LESBIAN Mardi Gras Parade'' not the 'Sydney Advertising and Marketing Parade'.

Nor is it the "Every Fringe Group With a Political Agenda Parade". The spokeperson quoted in the SSO article was Lynda Stoner - well know for her animal activism - but no lesbian, so what's her motive for getting involved? Furthermore, they're not the only group refused. So far they're making the most noise - internationally as you've pointed out. So they're getting more publicity out of this than if they were parading down Oxford Street on 28 Feb with thousands of others. Oh the irony!

Organisations like ANZ are sponsers, they're paying for it. NMG are trying not to go the way of old MG. Does that really have to be explained? :(

I was at the last NMG annual meeting, they quoted the figures involved in the parade and how every year police and ambulance personnel are concerned about the increasing numbers and contingent safety and security issues. There was an anecdote about an ambulance having trouble reaching a seriously ill person. The question was asked: what would happen if someone died during a MG parade? Based on all I heard I'm not surprised they're reducing parade numbers this year. It had to happen eventually.

[crazzymikey]

If the parade's "too big" and they need to cut floats, why not cut some 'non gay' ones like ANZ? Why should queer community floats go when big corporations can stay? It is the 'Sydney GAY AND LESBIAN Mardi Gras Parade'' not the 'Sydney Advertising and Marketing Parade'.

And yes there is censorship: the story on SX website disappeared, it didn't appear in print, Same Same didn't cover it (not yet anyway) and SSO didnt give it enough prominence and made it all sound like a reasonable NMG decision. Kudos to them for at least covering it though.

the gay rags rarely report anything against the clubs/bars or organisations that advertise with them. Its so incestral and corrupt. Most of their articles are about their advertisements these days, so sad!

ANZ and the other non gay floats pay off the mardi gras which they call sponsorship and the parade is less and less community all the time. this was going to happen, and most gay floats eventually will be knocked off for more expensive non gay floats. I wouldn't be surprised in ten years if the parade was no longer gay and lesbian. It will be some new 'we are all equal campaign or something' and it will just be a festival mardi gras parade for everyone. Without the politics and fight for gay rights and community involvement its going to end up that way.

[dreadcircus]

Ultimately this is a really crap!!! I'm sick of seeing major sponsors with their stupid floats promoting their product and still the Mardi Gras is classed as only Gay and Lesbian.. So its ok to include ANZ but not trans people?

After performing at both Feast and Midsumma again this festive season it really saddens me to come back home to an uninclusive festival driven by dollars and myself feeling like once again I'm just tacked onto the festival as a 2nd thought to a major sponsor...

This is so STR8... gah!

[crazzymikey]

Ultimately this is a really crap!!! I'm sick of seeing major sponsors with their stupid floats promoting their product and still the Mardi Gras is classed as only Gay and Lesbian.. So its ok to include ANZ but not trans people?

After performing at both Feast and Midsumma again this festive season it really saddens me to come back home to an uninclusive festival driven by dollars and myself feeling like once again I'm just tacked onto the festival as a 2nd thought to a major sponsor...

This is so STR8... gah!

don't you know we are just tokens and things to gauwk at. It's not actually a promotion of our freedom, rights and safety it's a corporate advertisement parade. There is such a small presence of trans issues raised at mardi gras, so wrong!

[Barrin]

For what it's worth: http://www.starobserver.com.au/community/2010/02/10/ex-gay-survivors-unite-this-mardi-gras/21399

If corporate sponsorship means people like these continue to move forward with their lives then that's something I can live with.

[dreadcircus]

don't you know we are just tokens and things to gauwk at. It's not actually a promotion of our freedom, rights and safety it's a corporate advertisement parade. There is such a small presence of trans issues raised at mardi gras, so wrong!

true and in Melbourne and Adelaide the events are evenly spread out. I was amazed at how many trans events there were at Midsumma the past few years and they were all packed events.. Back here I do shows every year and struggle at MG, oh and Sunny Drake also from Brissy.. but apart from that its all parties for boys.. No offence I still go those events but I'm sick of MG being the biggest queer event in oz and they still don't recognize the rest of the community in their advertising.

This year I changed the name of my show which just toured feast and midsumma "from metal to maternal" and decided to buck the usual festival bar for MG and try something unique by putting a one off show "The Devil Wears Heels" on at the taxi club. Totally funded by me and it's going to be a brave attempt to turn the taxi into a theatre space for the night.. somehow the content of my show may upset NMG as part of the show targets them for issues ive posted above.

[philly]

Organisations like ANZ are sponsers, they're paying for it. NMG are trying not to go the way of old MG. Does that really have to be explained? :(


They ARE going the way of old MG. The old MG went arse over tit when it went too corporate. Instead of being a community event it became all about making $$$ and spending $$$ then next thing it went bust. Same thing will happen again the way they're going.

For what it's worth: http://www.starobserver.com.au/community/2010/02/10/ex-gay-survivors-unite-this-mardi-gras/21399

If corporate sponsorship means people like these continue to move forward with their lives then that's something I can live with.
If they're not careful that group will find themselves turfed out of the parade next year to make more room for a bank or a phone company!!

[rudeboy86]

Animal Lib activists need to take their old approach to this....break into the parade!

[rudeboy86]

Deface some billboards in the Darlinghurst area with some massive bold lettered message reminding NMG that their actions are pathetic...that way people will see the issue here...don't rely on the Gay press!

[Barrin]

Then there's this: Each year MAG has raised $2000 on flower sales alone. Normally the funds would go towards the group’s Mardi Gras float but this year the parade entry is not a feasible option.
“We are not having a float this year. We are walking this year with ACON for the first time as it’s too expensive,” O’Dea said.
“The last four years we have hired the double-decker bus and by the time you hire the bus for eight hours and decorate it, it works out at nearly $4000 to put an entry in the parade.
http://www.starobserver.com.au/community/2010/02/10/flower-power/21232

If someone offered to sponsor MAG for that $4000 they'd have to say 'no'? Where is the money supposed to come from?

[nickdisco]

This is just a sign of things to come, and because of advertising, sponsorship and the gay medias fear of shitting on its own kind it will continue to happen and be swept under the rug.
I can understand the need for the big sponsors and why they would take priority in the parade as essentially they bankroll the thing, but some regard needs to be taken towards the smaller groups that matter to the community.

Mardi Gras Fail.

[dreadcircus]

So is the MG parade an expression of who we are and the rights we deserve whilst fighting against homophobia and transphobia or are we just doing the parade to bring in tourism $$$???

Every year before, during and after there is talk how it sucks and needs to be changed/reinvigorated and yet not much changes. Was splitting the parade from party the best change in the ideas think tank?

Hypothetical : next year the festival vanished. Instead 2 weeks of protests against issues that face gay, lesbian, trans, intersex, queer (insert brand here) etc a few small partys, a huge picnic alternative queer community bbq event in a park with minimal entertainment followed by a massive protest/parade march where all participants acted out scenes from the first mardi gras, abuses, struggles and law regulation which ended in a huge party.....

Would this keep the wolves at bay and actually make people take notice or would we all complain just as much?

[rudeboy86]

http://www.queerty.com/is-this-the-end-of-gay-media-20090323/

[rudeboy86]

Hypothetical : next year the festival vanished. Instead 2 weeks of protests against issues that face gay, lesbian, trans, intersex, queer (insert brand here) etc a few small partys, a huge picnic alternative queer community bbq event in a park with minimal entertainment followed by a massive protest/parade march where all participants acted out scenes from the first mardi gras, abuses, struggles and law regulation which ended in a huge party.....


All I have to say is..........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGH6XXvTa3c

[nickdisco]

So is the MG parade an expression of who we are and the rights we deserve whilst fighting against homophobia and transphobia or are we just doing the parade to bring in tourism $$$???

Every year before, during and after there is talk how it sucks and needs to be changed/reinvigorated and yet not much changes. Was splitting the parade from party the best change in the ideas think tank?

Hypothetical : next year the festival vanished. Instead 2 weeks of protests against issues that face gay, lesbian, trans, intersex, queer (insert brand here) etc a few small partys, a huge picnic alternative queer community bbq event in a park with minimal entertainment followed by a massive protest/parade march where all participants acted out scenes from the first mardi gras, abuses, struggles and law regulation which ended in a huge party.....

Would this keep the wolves at bay and actually make people take notice or would we all complain just as much?

The parade is just about tourism and money, but homo's like to party so the purpose of the event is often forgotten.
Give it time, and we will be become like mascots - cute tokens of gayness the tourists can buy on their way out. Think Syd Millie and Ollie from the Sydney Olympics....
http://images.beijing2008.cn/20070529/Img214083184.gif


Only we'd be Faggy, Tranny and Dyke.... when it happens.. pick me up a faggy and smother me to death with its plushy goodness.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2en9fv7.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/EowynB/CB%20Rating%20Community/Lotsaheart.jpg

http://images.clipartof.com/small/40880-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Brunette-Biker-Chick-Riding-Her-Orange-Chopper.jpg

[Zakalwe]

Jade, I think you should run for The Board.

Ultimately there has to be a balance. Sponsorship is needed, if GLBT companies are not willing to put money towards MardiGras, then where else can you go?

Also the start has been changed, by the Police, this year, and a lot of the floats that would normally be allowed in, due to the cramped conditions of the new area, are now being refused entry.

[Barrin]

Ultimately there has to be a balance. Sponsorship is needed, if GLBT companies are not willing to put money towards MardiGras, then where else can you go?

Given the number of gay people who work for banks and airlines (Virgin Blue is also a sponsor) it could be argued that NMG isn't straying too far outside our 'community' for financial support.

[Christian Taylor]

I thought I should throw my two cents into this discussion.

I did look into this story when I first heard about it, and got the following responses from Mardi Gras' "spokesperson".

1. Is it possible for us to find out the other groups that were refused entry to the Parade?

No, we won’t share that information. We respect the confidentiality of those involved.

2. What does Mardi Gras say to Fox's claim that other Mardi Gras events pose a conflict of interest - e.g. Taronga Zoo Dinner - and this has influenced the decision to exclude the group?

This has absolutely no basis. The group was refused entry based on its failure to meet our criteria.

3. Is there a question mark over the group's relevance to the Parade? If so, can you elaborate on this please?

Yes, there is a question mark over this.

Whilst the group may have GLBTQ members it is not a GLBTQ organisation per se. Creating a new organisation name at the last minute to create a new identity is not enough.

Nor does the group actively promote GLBTQ community interests beyond marching in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

Nor does the group support New Mardi Gras in carrying out our work.

-----------

I had to shelve looking further into this story because I ran out of time, and it ended up breaking all over the world anyway. The interesting aspect to this story, I have recently found out, is the fact that SX pulled the story from their site, saying that it wasn't "newsworthy", when in actual fact it was newsworthy enough to be reported all over the world, and in the mainstream press.

We don't have a media partnership deal with Mardi Gras and as such are free to report on them as any other media would - looking at both the good and the bad. That is what media does.

[Snickers]

They shouldnt feel too bad....

They are only missing out on a chance to be in a lame redundant eye sore that's irrelevant and an embarrasment to the community.

Mardi Gras sold us out years ago, why are people only coming to this realisation now?

[TheOldie]

But what to do ?

If you look at NMG's annual report the Parade lost $500,000 last year. Just imagine how much they would have lost without Corporate Sponsorship.

So do we kick out all the straight Corp Sponsors ? then what up the price for each float ? ( which the MAG cannot afford anymore ) so how many others will have to not put in a float if they have to increase the entry fee ?

What would NMG be able to put on with the less $'s ?

And yes there is a lot of emphasis on the dance parties because they also make the big $'s along with the Sponsorships.

Get rid of the sponsors , allow BYO at Fair Day make it all free. How long would it last ?

[Zakalwe]

Given the number of gay people who work for banks and airlines (Virgin Blue is also a sponsor) it could be argued that NMG isn't straying too far outside our 'community' for financial support.

A lot of these sponsors actually provide in kind support as well.
Pump provide water for volunteers.
ANZ provide banking services.
Virgin Blue provide travel.
So they're providing support to the organisation in a tangible way.

[Barrin]

And what does Animal Liberation do in return for advertising themselves?

[Christian Taylor]

you don't have to get rid of corporate sponsors. you just have to realise that some things are not for sale. it's like media - you have advertisers, you have editorial. sometimes they say conflicting things, but they both have their role to play. get rid of one you lose the other. it's a delicate balance.

if anyone wants to read more about the exclusion of the float, and how the issue was dealt with by mardi gras' media partner, take a read of this story here. (http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html)

[philly]

But what to do ?

If you look at NMG's annual report the Parade lost $500,000 last year. Just imagine how much they would have lost without Corporate Sponsorship.

So do we kick out all the straight Corp Sponsors ? then what up the price for each float ? ( which the MAG cannot afford anymore ) so how many others will have to not put in a float if they have to increase the entry fee ?

What would NMG be able to put on with the less $'s ?

And yes there is a lot of emphasis on the dance parties because they also make the big $'s along with the Sponsorships.

Get rid of the sponsors , allow BYO at Fair Day make it all free. How long would it last ?
I dont think anyone's saying all str8 sponsors should be kicked out but when community floats are being excluded at the expense of corporate sponsors then something's wrong.

And Mardi Gras existed quite well in the 80s and 90s without this level or corporate sponsorship so why does it need it now?

[tricky28]

I had to shelve looking further into this story because I ran out of time, and it ended up breaking all over the world anyway. The interesting aspect to this story, I have recently found out, is the fact that SX pulled the story from their site, saying that it wasn't "newsworthy", when in actual fact it was newsworthy enough to be reported all over the world, and in the mainstream press.

We don't have a media partnership deal with Mardi Gras and as such are free to report on them as any other media would - looking at both the good and the bad. That is what media does.
I've seen plenty of news stories on this website created around some quotes and information taken from online Sydney Morning Herald articles. The news stories that are reported on here are rarely broken by Same Same; they are all from local or world media and then re-reported. So i hardly see how it being reported world wide is an excuse not to do your own take. Especially on such a relevant local issue that would be of interest to many of the subscribers of this website.

