Your views please on MardiGras' name

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Wed 27th Jun, 2012 in Local News
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Omitting the words “gay and lesbian” from the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival’s name was highly controversial in the latest season – and now the festival’s crew want to canvass widely for views on it.

In November 2011, there were actually two name changes that took place, explains the event’s crew. “The organisation changed its name from New Mardi Gras back to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – changing from almost ten years as New Mardi Gras,” says spokesperson James Rongen-Hall.

“The return to the old title is recognition that the event remains owned by the city’s gay and lesbian community, even as it embraces involvement from the wider community.

“The other change was that the annual festival was renamed Sydney Mardi Gras. Community reaction was divided with some people thinking that the name was more inclusive and forward-thinking, whilst others were upset that the words gay and lesbian did not appear in the festival name,” he sums up.

“Now that the 2012 season has been delivered under the new name structure, we are seeking feedback in order to inform future planning. We’re really keen to get as many responses as possible so we have an accurate picture of what people think.”

Here at Same Same, we certainly received many impassioned opinions on this topic, with many disgusted that Mardi Gras hadn’t consulted the community before making a fundamental change. The Mardi Gras Board later apologised for that lack of consultation.

An online survey has now been launched to enable the LGBTQI communities to have their say about the naming of the organisation and its events, following the recommendation of the newly established Members and Community Advisory Group. All members of the community are encouraged to take part.

Tell them what YOU think. Take Mardi Gras’ name change survey here.

The survey will be open until close of business on Friday 6th July, and the results will be compiled in a report that will be published prior to Mardi Gras’ Annual General Meeting in August. Then at the AGM, members will be able to vote on a motion regarding what names will be used in future.

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rboiATS

rboiATS said on the 27th Jun, 2012

I would suggest to people who want to complain and focus to much on the name actually look at what the Words Mardi Gras means and where it originates from, they might find they want you to drop it all and come up with something completely new! at the end of the day names aren't massively important.

Roydee

Roydee said on the 27th Jun, 2012

When all the battles have been fought and won (i.e. Gay Marriage) it won't matter what we call it. Mardi Gras started as a protest by Gay and Lesbians and as a Community, we are still angry about a lot of issues that need to be resolved before we can truly be accepted by Mainstream Society.

Sc00ta28

Sc00ta28 said on the 28th Jun, 2012

what do you think? Does it matter they they removed the Gay and Lesbian from the name, I think it is well know that the Parade is in fact the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gra parde based on the right movement, but now it is so much more it is a parade of empowerment and I dont think we need to state the obvious plus why should it be just the gay and Lesbian mardi gra we have fans that support this and this is a public message of love,equality race, humanity etc

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 28th Jun, 2012

In order to honour the spirit of Mardi Gras I reckon the inclusion of the words 'Gay and Lesbian' are important.

Why?

Tradition - the roots of Mardi Gras, the history, shouldn't be discarded so readily.
What is Mardi Gras all about? What does it mean to you?
Is it an excuse to merely party?
Is it a bold political statement of inclusion?

Without 'Gay and Lesbian' Mardi Gras, in my opinion, becomes generic, like any other exercise in tourism.

Who is Mardi Gras for?
Primarily the gay and lesbian community. It's a no-brainer.

Barrin

Barrin said on the 28th Jun, 2012

Most of you talk as if this is a new argument. The title/naming has always been a sore point. The real question is why the scab has to be picked off every decade or so. It dosen't show much confidence in your 'brand' or loyalty to your membership base.

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 28th Jun, 2012

stop the changes for a while

The_Freak

The_Freak said on the 28th Jun, 2012



Very true - Gay Mardi Gras, Sydney Gay Mardi Gras," G & L", "New" Mardi Gras, they do seem to change it with the times.

I can remember the very first M.G.s (yes, that old!!) and no-one but our community wanted to be a part of it. Fair enough!

Over time of course it started getting televised everywhere, gained more publicity and became as some say, more commercial. Now we have the police, fire fighters, health workers, every political group (Labour/Liberal/Greens etc) and other organisations like Telstra etc marching also. Fair enough also!

I'm not naive, I know they need sponsership to put on the parade etc., but personally, if they're going to remove the terms "G & L", they may as well call it the Waratah festival (may need to google that for those too young to remember) and have it heading down George Street.

Ahh, but without the near naked "G & L"s, would anybody come to see it, let alone televise it?

And why take out the "G & L"? Maybe not too palatable for "future" sponsors?

And why the lack of community consultation? For a organisation that prides itself on "transparency", maybe tha "silence" is all too transparent. So many questions need answering, I think?

But like you said, at the end of the day, it doesn't show, on their part, either a great confidence in their brand or respect for their members.

VALE Mardi Gras ("G & L" or otherwise)

mark_

mark_ said on the 28th Jun, 2012


I have a dim memory of the Waratah Parades.

And I remember when the City Council put on it owns Mardi Gras Party in and around the Overseas Ship Terminal at the Rocks …but I don't remember the year. It wasn't a success so I can understand why Council chose to support our parade and save themselves the effort.

Unfortunately most our community goodwill evaporated over the years since then (IMO) so I'd be happy for council to fund their own. Just saying.

Phazz

Phazz said on the 28th Jun, 2012

Foxtel Mardi Gras
ANZ Mardi Gras
American Apparel Mardi Gras
etc

Anthony Mahera

Anthony Mahera said on the 28th Jun, 2012

Foxtel Mardi Gras
ANZ Mardi Gras
American Apparel Mardi Gras
etc

Lol I was thinking the same thing :p

CeeJay

CeeJay said on the 28th Jun, 2012

“The other change was that the annual festival was renamed Sydney Mardi Gras. Community reaction was divided with some people thinking that the name was more inclusive and forward-thinking, whilst others were upset that the words gay and lesbian did not appear in the festival name,” he sums up.


Interesting. We're either 'inclusive and forward-thinking' or 'upset'. I wonder what result they're looking for?

dugite

dugite said on the 29th Jun, 2012

I did a search on this page: the article and the comments. No where does the word pride (as an adjective) appear.

This really sums up MG. Whilst the vollies (and many of the watchers) see it as a GLBT event this seems to be lost on the Management (the M is intentional) the sponsors (eyeballs to screens) and the promoters of the many events during the season seem to just see it as an event. If we look to other cities we see pride parades often during the day (not always in summer) here we so 'an event'. Perhaps the community has it too easy, with nothing to fight for apart from the pyrrhic same sex marriage.

cammm

cammm said on the 29th Jun, 2012

SYDNEY'S BIG, GAY AND FABULOUS FESTIVAL

biglebstud

biglebstud said on the 1st Jul, 2012

Who cares what it's called? It's past its use by date, anyway. It's no longer relevant. Too commercial. Ditch it and have Pride instead. That way they cant fuck up the name.