Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board Rejects Member Resolution to Center Trans Rights in 2026 Parade

The board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras announced on January 20, 2026, that it would not support a member resolution calling for the 2026 parade to emphasize trans rights. The resolution, titled "Embrace Trans Rights, Not Trump, "proposed encouraging parade floats to show support for transgender and non-binary people while condemning US President Donald Trump. This decision came after the organization's annual general meeting in November 2025, where members submitted operational resolutions.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of Australia's largest LGBTQ+ Pride events originating in the 1970s, holds its parade annually in February. The board rejected the trans rights resolution along with two others, stating that implementation would restrict the "creative direction"of parade participants and conflict with the standard application process. In a statement, the board emphasized its commitment to transgender and gender-diverse communities, saying, "Mardi Gras stands proudly with trans and gender-diverse communities. We are, and always will be, a visible, active ally."

The organization explained the rejection as aligning with its values, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability, while respecting the independence and diversity of parade participants. It also noted that board members and staff faced "personal and harmful commentary online"and a "coordinated email campaign"following the November AGM. "Targeting, intimidating, or attempting to pressure staff or the Board is not acceptable and does not align with the values we uphold as a community organisation, "the statement added.

LGBTQ+ advocates expressed strong criticism of the board's decision. Evan Gray, a spokesperson for Pride in Protest who proposed the resolution, accused the board of framing transgender people as "intimidating"and treating their rights as an "imposition." "Pretending that trans rights are against the nature of Mardi Gras, "Gray said.

Charlie Murphy, a transgender woman and former board member, described the rejection as a "deliberate choice to abandon the trans community politically." She highlighted ongoing rollbacks of trans rights in Australia and noted that Mardi Gras had previously partially implemented member motions. Murphy also claimed she was removed from the board in 2021 for participating in a queer rights protest, during which other members faced disciplinary action for political involvement.

Luc Velez, another former board director, called the decision either ignorant of the organization's advocacy history or a misrepresentation of member democracy to favor Labor politicians. Velez linked it to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marching in the parade last year despite limited support for the community.

Co-chairs Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle defended the move, citing practical challenges for the upcoming parade and risks of legal, financial, or reputational harm. They argued some resolutions could shame non-compliant participants while aiming for inclusion. The board's AGM page confirms resolutions were voted on November 29, 2025, but detailed results require further access.

This development underscores tensions within LGBTQ+ organizations over prioritizing specific community issues amid global political shifts, including US policies under Trump and Australian trans rights debates. Community responses highlight calls for Mardi Gras to more actively support transgender people during a time of heightened vulnerability. PinkNews has contacted Mardi Gras representatives for additional comment.