But of course it is ultimately Same Same's decision on what they find newsworthy... such as promoting strippers and shocking revelations that criminals can also be gay.

[poolboy jackson]

Lenin said you have to OWN the means of production AND the media.

I won't be criticizing SS until mine is bigger then theirs.

[tricky28]

Maybe i was a bit mordacious in that post. I really am a big fan of this website.

[Eltharion]

Well I hate to say it but...

Animal lib activists have no place in the Mardi Gras parade. Yes they may be made up of gay people but their focus is clearly animal rights, not gay lesbian or trans issues. To point out that other non gay organisations are in the parade and not them is missing the point. The others are sponsors contributing to Mardi Gras....now im sure if they decided to sponsor Mardi Gras they would get a float.

In todays world things cost money, if you dont have sponsorship of the like of ANZ and Ikea we wouldnt even have a parade. So sometimes you just have to suck it up and say ok we have to comprimise if we want this event to survive. I think it would be better to have them in the parade than animal lib people who are there for "animal rights" not for us gays....they are promoting a seperate agenda.


Besides there are plenty of other avenues for mung bean eating vegans to complain about how immoral humanity is :rolleyes:

[philly]

Animal lib activists have no place in the Mardi Gras parade. Yes they may be made up of gay people but their focus is clearly animal rights, not gay lesbian or trans issues.
That's like saying:

"Kylie Minogue floats have no place in the Mardi Gras parade. Yes they may be made up of gay people but their focus is clearly Kylie, not gay lesbian or trans issues."

[Grumpy]

Just tack it onto the end of the Sydney Festival as it's closing event........."The Fabulous Sydney Corporate Parade".

[Barrin]

That's like saying:

Kylie Minogue floats have no place in the Mardi Gras parade. Yes they may be made up of gay people but their focus is clearly Kylie, not gay lesbian or trans issues.

Except Kylie is an unashamed and longtime supporter of MG and gay people whereas Animal Liberation are just riding on it's coattails. Big difference.

[philly]

Except Kylie is an unashamed and longtime supporter of MG and gay people whereas Animal Liberation are just riding on it's coattails. Big difference.

Um... Animal Lib have been there every year for ages (and had some of the best floats too), they've even been nominated for Most Creative Entry.

Kylie, on the other hand, has perfomed at Mardi Gras twice - and she was PAID to do it, and MG flew her to Sydney both times and put her up in the best hotels. I love Kylie, but to claim that she's been a huge supporter of MG is just laughable.

[Barrin]

Um... Animal Lib have been there every year for ages (and had some of the best floats too), they've even been nominated for Most Creative Entry.

Kylie, on the other hand, has perfomed at Mardi Gras twice - and she was PAID to do it, and MG flew her to Sydney both times and put her up in the best hotels. I love Kylie, but to claim that she's been a huge supporter of MG is just laughable.

Look, if you were managing the parade you'd obviously have your own criteria for entrants. I'd also have mine (and I'm no Kylie fan!). But as it's NMG who run the NMG parade, they decide how to manage an event that has become MUCH TOO BIG.... a point you won't acknowledge so I'll keep pressing it.

[philly]

Look, if you were managing the parade you'd obviously have your own criteria for entrants. I'd also have mine (and I'm no Kylie fan!). But as it's NMG who run the NMG parade, they decide how to manage an event that has become MUCH TOO BIG.... a point you won't acknowledge so I'll keep pressing it.
You completely glided over my point about Kylie being paid. I repeat: how is Kylie a great supporter of NMG for her two paid performances yet Animal Liberation are "riding on MG's coattails"? If anyone has been riding on MG's coattails (and the gay community's in general) it is Ms Minogue. And I say that as a fan of the woman.

As for 'the parade has become much too big': if that's really the case (I suspect it's just Mardi Gras spin to justify their decision), then perhaps we should be cutting out str8 corporations instead of floats made up of queer community members who have contributed to MG for many years.

[Barrin]

I'm a member of NMG. I attended their Annual General Meeting and listened to the increasing difficulties of staging the parade every year.

What is your connection with Animal Liberation? Or are you just arguing for the sake of arguing?

[TheOldie]

I dont think anyone's saying all str8 sponsors should be kicked out but when community floats are being excluded at the expense of corporate sponsors then something's wrong.

And Mardi Gras existed quite well in the 80s and 90s without this level or corporate sponsorship so why does it need it now?

Community ?

are they ? see other posts on that.

[philly]

My connection is as a member of NMG, and yes, an animal rights supporter (haven't been on the Animal lib float yet though) and a community member who thinks MG is important and shouldn't be sold off to the highest bidder. And I see you've still glided over the Kylie thing. Who's riding on whose coattails again?

[TheOldie]

I dont think anyone's saying all str8 sponsors should be kicked out but when community floats are being excluded at the expense of corporate sponsors then something's wrong.

And Mardi Gras existed quite well in the 80s and 90s without this level or corporate sponsorship so why does it need it now?

OK I'm not 100% on this but back in the 80's I dont think Mardi Gras got charged
or was charged very little for all the street closures/cleaning up etc.
Plus there was no real Festival , it was in its early days. There were a few things on but not like it is today.
Fair Day was held in another park previously ....cant remember where but down Ultimo way I think ? and doubt whether they were charged for that either.

Fast Forward to 2010 and for years now NMG has had to pay for a lot of those street closures/cleaning up/hiring of Parks/Festival etc.
As Barrin has posted its become a MASSIVE juggernaut.

Of course you would run it differently , so would I but neither of gets of our butts along to the AGM's or applies for positions on the board do we ?

Now back to the float.

OK they have been in it for years. What do they do for the community ?

Tell us and you will find most would switch to your side if they are being treated badly.

I dont go to the Parade anymore cause its too long and fucking boring to be honest. Make it shorter and make it queerer and relevant and may just go along again.

Otherwise see you on the dance floor.

[philly]

OK I'm not 100% on this but back in the 80's I dont think Mardi Gras got charged
or was charged very little for all the street closures/cleaning up etc.
Plus there was no real Festival , it was in its early days. There were a few things on but not like it is today.
Fair Day was held in another park previously ....cant remember where but down Ultimo way I think ? and doubt whether they were charged for that either.

Fast Forward to 2010 and for years now NMG has had to pay for a lot of those street closures/cleaning up/hiring of Parks/Festival etc.
As Barrin has posted its become a MASSIVE juggernaut.

No, NMG doesn't pay "a lot" for street closures, etc. It has an official exemption from User Pays charges as a 'Category B Hallmark Event'.


Now back to the float.

OK they have been in it for years. What do they do for the community ?


What do the dancing Kylies do for the community? The gay Raelians? The gay Catholics? The LGBT Jews? The gay footy players?:etc. etc.

They are all part of of our community, they are all valid expressions of the diverse LGBT experience, and as such they all have a place. And yes, I agree the parade has become boring, but not because of the Animal Lib float, which is always one of the more colourful and 'out there' entries - it's boring because of the endless advertisments on wheels. If the parade is going to be endless ads, ppl may as well stay home and watch the ad breaks on Channel 7.

[Zakalwe]

How many sponsor's floats are there really in the parade? I haven't been for a few years.

[nickdisco]

How relevant is Mardi Gras now anyway?

[dreadcircus]

Sponsors or no sponsors what is the festival about these days? Partying or Protesting... I don't recall to many minority groups actually making changes by dancing in the streets what I do recall to our specific community is a protest march that used it's flair, creativity and desperation to put on such an event. The HIV battles of the 80's spurred that on even further and then something happened..

It seems we all just lost focus. Every year I march with Ankali because they march on foot, run on a tiny budget carrying signs and are underdogs doing work that goes mostly un noticed. Whilst waiting to march every year I look around and see a bunch of people all about themselves lapping up their one day a year where people cheer because of their sexuality and gender expression so its a much bigger problem than just attacking NMG.

There needs to be leadership from our community. Even here at Samesame we announce a top 25 influential people each year and people like these need to stand up and be influential, encourage people to fight...

I seriously think we need a week or 2 of major protests that all lead up to a massive night of partying like a reward. The one thing that always irks me about the MG Festival and parade is that so many people even in our community don't realize the festival is over a duration of 2 weeks. So much focus is put on the glitzy parade that the artist who perform in the festival mostly perform to small crowds going unoticed. We all get into a massive parade and the world watches us but as soon as it ends the homophobia is unleashed just as it was before, many of us dont even make it back home before being left for dead by a gay basher loitering about after the parade.

Maybe the Festival could even be a 2 day event over a weekend? something like a BDO followed by the protest rally that ends in a whopping party. Either way the current format does not cut the mustard. Why bother running at such massive loses when nothing significant is changing to the way we are treated in society?

[Snickers]

Um... Animal Lib have been there every year for ages (and had some of the best floats too), they've even been nominated for Most Creative Entry.

Kylie, on the other hand, has perfomed at Mardi Gras twice - and she was PAID to do it, and MG flew her to Sydney both times and put her up in the best hotels. I love Kylie, but to claim that she's been a huge supporter of MG is just laughable.


Kylie donated 100 percent of her Fees from Mardi Gras Performances to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.

[rudeboy86]

Ultimately there has to be a balance. Sponsorship is needed, if GLBT companies are not willing to put money towards MardiGras, then where else can you go?


They didn't need sponsors in 1978 or the year after...why the fuck do we even need them now?!?

Pandering off to the Pink Dollar Capitalists desire to latch onto us and get us to use their services and show how Gay friendly they are? Get real!

You can have a Pride March/Mardi Gras without corporate sponsors...it's like organising a protest...I have never seen corportate sponsors at an anti-war demo or even an Equal Love demo.

[rudeboy86]

Kylie donated 100 percent of her Fees from Mardi Gras Performances to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.

Soooo sorry that we forgot about the concept of celebrity exemption.

[rudeboy86]

But what to do ?

If you look at NMG's annual report the Parade lost $500,000 last year. Just imagine how much they would have lost without Corporate Sponsorship.

So do we kick out all the straight Corp Sponsors ? then what up the price for each float ? ( which the MAG cannot afford anymore ) so how many others will have to not put in a float if they have to increase the entry fee ?

What would NMG be able to put on with the less $'s ?

And yes there is a lot of emphasis on the dance parties because they also make the big $'s along with the Sponsorships.

Get rid of the sponsors , allow BYO at Fair Day make it all free. How long would it last ?

Fuck the floats either march on your feet or get on a flatbed truck and parade that way.

The whole point behind this was not to make profits.

But of course the NSW govt makes money from the tourism factor and the other Pink Dollars that come rushing into Sydney that time of the year...they gotta raise revenue somehow...the state govt is broke remember? Lol.

[rudeboy86]

A lot of these sponsors actually provide in kind support as well.

In exchange for us to display their logos so they have a new way to advertise and a new market demographic to take advantage of. WE ARE NOT COMMODITIES !!!

Pump provide water for volunteers.

Ummmm ever heard of using a tap to fill up recycled water bottles? Or is Sydney water still dangerous to drink?

ANZ provide banking services.

Hahahaha...they do have a high amount of LGBTI staff...doesn't mean they have to impose their presence on us at Pride March or Mardi Gras.

Virgin Blue provide travel.

There are how may domestic flights in Australia from how many other companies...? How about the train? But then again they are tapping into a niche market demographic to make themselves look good and inclusive.

So they're providing support to the organisation in a tangible way.

The only support needed is the support of the community and that way there would be a more REAL community feel to an even that is owned collectively by US and not the corporate world.

Corporate sponsorship of MG/Pride is only valid because the "community leaders" and NMG give them validity. It is not necessary and people should bloody well know that by now!

[rudeboy86]

I dont think anyone's saying all str8 sponsors should be kicked out but when community floats are being excluded at the expense of corporate sponsors then something's wrong.

Kick them the fuck out!

[philly]

Kylie donated 100 percent of her Fees from Mardi Gras Performances to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
Well good on her if that's true. But it still doesn't make her "gayer" or "more worthy" than queer community floats.

[philly]

Kick them the fuck out!

LOL... OK, maybe some people are saying it. :p

[rudeboy86]

Well I hate to say it but...

Animal lib activists have no place in the Mardi Gras parade. Yes they may be made up of gay people but their focus is clearly animal rights, not gay lesbian or trans issues. To point out that other non gay organisations are in the parade and not them is missing the point. The others are sponsors contributing to Mardi Gras....now im sure if they decided to sponsor Mardi Gras they would get a float.

In todays world things cost money, if you dont have sponsorship of the like of ANZ and Ikea we wouldnt even have a parade. So sometimes you just have to suck it up and say ok we have to comprimise if we want this event to survive. I think it would be better to have them in the parade than animal lib people who are there for "animal rights" not for us gays....they are promoting a seperate agenda.


Besides there are plenty of other avenues for mung bean eating vegans to complain about how immoral humanity is :rolleyes:













SO what if a group called "Queers Against War" or "Queers 4 Peace" wanted to march? Or would that insult our dear friends in the Military Industrial Complex?

[rudeboy86]

Look, if you were managing the parade you'd obviously have your own criteria for entrants.

Here is a key selection criteria....

Are you Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans/Intersex/Queer/Genderqueer....etc?

If you answered yes to this then you are allowed to march!

[crazzymikey]

They didn't need sponsors in 1978 or the year after...why the fuck do we even need them now?!?

Pandering off to the Pink Dollar Capitalists desire to latch onto us and get us to use their services and show how Gay friendly they are? Get real!

You can have a Pride March/Mardi Gras without corporate sponsors...it's like organising a protest...I have never seen corportate sponsors at an anti-war demo or even an Equal Love demo.

Because so many have a stake in it now, they are all bleeding the gay community dry. I say get back to basics and fuck off all this extra bullshit thats apparently costing so much money.

So sick of our community being seen as a huge cash machine.

It's all become so polite and (straight version) of political correct.

We need to fight for equal rights at work.
Anti discrimination at all levels.
Marriage.
Trans issues.
Anti homophobia and violence to GBLT.
Remembering the past and those who have suffered in this battle.
censorship laws.
2am lockouts and unfair treatment of our venues.
Violence on oxford st!
Religion.
etc etc!

[poolboy jackson]

Here is my key selection criteria....

Do you promise not to be boring?
Are you willing to walk quickly?


(I'm serious.)


.

[crazzymikey]

Here is a key selection criteria....

Are you Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans/Intersex/Queer/Genderqueer....etc?

If you answered yes to this then you are allowed to march!

pfft there seems to be an even amount of straights to gays marching in the parade now. I don't mind that there are soem in it but when queers are being refused entry over them then its pretty messed up.
It is the gay and lesbian parade and many of the straights I noticed in the floats knew very little about our issues and were there to enjoy the party and fun of it.
Just because they have a gay friend or aquaintance doesn't mean they should be marching.
I met groups of straight girls in it who entered alone and they weren't fag hags! Was like being at stonewal for one of those damn hens nights!

[rudeboy86]

......at the end of the day, in an ideal situation we wouldn't need, Pride March/MG, gay venues, women's mags, gay mags...etc etc.

We could maybe one day get to the realisation that we are all human beings and try not to divide ourselves tribally.

Just an observation.

[poolboy jackson]

(I don't want to be accused of being a hater again, but…)

I agree with Mikey.

The parade is filling up with exhibitionist hets.

Last year I saw a repeat of the 'Chadwicks Scandal' when some insecure guy jumped off the float to pash off a woman in the crowd.

So many of the crowd were drunk bogans sucking on long-necks with their back to the parade.

.

[Barrin]

pfft there seems to be an even amount of straights to gays marching in the parade now. I don't mind that there are soem in it but when queers are being refused entry over them then its pretty messed up.
It is the gay and lesbian parade and many of the straights I noticed in the floats knew very little about our issues and were there to enjoy the party and fun of it.
Just because they have a gay friend or aquaintance doesn't mean they should be marching.
I met groups of straight girls in it who entered alone and they weren't fag hags! Was like being at stonewal for one of those damn hens nights!

Years ago when I was still living in Melbourne I'd made a couple of attempts to get tix to the MG party to no avail. Some straight acquaintances boasted how they'd been several times with Sydney friends (also straight) who got tix every year. I complained that's probably why I couldn't tix because they were being bought by so many straights.... Boy was I put back in my place! ANYONE can go to Mardi Gras. Who am I to criticise others for wanting to go? That was about 20 years ago.

[TheOldie]

I dont understand how people can ask about not needing sponsors in the 1980's so why do we need them now ? the difference to what we had then to what we have now is massive.

Fine get rid of all the sponsors. Get rid of any float that does not support the gay community and bring it back to its gay roots.

Would it be televised then or just a minute on the news ? Would their be a Fair Day ? would there be a Queer Screen ? would there be a Festival ?
as pointed out a lot of events lose money so who would cover those losses ? where would the money come from ?

Some have said get rid of the loss making events , well there goes Fair Day and the Parade etc.

there has to be a balance somewhere ? and unfortunately all those things or even cut down versions of them all require $'s.

[dreadcircus]

I dont understand how people can ask about not needing sponsors in the 1980's so why do we need them now ? the difference to what we had then to what we have now is massive.

Fine get rid of all the sponsors. Get rid of any float that does not support the gay community and bring it back to its gay roots.

Would it be televised then or just a minute on the news ? Would their be a Fair Day ? would there be a Queer Screen ? would there be a Festival ?
as pointed out a lot of events lose money so who would cover those losses ? where would the money come from ?

Some have said get rid of the loss making events , well there goes Fair Day and the Parade etc.

there has to be a balance somewhere ? and unfortunately all those things or even cut down versions of them all require $'s.

Our community is full of venues, theatres and galleries that put stuff on all year round. Perhaps the artists could work together in a collective to book all their shows around the time of the smaller picnic, protest march and final party. It's up to the entire community to actually work together to make something unique instead of putting 1 organization in charge. Of course there would still be sponsorship needed but not on the scales needed now.

Look at the creativity in our community. glbt people make amazing outfits, floats etc from stickpiles of junk at the float building space every year. It's not all about everything being massive, we now live in a world where over consumerism is stuffing things up royally. We have the opportunity to be a leading community recycling stuff to make our event (whatever it may be) really looked at and respected by the world not only for glam and tourism but leaders in social justice, care for the planet and a REAL sense of community..

The only reason it wont work is because everybody loves to sit back and complain but nobody ever takes the initiative. I'm telling you all now you can see over the past few years renegade events cropping up rivaling NMG and it will happen sooner or later once the right combination of community leaders grow some balls and make it happen with conviction.

I'll go on record right now to say I'll be involved and fight till my dying breath to help make such a thing happen.

[rudeboy86]

The only reason it wont work is because everybody loves to sit back and complain but nobody ever takes the initiative.


Welcome to apathy Jade....join us...they let you keep the little piece of brain in a jar....

[TheOldie]

You're right a lot do sit back and complain Jade.

Also lets hope this is what the whole community wants ? not what a dozen posters want ?

I dont care if it remains massive or if it goes small. I will still attend events etc. I have supported/volunteered etc for over 20 years now.

I'm just posting back at posters moaning about things when they havent even bothered to look up a few easy facts as to why certain things have been happening.

[dreadcircus]

I'm the same Oldie I may be complaining atm but I'm still there every year giving my time and putting on shows as the underlying cause still exists for me.

[poolboy jackson]

…I'll go on record right now to say I'll be involved and fight till my dying breath to help make such a thing happen….

It is on record and you will be reminded of it.

I remember Sydney's Gay Theatre Company. (It was called a company but I don't know its legal or financial status.)

[rudeboy86]

You're right a lot do sit back and complain Jade.

Also lets hope this is what the whole community wants ? not what a dozen posters want ?

I dont care if it remains massive or if it goes small. I will still attend events etc. I have supported/volunteered etc for over 20 years now.

I'm just posting back at posters moaning about things when they havent even bothered to look up a few easy facts as to why certain things have been happening.

The reason why it will not change is because the pricks behind NMG are hooked on the profits...good little money junkies that they are.

[rudeboy86]

That being said you could always just ditch MG all together.

Hold something at Sydney Park in St Peters and have more events kicking on in Newtown/Enmore/Petersham...etc

Have some proper Pride events.

Maybe have something called: Camping up Camperdown!

[Light-Bearer]

I hate animals.

They're beastly.

[TheOldie]

Just walking or standing on a flat bed truck :)

that would drop crowd numbers to a few hundred ! no worries about needing the Police to watch over the crowd. Maybe be a 10 second mention on some obscure News service.

But honestly how many would want to get rid of all that glitz and glamour ? be happy stomping around camperdown ?

got to be a compromise somewhere in the middle Rudeboy.

And if NMG do make a profit the board dont get to keep it. Besides subsidising those
losing events they only end up with less than $500,000. Not much in the scheme of things.

For as many who would like to say fuck them lets get back to our grass roots there are others who are busting to do the Parade/Fair Day etc. Then they would mount a campaign to gay it up more.

Dont think I like the idea of just a weekend of it either. Its great having it all spread out over a few weeks.

So what do you think would be proper Pride events Rudeboy ?

[badamj2000]

OMG Ikea?!

Im in favour of protecting habitat for wild animals . I dont care about cats and dogs.
Domesticated animals are safe from extinction. They often live better lives then humans. Humans treat their 'pets' like humans/children . Humans don't value their wildness/animalness/difference. there are too many humans and not enough trees. The world is so fucked up. RSPCA people need a good slap. Join Green Peace of something sensible. 'Adopt' / defend an endangered OZ animal/eco-system

[rudeboy86]

For as many who would like to say fuck them lets get back to our grass roots there are others who are busting to do the Parade/Fair Day etc. Then they would mount a campaign to gay it up more.

Dont think I like the idea of just a weekend of it either. Its great having it all spread out over a few weeks.

So what do you think would be proper Pride events Rudeboy ?

Well if they don't like the grass roots thing then they can stay the fuck out of it then. I don't mind if there is some glitz but surely not like MG is now.

Midsumma goes over a few weeks or something similar and allows more events to run properly then the MQFF is around the corner too.

Either do some awesome alternative for those who want nothing to do with NMG or face the fact that Sydney has just lost it completely.

[Eltharion]

SO what if a group called "Queers Against War" or "Queers 4 Peace" wanted to march? Or would that insult our dear friends in the Military Industrial Complex?

They would be fine to march after all they are a gay group with a gay approach to a worldwide problem.....I'm imagining queers covering all soldiers in glitter and playing dance music so soldiers have a nice dance instead of making war :rolleyes:


Point is simple. GLBT group yes, keep GLBT event going with sponsors yes, Group who is not a GLBT group no.....said group tries to quickly change name in an effort to get around the rules.....bigger no.....said group then bitches and complains to anyone who will listen....well even bigger no! And you know why? Becuase they are claiming they are being discrimintated against yet they do not in any way acknowledge that they are not the only group who didnt get in the parade, they are just the loudest. They are just whining saying see your picking on us cause we are animal lib/rights/vegan blah blah blah whatever

[Flaneur]

Let's start an alternate parade.

We'll put a gay pornstar, naked, on a little pony and have him trot down the street in all of his Godiva glory. I'm sure all the gay and bi men will automatically follow him and then you've got your de facto march full of [horny] queer boys. Once there's such a concentration of queer, we can just wait for the girls to use their advanced echolocation senses to home in on us.

[badamj2000]

It is on record and you will be reminded of it.

I remember Sydney's Gay Theatre Company. (It was called a company but I don't know its legal or financial status.)
I may have worked there in the kitchen. Please dont tell

[badamj2000]

Let's start an alternate parade.

We'll put a gay pornstar, naked, on a little pony and have him trot down the street in all of his Godiva glory. I'm sure all the gay and bi men will automatically follow him and then you've got your de facto march full of [horny] queer boys. Once there's such a concentration of queer, we can just wait for the girls to use their advanced echolocation senses to home in on us.
Oh dear! where could this lead us? There must be wowerish laws....?

[badamj2000]

(I don't want to be accused of being a hater again, but…)

I agree with Mikey.

The parade is filling up with exhibitionist hets.

Last year I saw a repeat of the 'Chadwicks Scandal' when some insecure guy jumped off the float to pash off a woman in the crowd.

So many of the crowd were drunk bogans sucking on long-necks with their back to the parade.

.
Oh dear , the heterosexualisation of MG, the beginning of the end... Extreme prejudice is in order.

[badamj2000]

Here is my key selection criteria....

Do you promise not to be boring?
Are you willing to walk quickly?


(I'm serious.)


.
"boring" - too subjective? Consult the UN for hard-and-fast legal definitions?

[philly]

you don't have to get rid of corporate sponsors. you just have to realise that some things are not for sale. it's like media - you have advertisers, you have editorial. sometimes they say conflicting things, but they both have their role to play. get rid of one you lose the other. it's a delicate balance.

if anyone wants to read more about the exclusion of the float, and how the issue was dealt with by mardi gras' media partner, take a read of this story here. (http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html)


The corporatisation of Mardi Gras and queer media censorship

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has lost its political and activist roots, preferring alliances with corporations rather than community. And the queer media is no better, writes Peter Hackney.

The modern queer rights movement was born on June 28, 1969 in New York City.

That night, NYC queers endured one too many police raids on a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. For once, they fought back, in what became known as the Stonewall Riots.

Stonewall gave succour to the queer rights movement worldwide, including here in Australia where in 1978 the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was held to commemorate the riots.

With origins like this, you’d expect New Mardi Gras (NMG) – the company that runs Sydney’s Mardi Gras – to be all for freedom of expression. But as events of last week show, it is anything but.

If there was any doubt that Australia’s largest queer event had become a monolith that exists for its own sake – instead of the queer community it represents – it was dispelled last week when NMG took the extraordinary step of banning queer people from this year’s Mardi Gras Parade.

As The Scavenger first revealed, queer members of Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW) – who first marched in the parade fourteen years ago, and received a Most Creative Entry nomination for their ‘Vegetarians Taste Better’ float in 2007 – were no longer welcome.

The reason? According to communication from NMG to ALNSW, they “weren’t queer enough”.

It didn’t matter that most of those involved in ALNSW’s entry were actually queer, or that the entry was renamed ‘Sydney Queers for Animal Rights’ to placate Mardi Gras. Apparently all participants, and their message, had to be 100 per cent queer.

“Mardi Gras is first and foremost a gay pride event,” NMG CEO Michael Rolik ‘explained’ several days later. “There is definitely a feeling amongst both staff and volunteers that on occasion it has been co-opted by groups who see it first and foremost as a vehicle for their own separate agenda.”

Yes, Michael, like Ikea – who will be allowed to ‘co-opt’ the parade this year to help them sell cheap kit furniture that takes five days to assemble.

Or ANZ, whose NMG-approved ‘co-opting’ no doubt relates to an agenda of getting more of us to take out hefty bank loans.

Or Foxtel, who – colour me cynical – are in it with the hope that more queers pay for the privilege of watching US reality shows and re-runs of The A-Team.

Clearly, it’s OK to ‘co-opt’ Mardi Gras if you cough up enough dough, or if the NMG honchos approve of your message – and some in the community are of the opinion that NMG does have issues with Animal Lib’s message, especially after last year’s ‘Cows are Cool, Leather is Cruel’ float which sent many of our gay male leather aficionados into a queeny flap (macho men that they are).

The result is a parade that’s little more than a shopfront for corporations chasing the pink dollar, and those select queer groups who get the tick of approval from our self-appointed Gay Government, the ranks of which are made up of unelected ‘politicians’ from NMG and other ‘gaystream’ organisations.

The situation would be slightly more palatable if our community could at least discuss these issues freely and openly, but NMG isn’t keen to engage: to date it has not responded to any critical posts on its Facebook page, including those about the Animal Liberation float and complaints by Tasmanians that their state-based GLBSGDQ-owned businesses were denied a stall at the Mardi Gras Fair Day.

And sadly, the queer media has been ‘co-opted’ into the culture of censorship. What should be a forum for recourse has become little more than a queer K-Mart catalogue; endless advertorial urging its ‘readers’ to buy something (such as Mardi Gras tickets) instead of investigating or questioning anything.

Shortly after The Scavenger story on the Animal Lib float broke, I wrote a piece on the matter for Sydney gay weekly, SX, and uploaded it on the magazine’s website. The following day, the story was removed by order of the publisher. But not before the world’s largest gay and lesbian magazine, The Advocate; Europe’s largest gay news website, Pink News; and popular gay blog Queerty picked up the story, all referencing the SX article (which now leads to a 'page not found' link).

A couple of days later, the story was flagged by the mainstream media, appearing throughout Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation titles, and on the Austereo radio network’s morning news bulletins. Sydney’s other gay weekly, the Sydney Star Observer, also ran a piece.

Exactly why the story was scuppered by SX is unclear – there’s no doubting its newsworthiness, as its viral spread through other media showed. Could it be anything to do with the fact that Evolution Publishing (publishers of SX) is the official media partner for NMG?

On her blog, Sequins & Sands: A 2010 Mardi Gras Behind the Scenes View, NMG Co-Chair Steph Sands makes the claim that, “Mardi Gras is for all of us. Not just a chosen few.”

Wrong, Steph. The Mardi Gras of 2010 is an overly spin-doctored, egotistical, dollar-driven corporation that exists largely for itself.

It has learned nothing from its 2002 crash and burn, the direct result of dancing too close to the corporate devil. Now, it’s dancing with that devil again, and the result is corporate inclusion at the price of community exclusion.

Unless Mardi Gras changes dance partners, and deigns to get down with its community instead of faceless corporations, history will likely repeat and the organisation will again crash and burn.

In fact, without the watchdog role of a vital, enquiring and uncensored queer media – I’m betting on it.

Peter Hackney is a freelance journalist and the former news editor of SX.

[rudeboy86]

They would be fine to march after all they are a gay group with a gay approach to a worldwide problem.....I'm imagining queers covering all soldiers in glitter and playing dance music so soldiers have a nice dance instead of making war :rolleyes:


Point is simple. GLBT group yes, keep GLBT event going with sponsors yes, Group who is not a GLBT group no.....said group tries to quickly change name in an effort to get around the rules.....bigger no.....said group then bitches and complains to anyone who will listen....well even bigger no! And you know why? Becuase they are claiming they are being discrimintated against yet they do not in any way acknowledge that they are not the only group who didnt get in the parade, they are just the loudest. They are just whining saying see your picking on us cause we are animal lib/rights/vegan blah blah blah whatever

So what about a group called "Queers 4 Animal Liberation" or "Queers For Animal Rights" ???

[TheOldie]

So on a quick look at other sites Sponsors

New York Pride - Delta / AOL / Zip car

San Francisco Pride - Bud Light / Virgin America / Smirnoff / San Francisco Toyota/
Wells Fargo / Comcast etc

Pride London - I couldnt find a list but it did say 2/3 of their funding comes from
sponsors. Maybe someone else can find the list ????????????

LA Pride - Bud Light / Smirnoff etc

So it seems all our groups overseas need the Corporate $ as well.

I'm not saying NMG hasnt gone too far, or that the decision to scrap the Animals right float was a good decision.

So I find it quite cynical of Peter Hackney to slag off NMG Sponsors when other groups rely on Sponsors who are NOT gay either and going by London saying Sponsors supply 2/3 of their funding where would they be if they dumped them all and cut the entire programme by 2/3rd's ?

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????

[TheOldie]

From London Pride -

Float Application Form 2010

Thank you for your interest in pride London 2010, to register your float/Group for Pride London 2010 please fill in the Form below, once we have received your application we will be in contact with you to discuss it.

Please read the details below carefully before filling out the form.

The form will ask you for your organisation type please you will need to select one of the catagories below
- Charity
- Non Profit LGBT
- Government Organisation
- Commercial LGBT
- Commercial Organisation


So NMG is not the only one that allows floats from " Commercial Organisations".

Not saying its right or that its wrong.

So are all the various marches around the World now heading in the wrong direction ? getting away from their grass roots ?

[Asherbella]

The integrity of Mardi Gras lies in it's identity & that identity must remain intact.

There are other platforms Linda Stoner can pursue for her to meaningfully get her message across.

[Asherbella]

The apparent truth is that animal liberationists are perceived as nutters.
Queer or not is irrelevant. They are driven politically & are viewed as 'rabble-rousers'. Look. Linda Stoner & her ilk want one thing. Their voices heard. They save chickens from battery cages. They DO NOT CARE about gay rights or the gay community. The *queers* in Linda's float are interlopers. Impostors. They are driven by whale blubber not being used in genetic testing. What the hell has that got to do with the spirit of Mardi Gras? Nil. Zilch. Bubkes.

[poolboy jackson]

Bubkes.
goat droppings?

[Asherbella]

Telstra, NSW Police, Ikea, etc....they impact upon the lives of gay Australia.
As a gay male, Telstra, the police & Ikea do impact on my life & their support has meaning to the parade. They have credibility. Do a check on these corporations/institutions & they do indirectly assist the community. Linda Stoner with a toy pony galloping along in the parade is silly. And, more importantly, irrelevant. Embarrassingly so. Sorry.

[rudeboy86]

Telstra, NSW Police, Ikea, etc....they impact upon the lives of gay Australia.

Bull-fucking-shit. Maybe for you and some of the other Aberzombie twinks out there but not for the entire community. Don't push the stereotype anymore than the gay press already does it's just sickeningly saccharin.


Linda Stoner with a toy pony galloping along in the parade is silly. And, more importantly, irrelevant. Embarrassingly so. Sorry.

7ft tall winged drag queens are fucking embarrassing sometimes too and they make up a lot of the procession too. Seriously are you going to take that hardline Gay male stance and try to ban lesbians too?

Just because you don't like one Queer group doesn't mean they shouldn't march. I would rather see a Queer Animal Lib group marching than the fucking ANZ or Virgin Airline who only do this to serve their commercial interests.
Don't give me that shit about them allegedly supporting the community because they hire Queers in their workplace.

I will say this time and time again. Sponsors were not needed in the early years of Mardi Gras and they are surely not needed now and anybody who thinks otherwise is most likely a fucking corporate stooge.

It is bullshit plastic corportatised displays like the Mardi Gras that make me slightly ashamed of being Gay and make me want to distance myself more from the mainstream/apathetic and shallow part of the community.

[badamj2000]

goat droppings?
What are trying to say? What do you mean? Subtext? Secret business?

[badamj2000]

The corporatisation of Mardi Gras and queer media censorship

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has lost its political and activist roots, preferring alliances with corporations rather than community. And the queer media is no better, writes Peter Hackney.

The modern queer rights movement was born on June 28, 1969 in New York City.

That night, NYC queers endured one too many police raids on a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. For once, they fought back, in what became known as the Stonewall Riots.

Stonewall gave succour to the queer rights movement worldwide, including here in Australia where in 1978 the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was held to commemorate the riots.

With origins like this, you’d expect New Mardi Gras (NMG) – the company that runs Sydney’s Mardi Gras – to be all for freedom of expression. But as events of last week show, it is anything but.

If there was any doubt that Australia’s largest queer event had become a monolith that exists for its own sake – instead of the queer community it represents – it was dispelled last week when NMG took the extraordinary step of banning queer people from this year’s Mardi Gras Parade.

As The Scavenger first revealed, queer members of Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW) – who first marched in the parade fourteen years ago, and received a Most Creative Entry nomination for their ‘Vegetarians Taste Better’ float in 2007 – were no longer welcome.

The reason? According to communication from NMG to ALNSW, they “weren’t queer enough”.

It didn’t matter that most of those involved in ALNSW’s entry were actually queer, or that the entry was renamed ‘Sydney Queers for Animal Rights’ to placate Mardi Gras. Apparently all participants, and their message, had to be 100 per cent queer.

“Mardi Gras is first and foremost a gay pride event,” NMG CEO Michael Rolik ‘explained’ several days later. “There is definitely a feeling amongst both staff and volunteers that on occasion it has been co-opted by groups who see it first and foremost as a vehicle for their own separate agenda.”

Yes, Michael, like Ikea – who will be allowed to ‘co-opt’ the parade this year to help them sell cheap kit furniture that takes five days to assemble.

Or ANZ, whose NMG-approved ‘co-opting’ no doubt relates to an agenda of getting more of us to take out hefty bank loans.

Or Foxtel, who – colour me cynical – are in it with the hope that more queers pay for the privilege of watching US reality shows and re-runs of The A-Team.

Clearly, it’s OK to ‘co-opt’ Mardi Gras if you cough up enough dough, or if the NMG honchos approve of your message – and some in the community are of the opinion that NMG does have issues with Animal Lib’s message, especially after last year’s ‘Cows are Cool, Leather is Cruel’ float which sent many of our gay male leather aficionados into a queeny flap (macho men that they are).

The result is a parade that’s little more than a shopfront for corporations chasing the pink dollar, and those select queer groups who get the tick of approval from our self-appointed Gay Government, the ranks of which are made up of unelected ‘politicians’ from NMG and other ‘gaystream’ organisations.

The situation would be slightly more palatable if our community could at least discuss these issues freely and openly, but NMG isn’t keen to engage: to date it has not responded to any critical posts on its Facebook page, including those about the Animal Liberation float and complaints by Tasmanians that their state-based GLBSGDQ-owned businesses were denied a stall at the Mardi Gras Fair Day.

And sadly, the queer media has been ‘co-opted’ into the culture of censorship. What should be a forum for recourse has become little more than a queer K-Mart catalogue; endless advertorial urging its ‘readers’ to buy something (such as Mardi Gras tickets) instead of investigating or questioning anything.

Shortly after The Scavenger story on the Animal Lib float broke, I wrote a piece on the matter for Sydney gay weekly, SX, and uploaded it on the magazine’s website. The following day, the story was removed by order of the publisher. But not before the world’s largest gay and lesbian magazine, The Advocate; Europe’s largest gay news website, Pink News; and popular gay blog Queerty picked up the story, all referencing the SX article (which now leads to a 'page not found' link).

A couple of days later, the story was flagged by the mainstream media, appearing throughout Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation titles, and on the Austereo radio network’s morning news bulletins. Sydney’s other gay weekly, the Sydney Star Observer, also ran a piece.

Exactly why the story was scuppered by SX is unclear – there’s no doubting its newsworthiness, as its viral spread through other media showed. Could it be anything to do with the fact that Evolution Publishing (publishers of SX) is the official media partner for NMG?

On her blog, Sequins & Sands: A 2010 Mardi Gras Behind the Scenes View, NMG Co-Chair Steph Sands makes the claim that, “Mardi Gras is for all of us. Not just a chosen few.”

Wrong, Steph. The Mardi Gras of 2010 is an overly spin-doctored, egotistical, dollar-driven corporation that exists largely for itself.

It has learned nothing from its 2002 crash and burn, the direct result of dancing too close to the corporate devil. Now, it’s dancing with that devil again, and the result is corporate inclusion at the price of community exclusion.

Unless Mardi Gras changes dance partners, and deigns to get down with its community instead of faceless corporations, history will likely repeat and the organisation will again crash and burn.

In fact, without the watchdog role of a vital, enquiring and uncensored queer media – I’m betting on it.

Peter Hackney is a freelance journalist and the former news editor of SX.
WOW, great post. Thanks

[Asherbella]

Bull-fucking-shit. Maybe for you and some of the other Aberzombie twinks out there but not for the entire community. Don't push the stereotype anymore than the gay press already does it's just sickeningly saccharin.




7ft tall winged drag queens are fucking embarrassing sometimes too and they make up a lot of the procession too. Seriously are you going to take that hardline Gay male stance and try to ban lesbians too?

Just because you don't like one Queer group doesn't mean they shouldn't march. I would rather see a Queer Animal Lib group marching than the fucking ANZ or Virgin Airline who only do this to serve their commercial interests.
Don't give me that shit about them allegedly supporting the community because they hire Queers in their workplace.

I will say this time and time again. Sponsors were not needed in the early years of Mardi Gras and they are surely not needed now and anybody who thinks otherwise is most likely a fucking corporate stooge.

It is bullshit plastic corportatised displays like the Mardi Gras that make me slightly ashamed of being Gay and make me want to distance myself more from the mainstream/apathetic and shallow part of the community.
No, no, no.
I actually respect Linda Stoner & her group for the beliefs they express in protecting the rights of animals. I detailed the perception that animal liberationists are nutters. It's true. Look at PETA, FFS. Kooky, self-righteous attention-seeking nutters. That's the growing consensus. I didn't actually call them nutters. Please re-read.
I disrespect Stoner's methods in adopting NMG as her personal soap box given MG is about the celebrating the gay community. Furthermore, I find it offensive that Linda Stoner has rallied a *rent-a-crowd*-type group & called them queer just to satisfy her own agenda. But, essentially, if you take her parade entry & the flimsy arguments she's sprouting to justify her application, I believe in the spirit of her message -'respect nature, have compassion, animals deserve to be treated humanely' Cool.

[poolboy jackson]

What do you mean? Subtext?

Addo dear, I don't mindlessly repeat the whole of the previous post holus-bolus as in your post 103. I carefully draw on the particular part of it on which I wish to comment.

[badamj2000]

Addo dear, I don't mindlessly repeat the whole of the previous post holus-bolus as in your post 103. I carefully draw on the particular part of it on which I wish to comment.
But MM, we are each individuals processing free will. I choose to do what i do usually, expect when i doing crack maybe. I thank you for your concern. In this instance, i was referring to the whole quote. Yes, perhaps it was too big. OMG plesae forgive me! What was I thinking?!!

[Asherbella]

I will say this time and time again. Sponsors were not needed in the early years of Mardi Gras and they are surely not needed now and anybody who thinks otherwise is most likely a fucking corporate stooge.
Mardi Gras has grown EXPONENTIALLY since 1978.
It would be naive to think that such an event like Mardi Gras 2010 doesn't need sponsorship to remain viable. It does. It just does. If that's a source of frustration for you, I don't know what to say to you, rudeboy. Welcome to the realities of tourism NSW. Sorry, mate.

[badamj2000]

I will say this time and time again. Sponsors were not needed in the early years of Mardi Gras and they are surely not needed now and anybody who thinks otherwise is most likely a fucking corporate stooge.
Mardi Gras has grown EXPONENTIALLY since 1978.
It would be naive to think that such an event like Mardi Gras 2010 doesn't need sponsorship to remain viable. It does. It just does. If that's a source of frustration for you, I don't know what to say to you, rudeboy. Welcome to the realities of tourism NSW. Sorry, mate.
Yes, MG is a huge concern now and subject to all kinds of politics, economics, logistics, media, insurance, legislation etc etc. What matters is its continual survival. I'm over it myself, I cant stand the crushing crowds mainly. I'd watch the DVD though?

[rudeboy86]

No, no, no.
I actually respect Linda Stoner & her group for the beliefs they express in protecting the rights of animals. I detailed the perception that animal liberationists are nutters. It's true. Look at PETA, FFS. Kooky, self-righteous attention-seeking nutters. That's the growing consensus.

PETA are fucking nuts and most people I know involved in Animal Lib (obviously cannot give names for various reasons) cannot stand PETA because they make the Animal Lib movment look stupid.

[rudeboy86]

Mardi Gras has grown EXPONENTIALLY since 1978.
It would be naive to think that such an event like Mardi Gras 2010 doesn't need sponsorship to remain viable. It does. It just does. If that's a source of frustration for you, I don't know what to say to you, rudeboy. Welcome to the realities of tourism NSW. Sorry, mate.

The mass peace rally against the Iraq invasion prior to the conflict in Melbourne numbered at about 200,000 (Feb 14, 2003). There were no sponsors for that event. People came because they believed in a cause much like what any dissenting action is based on. Mardi Gras should be re-politicised because that is what Pride events are about for fuck's sake.

I know that NSW tourism has hijacked it and turned it into some saccharin hetero-friendly calvacade of SHIT and I do hope that the NSW government fails in any more future revenue raising ventures...the state is broke as it is and I will laugh my arse off when it finally declares bankruptcy while Kristina Keneally hangs herself in the state government offices by the guts of Bob Carr.

I won't be laughing when you lot end up flocking down south of the border though...eeep!

[philly]

Going from bad to fucking terrible... Now Rodney Croome has had his stall and publication banned from Mardi Gras Fair Day! Yep, the same Rodney Croome that's done more for gay rights than just about any other Australian in history. The reason? Because he's from Tassie and Mardi Gras is held in NSW - a Tasmanian presence is "at odds" with the Events NSW corporate sponsorship. How disgusting that Rodney Croome of all people is being treated like this by MG. And once again this story isn't breaking in our gay media, it's up to UK Gay News (http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/10/Feb/1202.htm) to do it:


Tasmania Faces Sydney Mardi Gras Ban

HOBART – A publication prepared by an Australian gay rights advocacy group has been banned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, prompting criticism that the Mardi Gras is favouring corporate interests over community values.

The Mardi Gras Association has banned the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Visitors’ Guide published by Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, along with all stalls and materials promoting Tasmania, from this year’s Fair Day.

The reason, the Mardi Gras group says is because of a sponsorship deal with Events NSW.

Mr Croome said in a statement toUK Gay News that he is “outraged” by the ban.

“The Visitors’ Guide includes information on Tasmanian gay and lesbian history, culture and community not available elsewhere, which patrons of Fair Day will find valuable regardless of whether they are planning a Tasmanian holiday,” Mr Croome said.

“I fought against numerous anti-gay bans in Tasmania in the 1990s – from the banning of our stall at Salamanca Market to the banning of anti-homophobia materials in schools – but never in my wildest dreams did I expect a mainland gay organisation to ban information about Tasmania.

“Whether a ban is motivated by hate or, in the case of the Mardi Gras, by money, censorship is censorship and should be resisted,” he added.

The Mardi Gras Association has interpreted its sponsorship contract with Events NSW to preclude the promotion of any other state as a tourist destination at any Mardi Gras event.

As a result, Tourism Tasmania has been banned from next weekend’s Fair Day despite having successfully participated in the event for a decade, and despite continuing to be welcomed at gay community festivals in other state capitals.

The Fir Day is expected to attract over 70,000 people,

Individual gay-owned Tasmanian travel operators who would normally promote their businesses from the Tourism Tasmania stall have been given refuge by other stall-holders, but are still prohibited from distributing any materials promoting Tasmania as a state, including the Visitors' Guide.

Mr Croome said the ban on Tourism Tasmania is deeply unfair.

“Tourism Tasmania has worked hard and successfully to turn around Tasmania’s former reputation for homophobia and it has does this in a way which shows a genuine commitment to the importance of community, he said.

“It has funded anti-homophobia training sessions for tourism operators, supported gay community events, included same-sex couples in its mainstream advertising, scrupulously ensured that community members are involved in all its promotional activities, consulted regularly with gay community representatives and published booklets like the Visitors’ Guide which provide valuable information about Tasmanian gay history and community.

“Tourism Tasmania models best practice when it comes to community participation in government and corporate activities, and is one the most prominent ambassadors for gay and lesbian Tasmania at the Mardi Gras festival, yet the Mardi Gras has ignored all this in the name of protecting the corporate interests of one of its sponsors.”

Mr Croome went on to question the need for Mardi Gras to sign exclusive sponsorship deals.

“Australia’s other gay and lesbian festivals get by okay without exclusivity clauses in their sponsorship deals, as do other niche travel events like garden shows, and food and wine shows, where Events NSW and Tourism Tasmania participate on an equal footing, he pointed out.

“Mardi Gras seems blind to the fact that the cost of exclusive contracts in terms of community ill-will far outweighs whatever short-term financial benefit they may have,” he concluded.

The 2010 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day will take place on Sunday February 21st in Victoria Park, Chippendale.

http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/10/Feb/1202.htm

[Asherbella]

The mass peace rally against the Iraq invasion prior to the conflict in Melbourne numbered at about 200,000 (Feb 14, 2003). There were no sponsors for that event. People came because they believed in a cause much like what any dissenting action is based on. Mardi Gras should be re-politicised because that is what Pride events are about for fuck's sake.

I know that NSW tourism has hijacked it and turned it into some saccharin hetero-friendly calvacade of SHIT and I do hope that the NSW government fails in any more future revenue raising ventures...the state is broke as it is and I will laugh my arse off when it finally declares bankruptcy while Kristina Keneally hangs herself in the state government offices by the guts of Bob Carr.

I won't be laughing when you lot end up flocking down south of the border though...eeep!
Peace rallies are once-off events. Mardi Gras is a tradition, rudeboy.
NSW tourism hasn't hijacked it. Mardi Gras needs regulation/admin/finance to keep vibrant, accessable & relevant. This is my opinion. It's big. Lots of heteros want to come, participate, view & appreciate Mardi Gras. For a myriad of reasons. Do we want MG to live in a tiny, insulated bubble at a grassroots level or do we want Mardi Gras to be bigger & better each year? Bigger & better costs $$$$.

[nickdisco]

No, no, no.
I actually respect Linda Stoner & her group for the beliefs they express in protecting the rights of animals. I detailed the perception that animal liberationists are nutters. It's true. Look at PETA, FFS. Kooky, self-righteous attention-seeking nutters. That's the growing consensus. I didn't actually call them nutters. Please re-read.
I disrespect Stoner's methods in adopting NMG as her personal soap box given MG is about the celebrating the gay community. Furthermore, I find it offensive that Linda Stoner has rallied a *rent-a-crowd*-type group & called them queer just to satisfy her own agenda. But, essentially, if you take her parade entry & the flimsy arguments she's sprouting to justify her application, I believe in the spirit of her message -'respect nature, have compassion, animals deserve to be treated humanely' Cool.

How is this any different to our Corporate Sponsors?

The only different in their agenda lies in advertising their products as opposed to advocating the rights of animals.
This comes down to dollars, if the animal rights group had a big wad of cash to inject into Mardi Gras, they'd probably change the name to the Gay,Lesbian and Animal rights Parade. Actually considering how in recent years the parade has become more of an opportunity for rednecks to gawk and the pansies and bull dykes the name wouldn't be too far off.

[nickdisco]

Peace rallies are once-off events. Mardi Gras is a tradition, rudeboy.
NSW tourism hasn't hijacked it. Mardi Gras needs regulation/admin/finance to keep vibrant, accessable & relevant. This is my opinion. It's big. Lots of heteros want to come, participate, view & appreciate Mardi Gras. For a myriad of reasons. Do we want MG to live in a tiny, insulated bubble at a grassroots level or do we want Mardi Gras to be bigger & better each year? Bigger & better costs $$$$.


Mardis Gras has aspects that I think are wonderful, the community events, the theatre, the music and for those who like them the parties. It is the Parade that needs to vanish, it does more harm than good and is less for a March for pride and more of a Corporate circus.

[Asherbella]

How is this any different to our Corporate Sponsors?
Corporations provide goods & services to the general public.
Linda Stoner is on a personal mission with a cause to sell that does NOT serve or interest the general public.

[Asherbella]

Mardis Gras has aspects that I think are wonderful, the community events, the theatre, the music and for those who like them the parties. It is the Parade that needs to vanish, it does more harm than good and is less for a March for pride and more of a Corporate circus.

In your opinion.
The NSW Police marching can create an atmosphere (at least) of solidarity, unity & community. It often does, each year, manage to give us that. Even if just for 10 minutes. Faith. Not cynicism.
ANZ's sponsorship of Mardi Gras with a float isn't just about marketing ANZ. ANZ attatches its' brand name to a GAY event. They DON'T HAVE TO. Faith, my friend. Not cynicism.
It boils down to this. Do we want to be on the fringes of society by knocking corporate sponsorship & not have them involved or do we want tthe parade to floursish with monetary benefit? It's not a sell-out BUT AN ENHANCEMENT of the standard, experience & vibe of Mardi Gras. In my opinion.
It isn't a corporate circus just because you believe it to be a corporate circus.

[philly]

Asher, if you're going to complain about cynicism, at least learn how to spell the word.

[Asherbella]

Asher, if you're going to complain about cynicism, at least learn how to spell the word.

:o
Spelling Nazi!
;) :D :p

[Flaneur]

The mass peace rally against the Iraq invasion prior to the conflict in Melbourne numbered at about 200,000 (Feb 14, 2003). There were no sponsors for that event. People came because they believed in a cause much like what any dissenting action is based on. Mardi Gras should be re-politicised because that is what Pride events are about for fuck's sake.

I know that NSW tourism has hijacked it and turned it into some saccharin hetero-friendly calvacade of SHIT and I do hope that the NSW government fails in any more future revenue raising ventures...the state is broke as it is and I will laugh my arse off when it finally declares bankruptcy while Kristina Keneally hangs herself in the state government offices by the guts of Bob Carr.

I won't be laughing when you lot end up flocking down south of the border though...eeep!
I propose you two fight it out in the street as a demonstration to the queer kingdom about what we should be doing instead of these silly Mardi Gras events.

[philly]

And proud of it. :D

[badamj2000]

Asher, if you're going to complain about cynicism, at least learn how to spell the word.
Spell Nazi!

[TheOldie]

But Rudeboy.................

yes agree Parade should have some in your face reminders of what we went through and the 7ft drag queens etc ......... a balance.

Now as for you bee in the bonnet about Sponsors......... sure 200,000 marched for the war against Iraq but did they have a Parade ? a dance Party ? a Fair Day ? a Queer Screen and other events ?

Sure you might get your 200,000 to march somewhere but year after year ? or would they just get bored of it ?

What about the people who do enjoy the Mardi Gras Festival ? Parade ? Fair Day ?
Party ? if it was hated that much why do they get big numbers ?

As I pointed out earlier Sponsors are used by Gay Pride all over the World. London Gay Pride has stated 2/3rds of its budget comes from sponsors. Take them away and what would you have ?

The Parade just needs a balance................ in your face as you would like and some of the fluff and glitz that others like.

Marching up some street or sitting on some flatbed truck screaming out how we are mistreated would die in the arse by the 2nd or 3rd year...........

[Marcus Bourget]

I should declare an interest. I’m a former volunteer and director of New Mardi Gras

here's a secret

because none of you posters will actually get up and *DO* anything apart from bitch and whine and engage in some earnest but empty hand wringing on various online forums Mardi Gras will ride out the storm and carry on doing the best it can with the resources it has.

I've been in Australia for 9 years. Each year Mardi Gras apparently gets more and more commercial, less and less relevant blah blah blah...

its bloody amazing, then, that this year's festival is the strongest yet. I mean people must be staying away in DROVES.*** I mean it’s doing so well local businesses are happily ripping off the Mardi Gras trademarks. (Mardi Bar / Mardi Ha anyone? I sincerely hope samesame is paying a licence fee for those little ventures. Heaven forbid you’d be talking advantage of a not-for-profit organisation for your own financial gain, hmmmm?????).

That's not to justify the NMG decision. If the parade is too big, I'd restrict the numbers of existing floats to say a max of a couple of hundred or something. I mean 500 people in an ACON float - is that REALLY necessary? or I'd work to combine same same but different floats - i.e. combine the emergency services into one block rather component entries.

I mean if they can have queers for medical marijuana (remember that huge Doobie that went up Oxford Street a few years ago??? - surreal!) then they should be able to fit ALNSW in.

At least Queers for ALNSW believe in something.

I mean I'm not sure how Ms Wagga Wagga or the like furthers any form of gay acceptance. It's just a bloke in a dress after all.

I suppose in some respects queers for ALNSW are exactly like Lifesavers with Pride. Ultimately both are queer and have a passion which they want to share with the parade spectators. Ill take a large leap of faith when I say I presume Lifesavers with Pride will be *ahem* more camera friendly with a better dance routine.... But surely THAT can't be a criterion on which you get into the parade...

But congrats to ALNSW - you made the best of crappy outcome and have done more to publicise your cause than actually appearing in the parade....

One final (positive) thought. Like it or not, it’s because Mardi Gras is embracing the mainstream that it’s stimulating the self-professed ‘disenfranchised’ into action. Do you think that the ‘Alternative to Mardi Gras fringe festival’ would exist without Mardi Gras? I doubt it. It’s the strength and vibrancy of Mardi Gras which has generated an alternative festival for those who feel dispossessed and disenfranchised. That’s not to say one is better than the other, or that is more valid than the other. They are what they are and both should be embraced and celebrated as such. They are not mutually exclusive and both deserve our support.

I find it strange when people talk about Mardi Gras as the ‘self appointed gay government’, the ‘gay mafia’. I mean talk about a prison of your own making. Get out. Do it yourself. Make it up as you go along. Just for God’s sake lay off the self righteous bitching and moaning.

I’ll give it a couple of weeks and a couple of editions before our ADHD community latches on to something else and this gets filed away alongside Launch 2005 / Pink Sofa / No, MAG's you can't sell porn at Fair Day.

Yay! for the silly season!

*** Let's just hope they post a profit for the season.

[rudeboy86]

I propose you two fight it out in the street as a demonstration to the queer kingdom about what we should be doing instead of these silly Mardi Gras events.

Not a good idea because I am sure there will be blood by the end of it mainly because one person just wont shut up and take into account that there is a viable alternative to pandering to corporate sponsorships.

This is the other reason why I sometimes prefer Queer to Gay...If I have to have my identity associated with some fucking pathetic corporate circus like the Mardi Gras then I don't want to use the term Gay as an adjective of my sexual identity.

I really do hope that one day it goes down the drain and turn into a hetero parade so we can all sit around and say "I told you so" to all those assimilationist pigs on the board of NMG. It will be another insititution thoroughly destroyed by marketing and corporate gain over displays of political difference...you know what MG and Pride was about originally.

[rudeboy86]

In your opinion.
The NSW Police marching can create an atmosphere (at least) of solidarity, unity & community. It often does, each year, manage to give us that. Even if just for 10 minutes. Faith. Not cynicism.

HAHAHAHAHA solidarity??? NMG or the police wouldn't know solidarity if it bit them on the arse in broad daylight ffs. The police might know something about solidarity since they are the ones called to destroy strikes/picket lines and political protests.

What about the "vice" squad who go about harassing and arresting Queer and Trans street workers? We don't bother to mention that.

Faith in what exactly??? The police? Come off it, I learned to defend myself so I wouldn't have to call the police and wait for them to finally get to the scene of a brawl or assault.

(Sorry Nickdisco you know I mean no offence to yourself but you know what I mean and I have probably said it better than I have now)


ANZ's sponsorship of Mardi Gras with a float isn't just about marketing ANZ. ANZ attatches its' brand name to a GAY event. They DON'T HAVE TO. Faith, my friend. Not cynicism.

It is marketing whether you like it or not and if you cannot put those two variables together then you have no understanding of the basic rules of marketing/advertising...and for the record, do not ever condescend to me and call me "my friend" because you know full well that is a load of shit.

It boils down to this. Do we want to be on the fringes of society by knocking corporate sponsorship & not have them involved or do we want tthe parade to floursish with monetary benefit?

Why the fuck should it run for a fucking profit??? Unless of course we want NMG to become a company within itself that serves only to generate a profit for itself. That is just plain out fucking sick.

It's not a sell-out BUT AN ENHANCEMENT of the standard, experience & vibe of Mardi Gras. In my opinion.
It isn't a corporate circus just because you believe it to be a corporate circus.

Three cheers for the Pink Dollar Capitalists who have once again undermined and sold out our community for some pathetic fake notions of acceptance by the state. Oh it brings money into NSW lahdifuckingdah!

Fuck Mardi Gras, fuck the Pink Dollar and Fuck the community if that's how it is going to be. You may as well just take a running jump off something tall and get it over with. I would rather keep my dignity than pander to some mainstream tolerance. I bet you to my last fucking dollar that if it didn't bring money into NSW, the state would not be so supportive of it.

[rudeboy86]

Peace rallies are once-off events. Mardi Gras is a tradition, rudeboy.

Dissent is bloody tradition as well as a well deserved right of the people!

Peace rallies and LGBTI rights rallies (including Pride and old school real MG pre-sponsorship) can stand on their own feet and don't need to be regulated, audited and bankrolled by coroporations, we are lead like sheep to believe otherwise by a pathetic excuse for a community media (SX, Southern Star, SSO, MCV, AXN...etc etc) and you have chewed it up and swallowed it happily without questioning it or looking at the alternate opinion.


Lots of heteros want to come, participate, view & appreciate Mardi Gras. For a myriad of reasons. Do we want MG to live in a tiny, insulated bubble at a grassroots level or do we want Mardi Gras to be bigger & better each year? Bigger & better costs $$$$.

Heteros want in on it? Fuck them it is not their festival/protest/whatever...it is ours!

Community organising is a grassroots activity as are community events, if you don't keep it that way it no longer belongs to the community and you may as well just ditch it and let it go because the ship has been scuttled by NMG in kahootz with the state and their normalizing tenendcies to make it user friendly.

[Flaneur]

Not a good idea because I am sure there will be blood by the end of it mainly because one person just wont shut up and take into account that there is a viable alternative to pandering to corporate sponsorships.

This is the other reason why I sometimes prefer Queer to Gay...If I have to have my identity associated with some fucking pathetic corporate circus like the Mardi Gras then I don't want to use the term Gay as an adjective of my sexual identity.

I really do hope that one day it goes down the drain and turn into a hetero parade so we can all sit around and say "I told you so" to all those assimilationist pigs on the board of NMG. It will be another insititution thoroughly destroyed by marketing and corporate gain over displays of political difference...you know what MG and Pride was about originally.
I have sent faxes to the CIA about this post.


A crappy LGBT parade is better than nothing at all. Let's call for building supplementary structures rather than raging about what we have.

[rudeboy86]

I mean if they can have queers for medical marijuana (remember that huge Doobie that went up Oxford Street a few years ago??? - surreal!) then they should be able to fit ALNSW in.

At least Queers for ALNSW believe in something.

I suppose in some respects queers for ALNSW are exactly like Lifesavers with Pride. Ultimately both are queer and have a passion which they want to share with the parade spectators. Ill take a large leap of faith when I say I presume Lifesavers with Pride will be *ahem* more camera friendly with a better dance routine.... But surely THAT can't be a criterion on which you get into the parade...

This is kinda what I had been alluding to.


Get out. Do it yourself. Make it up as you go along.

Oh I do get involved with the alternative "fringe" as it seems to be referred to. I am in the process of putting a zine together, I am trying to organise a gig for the near future comprising of Queer bands. I actively publicise independent Queer publications when I can find them as well as alternative Queer events. I am involved in the Leather community in Melbourne and intend be more so in the coming years because they are fucking disorganised. I am doing my bit for my part(s) of the scene.

[rudeboy86]

A crappy LGBT parade is better than nothing at all.

I beg to differ...I really do.

[Marcus Bourget]

Rudeboy86 - if that's how you fist, no wonder you're so fucking angry... posting from a Y shaped hospital bed are you? ;-)

[rudeboy86]

Rudeboy86 - if that's how you fist, no wonder you're so fucking angry... posting from a Y shaped hospital bed are you? ;-)

You are a complete dick...seriously...the avatar is a satirical design that takes the piss out of inane leftist badges.

If you can't see the humour in that then...well not my problem.

[Flaneur]

I beg to differ...I really do.

Would you rather us invisible? Reduced to an adjective, clubbing partners and the butt of a joke in a sitcom?

Mardi Gras is not what it should be but wanting to demolish structures which are made by our community, for our community, is not at all constructive. We can't take down everything which isn't perfect otherwise we'd have nothing left because nothing is perfect.

Let's make new things and make enough of them so that the entire queer community is active during the entire month. Let's not day dream about destroying the biggest thing we have [that plenty of people seem to enjoy too].

[Marcus Bourget]

You are a complete dick...seriously...the avatar is a satirical design that takes the piss out of inane leftist badges.

If you can't see the humour in that then...well not my problem.

errr twinkles toes... I know... that was the point... but if you can't see the humour in my orginal post... well that's not my problem either...

:p

[Light-Bearer]

I love Marcus and will one day have his babies.

Baby Bourgette.

The last Spice Girl

[Light-Bearer]

I know it's a bit close but I've just written a letter to both New Mardi Gras and the Catholic Church proposing my idea for a float and performance piece.

Wish me luck.

Dear Sir/Madam/Pope.

It has come to my attention that you will be running a fete or something similar in the not to distant future.

I would love to be involved.

I am very interested in strapping, gigantic pandas to trucks and driving them in a convoy through your little event.

Also- there will be semi naked men in cod pieces and various leather outfitting, that will be announced on the night. I’m too drunk to get into the details right now, and fear that this letter is being read by eyes other than your own.

Please dispose of it in a manner you would deem fit and secure.

Speaking of fit- the other day while rowing for the Army, and being masculine in the sun, with just a slight sheen of water over my torso to accentuate my finer features- I was caught, off guard and a taser applied to my neck.

I awoke the next day- alone and naked in a room with only a rind of stale bread to keep me company.

I would like to examine that experience via interpretive dance.
Please advise if you deem it a suitable idea for your children’s programming.

Awaiting your reply.

Light Bearer

[Barrin]

I’ve been attending Mardi Gras events for around 16 years now. The one unchanging thing is the criticism: Too political / not political enough. Too camp and frivolous / not gay enough. Over emphasis on sex / not sexy enough. Not diverse enough / too many self-interest groups…. For every negative there is an equal and opposite negative. How do you deal with that? Well Marcus Bourget summed it up perfectly (and he should know) “…Mardi Gras will ride out the storm and carry on doing the best it can with the resources it has”.

But it still must pain the parade organisers to be accused of excluding transsexuals in the face of appointing one Chief of Parade. Apparently some transsexuals are more acceptable than others but it’s a complete mystery to me how one is meant to gauge these things. Seems we learnt nothing from the 80s and 90s when people busied themselves with every checkbox on the politically correct list only to end up with a meaningless parody. Did those gay whales ever get their land rights?

As for Rodney Croome, the whole point of this thread is to take NMG to task over their corporatisation. Sure, if NMG didn’t have contractual commitments to NSW tourism there’d be no clash with Rodney’s promotion of Tasmanian tourism. But it begs the question: if it’s OK for someone of Rodney Croome’s stature to be actively involved in commercial enterprises why all this disgust about NMG?

[philly]

As for Rodney Croome, the whole point of this thread is to take NMG to task over their corporatisation. Sure, if NMG didn’t have contractual commitments to NSW tourism there’d be no clash with Rodney’s promotion of Tasmanian tourism. But it begs the question: if it’s OK for someone of Rodney Croome’s stature to be actively involved in commercial enterprises why all this disgust about NMG?
Yes, because Rodney Croome is a corporation like IKEA, ANZ Bank and Foxtel. And as we all know, IKEA, ANZ Bank and Foxtel have worked tirelesssly for gay rights for decades like Rodney Croome has. :rolleyes:

[rudeboy86]

Reduced to an adjective, clubbing partners and the butt of a joke in a sitcom?

Because of course MG now does sooooo much to change that image right?


Let's make new things and make enough of them so that the entire queer community is active during the entire month.

Yes like an alternative grassroots Queer festival so those who are over the bullshit of MG/NMG can go there instead and have a good time.

[badamj2000]

I’ve been attending Mardi Gras events for around 16 years now. The one unchanging thing is the criticism: Too political / not political enough. Too camp and frivolous / not gay enough. Over emphasis on sex / not sexy enough. Not diverse enough / too many self-interest groups…. For every negative there is an equal and opposite negative. How do you deal with that? Well Marcus Bourget summed it up perfectly (and he should know) “…Mardi Gras will ride out the storm and carry on doing the best it can with the resources it has”.

But it still must pain the parade organisers to be accused of excluding transsexuals in the face of appointing one Chief of Parade. Apparently some transsexuals are more acceptable than others but it’s a complete mystery to me how one is meant to gauge these things. Seems we learnt nothing from the 80s and 90s when people busied themselves with every checkbox on the politically correct list only to end up with a meaningless parody. Did those gay whales ever get their land rights?

As for Rodney Croome, the whole point of this thread is to take NMG to task over their corporatisation. Sure, if NMG didn’t have contractual commitments to NSW tourism there’d be no clash with Rodney’s promotion of Tasmanian tourism. But it begs the question: if it’s OK for someone of Rodney Croome’s stature to be actively involved in commercial enterprises why all this disgust about NMG?
Great post mister

[TheOldie]

So does Tourism Tasmania do a lot for Gay Rights ? or does Rodney need sponsorhip to be able to more ?

Would you like sponsorship be stopped and the Festival stripped back ? all events
stripped back ?

Every Gay event around the World seems to require sponsorship $'s ? isnt it enough that they are prepared to put $'s into gay events enough ? so that we can do what we want ? certainly doesnt sound like those sponsors are homophobic.

[Eltharion]

So what about a group called "Queers 4 Animal Liberation" or "Queers For Animal Rights" ???

Thank you rudeboy........you have just illustrated my point EXACTLY!


This group had nothing to do with GLBT yes they had members who happened to be gay but it was not what defines them. A tokenistic change of name does not a Gay group make. This group was NOT GLBT therefore i would rather see them nocked out in favour of a REAL gay group or keeping sponsors to ensure the viability of the parade.

[badamj2000]

So does Tourism Tasmania do a lot for Gay Rights ? or does Rodney need sponsorhip to be able to more ?

Would you like sponsorship be stopped and the Festival stripped back ? all events
stripped back ?

Every Gay event around the World seems to require sponsorship $'s ? isnt it enough that they are prepared to put $'s into gay events enough ? so that we can do what we want ? certainly doesnt sound like those sponsors are homophobic.
Qld Government does a lot of work with gay tourism. They provide free marketing advice and info.

[philly]

So does Tourism Tasmania do a lot for Gay Rights ? or does Rodney need sponsorhip to be able to more ?

Would you like sponsorship be stopped and the Festival stripped back ? all events
stripped back ?

Every Gay event around the World seems to require sponsorship $'s ? isnt it enough that they are prepared to put $'s into gay events enough ? so that we can do what we want ? certainly doesnt sound like those sponsors are homophobic.
Rodney Croome does heaps for gay rights. It's his gay and lesbian visitor's guide to Tassie that's been banned. And Tourism Tasmania has also done a lot for gay rights - unlike similar bodies they include gay couples in their ads and brochures, and have been very openly welcoming of gay ppl for many years.

I don't think all sponsorship should be stopped, IMO corporate entities should be allowed at Parade and Fair Day. But there should be a balance - and when queer community floats are banned from the parade and when Rodney Croome of all people is being affected, the balance has tipped too far towards corporate interests.

[philly]

From www.rodneycroome.id.au/weblog (http://www.rodneycroome.id.au/weblog):

Rodney Croome . gay advocate

News & Comment
Sat Feb 13, 2010
Australian LGBT community

(un)Fair Day

The Mardi Gras has some questions to answer.
Animal Liberation NSW has been excluded from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade after many years of participation.

Emphasising their queerness with the new contingent name, “Sydney Queers for Animal Rights”, wasn’t enough to reverse the decision. Pointing out the many non-gay corporations that participate also didn’t move the MG organisers.

ALNSW officials are “gob-smacked” and “disappointed”.

I know how they feel.

For the first time in over a decade, Tourism Tasmania (along with every other tourism agency from outside NSW) has been refused a stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day.

Initially the Tasmanian tourism operators who usually share TT’s stall were also banned.

They have now made alternative arrangements. But they still have to abide by a ban on all materials which promote Tasmania as a whole.

The reason? MG has signed a contract with Events NSW which bans ENSW’s competitors from MG events.

The decision to ban Tourism Tasmania and all Tasmanian tourism materials from Fair Day raises several questions I’ll address in turn.

1. How is Tourism Tasmania a direct competitor with Events NSW?

Are there Tassie-style bushwalks and heritage tours on Events NSW calender? No.

Do Sydney-siders travel to Tasmania for the kind of film festivals and Mahler concerts Events NSW is plugging? No.

The issue here isn’t competing holiday experiences. It’s competition for disposable income. By that standard almost every business, charity and community group at Fair Day competes with Events NSW and should be banned.

2. Even if Tourism Tasmania and the other tourism bodies excluded from Fair Day compete directly with Events NSW, why ban them?

From food and wine festivals through to garden shows, travel and tourism bodies from around the nation are encouraged to attend and spruik their products regardless of which state the event is held in.

Why do Events NSW and the Sydney Mardi Gras (which is supposed to stand for non-discrimination) defy this co-operative ethos and insist only agencies from NSW can attend Mardi Gras events?

3. Why has Tourism Tasmania been excluded now, after so many years of hassle-free participation, and why is it still welcome at LGBT community events in other capital cities?

To phrase this question another way, why does the Mardi Gras Association, alone among Australia’s LGBT festival organisers, need to sign exclusivity contracts with big-name sponsors stay afloat financially?

Is this the price the LGBT community has to pay for an oversized festival that believes its own spin about being “the biggest and the best” and is too proud to scale itself back to what its city can realistically sustain?

But by far the most important question for me is this.

4. Why can’t the Mardi Gras Association see that the visibility of Tasmanian tourism at Fair Day is as much about community as it is about pink dollars?

Tourism Tasmania initially set up stalls at LGBT pride events on the continent in the late 90s.

After the bitter gay law reform of the 1990s Tasmania had a terrible image problem that was driving LGBT tourists away.

TT realised it had show commitment to the LGBT community to overcome the state’s bad reputation.

It did this by running training sessions for tourist operators, supporting LGBT community events, issuing promotional material with real couples talking about the real experiences, and incorporating same-sex couples into mainstream advertising.

All of this was driven by an LGBT consultative group made up of operators and community reps.

One of its most important initiatives was to invite community reps, like yours truly, to help staff its Fair Day stall.

I participated because this kind of face-to-face contact with Fair Day goers helped break down stereotypes about Tasmania, in exactly he same way our education programs in Tasmania had broken down stereotypes about LGBT people.

When myths about Tasmania were challenged by the presence at Fair Day of community reps under the auspices of a State Government agency the beneficiaries were not only Tasmanian tourist operators and the state economy.

LGBT Tasmanians benefited as well by being seen as active agents in shaping their own destiny, not powerless victims of homophobia.

In short, Tourism Tasmania has done as much as any government agency could to rehabilitate Tasmania, and give LGBT Tasmanians a new, empowered profile on the mainland.

Yet, Mardi Gras blithely ignores this contribution to our community, and judges TT’s participation in Fair Day purely in dollar terms.

At this stage I should admit I also have a personal stake in this little tragedy.

It’s not about my participation in the TT Fair Day stall. I gave that up to local LGBT tourism operators a few years ago.

It’s about the Gay and Lesbian Visitor’s Guide I wrote for Tourism Tasmania several years ago and which has just gone into its second edition.

I wrote that guide to reflect the community values I’ve already mentioned.

My objective was not just to spruik Tasmania as a travel destination.

It was also, and more importantly, to provide LGBT visitors (and straight visitors and LGBT locals) with greater insight into Tasmania generally, and into its rich LGBT history, culture and community in particular.

If I say so myself, few G&L visitor guides provide as much detailed information about gay life in a particular place. It’s as much about being gay in Tasmania and is it about visiting the place. This may be why it is one of the most popular guides Tourism Tasmania has ever produced.

But, like every other publication associated with Tourism Tasmania, the distribution of that visitors’ guide at Fair Day is prohibited.

In the 1980s and 90s I fought against lots of anti-LGBT bans in Tasmania – the ban on the gay rights stall at Salamanca Market, the ban on queer film festivals, the ban on anti-homophobia materials in schools, the ban on gay safe-sex education, the ban on LGBT contingent in the Hobart Xmas Pageant, the ban on cross-dressing after dark, even a proposed ban on coming out, not to mention the overarching ban on homosexuality.

I never expected in my wildest dreams to have a publication I wrote about the success we had in overcoming all that, and the joy many of us feel about being gay and Tasmanian, banned from a Mardi Gras Fair Day.

Sure the motive behind the Tasmanian bans was hate, while the Sydney ban is about money.

But the effect is the same: censorship of an important part of our community.

The Mardi Gras Association must,

- review the necessity for, and application of, exclusivity clauses in its sponsorship policy
- allow Tourism Tasmania and other travel bodies to freely participate in its events
- lift all bans on publications with community value

NOW!

[badamj2000]

Rodney Croome does heaps for gay rights. It's his gay and lesbian visitor's guide to Tassie that's been banned. And Tourism Tasmania has also done a lot for gay rights - unlike similar bodies they include gay couples in their ads and brochures, and have been very openly welcoming of gay ppl for many years.

I don't think all sponsorship should be stopped, IMO corporate entities should be allowed at Parade and Fair Day. But there should be a balance - and when queer community floats are banned from the parade and when Rodney Croome of all people is being affected, the balance has tipped too far towards corporate interests.
RC was the key man in the Tassie Gay movement! Hes a hero.

[TheOldie]

OK

now that we have the full story.............


its not NMG banning them but Events NSW.

Seems rather petty of Events NSW to be doing this. Havent they heard of tit for tat ?

Wonder how they will feel at the next travel Expo held in Tassie and Events NSW are banned from displaying their wares ?

are they that worried about competition from Tasmania ? seems rather petty.

[philly]

OK

now that we have the full story.............


its not NMG banning them but Events NSW.

Seems rather petty of Events NSW to be doing this. Havent they heard of tit for tat ?

Wonder how they will feel at the next travel Expo held in Tassie and Events NSW are banned from displaying their wares ?

are they that worried about competition from Tasmania ? seems rather petty.
Mardi Gras signed the exclusivity contract, honey. Events NSW didn't hold a gun to their head, it was a Mardi Gras decision.

[TheOldie]

Mardi Gras signed the exclusivity contract, honey. Events NSW didn't hold a gun to their head, it was a Mardi Gras decision.

Did I say it wasnt ? stop jumping down peoples throats.

Yes they signed but as I posted havent they heard about tit for tat ? wait till Tasmania Tourism bans them from an event in Tassie. They wont think its fair then.

Honey.

[philly]

Did I say it wasnt ? stop jumping down peoples throats.

Yes they signed but as I posted havent they heard about tit for tat ? wait till Tasmania Tourism bans them from an event in Tassie. They wont think its fair then.

Honey.

It's hilarious how you're trying to make out that this outcome has nothing to do with NMG, it's all Events NSW fault now! LOL! Rodney Croome doesn't see it that way, but what would he know? He's only the man at the centre of it.

[TheOldie]

Its hilarious how you dont understand.

YES NMG SIGNED IT is that clear enough for you?

I was commenting on the stupidity of Events NSW doing it.

So leave it with you.

Expect we wont see you at Fair Day as you vote with your feet not to support them.

[Barrin]

Yes, because Rodney Croome is a corporation like IKEA, ANZ Bank and Foxtel. And as we all know, IKEA, ANZ Bank and Foxtel have worked tirelesssly for gay rights for decades like Rodney Croome has. :rolleyes:

That's not an answer. Dont try to shrug this off. Rodney Croome has moved from activism to advocacy, dealing directly with business and government. It means contractual obligations. It means money. You can't give him a free pass while simultaneously spewing bile over NMG.

I thought tourism was a you-scratch-my-back arrangement so yes, the NSW contract is surprising and petty. Very petty. Rodney has good reason to be pissed off. Nonetheless, this is Sydney and it's always been a dog-eat-dog town.

[crazzymikey]

Smirnoff sponsors the san fransisco pride? omg we need them here - free smirnoffs!!!!!!!!

[crazzymikey]

seriously this where the whole sponsorship situation gets dangerous. When Mardi gras starts excluding community groups for irrelevant money spinners. Then of course the choice of sponsors is not scrutinised. They seem to take what they can get rather than assess 'will this sponsor conflict with any community groups, entrants and interests of our cause's.

Whatever happens Mari gras needs to put our causes first! Glamour and fun aside, we are a community that have a big fight on our hands still, and we can't afford to loose this platform to the pursuit of large profits that are to the detriment of our causes and community. They should not be so heavily in bed with the local government, tourism and sponsorship.


bit off topic now,

We talk about sydney becoming a nanny state, well this event is a nanny event now.

Last year I was in the parade and noticed the over the top control of everything and everyone. I couldn't walk without volunteers and organisers screaming at people for not being in an area or standinh too close to a fence etc. It seems to have lost its 'we are here together to celebrate and fight' feel.

I had an angry bitch on a mega phone screaming at everyone and at me. As I had been standing all day in the heat waiting for the start, I needed a drink, as I headed to the barracade to get one she started screaming at me and a volunteer grabbed my arm saying you can't leave and I'm like wtf??? It was so crazy.
My girlfriend tried to take a photo through the fence of me and another one screaming at her to move along. It was crazy! so over the top, aggressive and unnecessary.
This event is going the wrong way about things! It is not a straight festival to listen to music or see some celebrity, its our pride march! No one seemed to care about each other and want to be there for one another. We felt very uncomfortable and wondered why we were there at all. A lot of people on power trips! Hope it's better this year....

[TheOldie]

That's not an answer. Dont try to shrug this off. Rodney Croome has moved from activism to advocacy, dealing directly with business and government. It means contractual obligations. It means money. You can't give him a free pass while simultaneously spewing bile over NMG.

I thought tourism was a you-scratch-my-back arrangement so yes, the NSW contract is surprising and petty. Very petty. Rodney has good reason to be pissed off. Nonetheless, this is Sydney and it's always been a dog-eat-dog town.

I work within the Tourism industry Barrin and unless someone eg Qantas is the MAJOR sponsor then everyone shows up at the various trade shows/events around the place. Often the various Tourism Orgs of Australia are all there.

As I mentioned Tassie can quite easily do a tit for tat response to what Events NSW has done. I just found it very strange for them to do that.

[philly]

That's not an answer. Dont try to shrug this off. Rodney Croome has moved from activism to advocacy, dealing directly with business and government. It means contractual obligations. It means money. You can't give him a free pass while simultaneously spewing bile over NMG.

I thought tourism was a you-scratch-my-back arrangement so yes, the NSW contract is surprising and petty. Very petty. Rodney has good reason to be pissed off. Nonetheless, this is Sydney and it's always been a dog-eat-dog town.

What am I trying to 'shrug off"? What is your question?

All Rodney Croome did was write a guide to gay and lesbian Tasmania, which has been banned from MG fair day. Whether he got paid for writing it, I don't know, but I'm sure he didn't do it for $$$ even if he did get paid. Unlike some furniture shop or airline, Rodney has devoted most of his life to our rights. He's done more for LGBT rights than anyone in this country. So yes, he does get a "free pass" in my books, I can't believe anyone would even question this.

[Asherbella]

I should declare an interest. I’m a former volunteer and director of New Mardi Gras

here's a secret

because none of you posters will actually get up and *DO* anything apart from bitch and whine and engage in some earnest but empty hand wringing on various online forums Mardi Gras will ride out the storm and carry on doing the best it can with the resources it has.

I've been in Australia for 9 years. Each year Mardi Gras apparently gets more and more commercial, less and less relevant blah blah blah...

its bloody amazing, then, that this year's festival is the strongest yet. I mean people must be staying away in DROVES.*** I mean it’s doing so well local businesses are happily ripping off the Mardi Gras trademarks. (Mardi Bar / Mardi Ha anyone? I sincerely hope samesame is paying a licence fee for those little ventures. Heaven forbid you’d be talking advantage of a not-for-profit organisation for your own financial gain, hmmmm?????).

That's not to justify the NMG decision. If the parade is too big, I'd restrict the numbers of existing floats to say a max of a couple of hundred or something. I mean 500 people in an ACON float - is that REALLY necessary? or I'd work to combine same same but different floats - i.e. combine the emergency services into one block rather component entries.

I mean if they can have queers for medical marijuana (remember that huge Doobie that went up Oxford Street a few years ago??? - surreal!) then they should be able to fit ALNSW in.

At least Queers for ALNSW believe in something.

I mean I'm not sure how Ms Wagga Wagga or the like furthers any form of gay acceptance. It's just a bloke in a dress after all.

I suppose in some respects queers for ALNSW are exactly like Lifesavers with Pride. Ultimately both are queer and have a passion which they want to share with the parade spectators. Ill take a large leap of faith when I say I presume Lifesavers with Pride will be *ahem* more camera friendly with a better dance routine.... But surely THAT can't be a criterion on which you get into the parade...

But congrats to ALNSW - you made the best of crappy outcome and have done more to publicise your cause than actually appearing in the parade....

One final (positive) thought. Like it or not, it’s because Mardi Gras is embracing the mainstream that it’s stimulating the self-professed ‘disenfranchised’ into action. Do you think that the ‘Alternative to Mardi Gras fringe festival’ would exist without Mardi Gras? I doubt it. It’s the strength and vibrancy of Mardi Gras which has generated an alternative festival for those who feel dispossessed and disenfranchised. That’s not to say one is better than the other, or that is more valid than the other. They are what they are and both should be embraced and celebrated as such. They are not mutually exclusive and both deserve our support.

I find it strange when people talk about Mardi Gras as the ‘self appointed gay government’, the ‘gay mafia’. I mean talk about a prison of your own making. Get out. Do it yourself. Make it up as you go along. Just for God’s sake lay off the self righteous bitching and moaning.

I’ll give it a couple of weeks and a couple of editions before our ADHD community latches on to something else and this gets filed away alongside Launch 2005 / Pink Sofa / No, MAG's you can't sell porn at Fair Day.

Yay! for the silly season!

*** Let's just hope they post a profit for the season.
Excellent post. Thank you.
Sense & sensibility, Marcus.
Class act post.:)

[Asherbella]

HAHAHAHAHA solidarity??? NMG or the police wouldn't know solidarity if it bit them on the arse in broad daylight ffs. The police might know something about solidarity since they are the ones called to destroy strikes/picket lines and political protests.

What about the "vice" squad who go about harassing and arresting Queer and Trans street workers? We don't bother to mention that.

Faith in what exactly??? The police? Come off it, I learned to defend myself so I wouldn't have to call the police and wait for them to finally get to the scene of a brawl or assault.

(Sorry Nickdisco you know I mean no offence to yourself but you know what I mean and I have probably said it better than I have now)




It is marketing whether you like it or not and if you cannot put those two variables together then you have no understanding of the basic rules of marketing/advertising...and for the record, do not ever condescend to me and call me "my friend" because you know full well that is a load of shit.



Why the fuck should it run for a fucking profit??? Unless of course we want NMG to become a company within itself that serves only to generate a profit for itself. That is just plain out fucking sick.



Three cheers for the Pink Dollar Capitalists who have once again undermined and sold out our community for some pathetic fake notions of acceptance by the state. Oh it brings money into NSW lahdifuckingdah!

Fuck Mardi Gras, fuck the Pink Dollar and Fuck the community if that's how it is going to be. You may as well just take a running jump off something tall and get it over with. I would rather keep my dignity than pander to some mainstream tolerance. I bet you to my last fucking dollar that if it didn't bring money into NSW, the state would not be so supportive of it.
Rudeboy: It must be really safe & convenient for you to be so so cynical, angry & aggressive. When one is as angry as you, rudeboy, one becomes complacent. Why? Your vision is tempered by a lack of faith in the greater good & community spirit.You always have a choice. To detract from the gay community or enhance it. You're not even from Sydney, ffs, yet you deride MG so vehemently. Your textbook assertions on the evils of capitalism have triumphed over your sense of belonging & placement in regards to the spirit of Mardi Gras. We all belong, rudeboy. I'll save you a seat should you wish to stop swinging your fists. I can't have a sensible discussion with you. I wish I could.:(

[Barrin]

What am I trying to 'shrug off"? What is your question?

All Rodney Croome did was write a guide to gay and lesbian Tasmania, which has been banned from MG fair day. Whether he got paid for writing it, I don't know, but I'm sure he didn't do it for $$$ even if he did get paid. Unlike some furniture shop or airline, Rodney has devoted most of his life to our rights. He's done more for LGBT rights than anyone in this country. So yes, he does get a "free pass" in my books, I can't believe anyone would even question this.

I wasn't aware anyone did question it. I certainly see nothing wrong with Rodney Croome promoting tourism for his home State. I hope he is being paid for it. Ditto New Mardi Gras. At least my opinion on the matter is consistent.

[Katrina Fox]

[QUOTE=Marcus Bourget;216431]I should declare an interest. I’m a former volunteer and director of New Mardi Gras

I suppose in some respects queers for ALNSW are exactly like Lifesavers with Pride. Ultimately both are queer and have a passion which they want to share with the parade spectators. Ill take a large leap of faith when I say I presume Lifesavers with Pride will be *ahem* more camera friendly with a better dance routine....

........You cheeky bugger Marcus! The ALNSW crew are a lovely looking bunch - including, me, my g/f and Lynda Stoner! :D
Re the dance routine: Hmm, ok that part may be true. We were going to be prancing around in yellow tutus to the Chicken Dance. Stylish? Maybe not, but it doesn't get much camper! ;)

[Marcus Bourget]

........You cheeky bugger Marcus!

:D thank you, thank you.

[badamj2000]

:D thank you, thank you.
Yes, fair enough Marcus. Yes, MG does the best it can. For the record I defended MG.

[Bren]

As posted elsewhere, I'll admit to initially wondering what all the fuss was about the Animals Lib group not getting a run.

But three years ago, I went in my first Parade as part of a float organised by a mate. The "Love Justice, Love Freedom" float was a political statement for human rights and against Guantanamo prison, unambiguously themed around the incarceration of David Hicks. We were were a mix of queer and queer-friendly marchers with a political message about freedom, justice and the fair rule of legitimate law. We had a number of vocal critics saying we should not have been in the Parade along the same sort of lines that we weren't "a gay issue" or because they had strong personal views against David Hicks. To their credit, the Parade Committee accepted our entry. Moreover, as first time entrants, we even won a Parade award for Most Outstanding Political Comment. I wonder if the rules of Mardi Gras 2010 would even have let us in the Parade.

So I can't shake the feeling that it is deeply wrong for one group of queers to seemingly arbitrarily pick and choose which political opinions of their queer compatriots are unacceptable at an event that is meant to be for us all; and to subject entrants to a degree of scrutiny that exceeds the essential level needed for safety, logistics, and broad fit with the inclusive community ideals Mardi Gras is supposed to be all about.

Mardi Gras shouldn't ban some queer views just because they are controversial or because some people won't agree with them. We lose something when that happens.

In summary, the following both suck and blow (with teeth):
The exclusion of Queers for Animal Liberation (http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html) from the Parade.
The apparent censorship of coverage, critical or otherwise, of this controversy by NMG media partner SX News, and the conflict of interest inherent in this (http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html).
The exclusion of Tourism Tasmania and its LGBT Guide from Fair Day, as noted by Rodney Croome (http://www.rodneycroome.id.au/comments?id=3145_0_1_0_C).

[Marcus Bourget]

But three years ago, I went in my first Parade as part of a float organised by a mate. The "Love Justice, Love Freedom" float was a political statement for human rights and against Guantanamo prison, unambiguously themed around the incarceration of David Hicks. We were were a mix of queer and queer-friendly marchers with a political message about freedom, justice and the fair rule of legitimate law. We had a number of vocal critics saying we should not have been in the Parade along the same sort of lines that we weren't "a gay issue" or because they had strong personal views against David Hicks. To their credit, the Parade Committee accepted our entry. Moreover, as first time entrants, we even won a Parade award for Most Outstanding Political Comment. I wonder if the rules of Mardi Gras 2010 would even have let us in the Parade.

So I can't shake the feeling that it is deeply wrong for one group of queers to seemingly arbitrarily pick and choose which political opinions of their queer compatriots are unacceptable at an event that is meant to be for us all; and to subject entrants to a degree of scrutiny that exceeds the essential level needed for safety, logistics, and broad fit with the inclusive community ideals Mardi Gras is supposed to be all about.



Great points...

Well, no doubt the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

I guess we will have to wait until the participation list is published for this year's parade. It will be interesting to see if there are any 'non on topic floats', as then it would be a fair enough question for MG to have to explain the process by which some floats were excluded, and others not.

[Bren]

Meanwhile, as Katrina Fox recently took to editing people's comments on the related Scavenger.net article (http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html) - her reasoning was certain comments breached their User Policy but she also deleted other bits that arguably didn't - here is my response to Colin Burroughs from there:

Colin, not my insinuation but your (incorrect) inference.

Meanwhile, your assertion that "MediaWatch did not and does not seriously recognise the Sydney Star Observer as ‘media’" appears to be incorrect. Upon what independently verifiable facts and evidence do you base that claim? Here is what MediaWatch say:

------Original Message------
To: Brendan
From: Media Watch <mediawatch@your.abc.net.au>
Subject: Major Mardi Gras media sponsor censors critcism?
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +1100 (AUS Eastern Daylight Time)


Hi Brendan,

Thanks for your email.

Media Watch doesn’t have a policy regarding coverage of the Sydney Star Observer nor any non-mainstream media. In short, the program covers the stories as it sees them at the time, in the context of all the media stories which are around.

We also don’t believe there was such a policy in 2007.

Please feel free to send us any stories you think we might be interested in.

Kind regards,


------Original Message------
From: Brendan
Sent: Thursday, 18 February 2010 12:17 AM
To: Media Watch
Subject: Major Mardi Gras media sponsor censors critcism?


Dear Media Watch,

I write to note a growing controversy involving one of the most prominent Australian alternative (gay & lesbian) media publications, SX News, of whom it has been alleged that they censored critical analysis of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras organisation ("New Mardi Gras") and that this was due to them being a commercial sponsor of Mardi Gras. See http://www.thescavenger.net/glbsgdq/corporatisation-mardi-gras-queer-media-censorship-10357.html

Relatedly, commenter Colin Burroughs on that page claims Media Watch takes no interest in scrutinising the actions of non-mainstream media. He claims that Media Watch said this to him in 2007 when he made contact about Australian Press Council Adjudication 1362 http://www.presscouncil.org.au/pcsite/adj/1362.html relating to Sydney Star Observer. Can you confirm what MediaWatch's policy was at the time, and is now, in relation to tipoffs about the conduct of non-mainstream media; and whether the claim being made about Media Watch, that " Media Watch was on the list of authorities informed of the matter at the time. MW did not and does not seriously recognise the Sydney Star Observer as ‘media’ – nor does MW see such a publication’s advertorial content and censorious renown as being of interest to its television audience.", is accurate (or was in 2007)?

[Badland]

The exclusion of Tourism Tasmania and its LGBT Guide from Fair Day, as noted by Rodney Croome.[/LIST]

Can someone please clarify what Rodney Croomes financial interest (if at all) is in all this?

Also if Tourism Tasmania wants to make a buck from all this why don't they put their money where their mouth is and sponsor Mardi Gras?

Events NSW are one of the key sponsors bankrolling Mardi Gras so that we can continue to enjoy the costly parade and FREE fair day. Why shouldn't they be given a break for having the guts to back us?

Come on. Get REAL!

[Bren]

Well, no doubt the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Good point, MB. Don't get me wrong, I'm really looking forward to it! The after-Parade Carnival sounds like it will be heaps fun too!

Some are apparently now boycotting parts of Mardi Gras in protest and indignation over these recent fracases. I don't get the point of that in the circumstances, unless it is to draw attention through conflict and extreme negativity and/or to demonise this overwhelmingly good huge event and the many people going in it. From some of the hyperbole and reactions whenever these sorts of controversies arise, you would think we were witnessing an unfolding humanitarian crisis.

It will be interesting to see if there are any 'non on topic floats', as then it would be a fair enough question for MG to have to explain

Regardless, NMG could (and arguably should) be proactive in reviewing the float rules and the bases for decisions that caused sections of the community to raise an eyebrow. Something to the effect that groups who identify as queer, and have a Parade entry that distinctly shows this, should be welcomed - even if their float is not directly about queer issues. The Parade has got to allow for queers to express themselves on non-queer issues. Otherwise our collective voice is reduced and the Parade becomes that little bit more cliché and orthodox, losing a vital sense of variety and diversity of expression.

[local_warming]

Can someone please clarify what Rodney Croomes financial interest (if at all) is in all this?

Also if Tourism Tasmania wants to make a buck from all this why don't they put their money where their mouth is and sponsor Mardi Gras?

Events NSW are one of the key sponsors bankrolling Mardi Gras so that we can continue to enjoy the costly parade and FREE fair day. Why shouldn't they be given a break for having the guts to back us?

Come on. Get REAL!
am i getteing de javu? or have i seen this exact same post somewhere else on this site before?

[badamj2000]

Deja vu?

[local_warming]

yes, thats the one adam

[badamj2000]

Call me spell-Nazi, if you dare. i am to plaese:)

[local_warming]

no, i dont mind being corrected(if only so that people know what the hell im talking about)

[badamj2000]

Well , in that case you must really hate me:)

[Andytqou]

i know this thread is dragging on and wondering if the original post is still relevant?

if so - i dont know what animal rights has to do with gbtqi rights? we cant marry we cant adopt, 1000's are injured every year by homophobic violence, fuck i got called a fag the other day at cronulla by a couple in their late 40's(who should know better) - maybe chuck some energy in that direction(gay rights) and the party in question might get to march...

i dig computers, i dig geek, i dig reading non fiction - all these would make non-relevant floats. Period. full stop.

[Badland]

am i getteing de javu? or have i seen this exact same post somewhere else on this site before?

Probably because its the same tiresome arguements every year.

[badamj2000]

Probably because its the same tiresome arguements every year.
Yes, I imagine it is the same. I'm not anti MG. I accept it warts and all. Well, with a pinch of salt at least.