Show your pride for Sydney Mardi Gras 2024

02 Feb 2024

Edition 1 2024

UNSW staff and students during a Mardi Gras rehearsal

At UNSW, we are proud to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and the Mardi Gras Festival for the seventh consecutive year.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities. This year’s festival takes place from 16 February to 3 March 2024. UNSW is committed to ensuring LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (Questioning), Intersex, and Asexual) students and staff can thrive in our community without experiencing alienation or ill-treatment by others.

The Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and Arc have teamed up again to celebrate Mardi Gras on campus and beyond this year. Celebrate and show your pride by getting involved with inclusive events and activities.

Bruce Watson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Inclusion (EDI) said: “UNSW takes great pride in championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and we are thrilled to celebrate Mardi Gras for the seventh consecutive year.

“It brings me immense joy to say UNSW holds the prestigious Gold Employer status with the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), a testament to the University’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion. This accomplishment acknowledges our students and staff as leaders in fostering diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities.

“Mardi Gras serves as more than just a celebration. It’s a yearly opportunity to embrace our diverse and inclusive community fully. It also serves as a reminder for us all to explore ways we can strengthen our inclusive culture and actively support LGBTQIA+ students and staff as allies. Your participation and support contribute significantly to making UNSW a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone."

What’s on

This year’s celebrations include:

Pride on the Quad

Wednesday 21 February | 12pm–2pm | Helen Maguire Lawn, Kensington campus

Join us at the Helen Maguire Lawn (Quad) to come together as a community and show your pride on campus. Make your own pronoun badge, paint your messages of pride and allyship, grab a special edition Pride Lion t-shirt at our charity sale, enjoy free food and more!

Queer research museum at Mardi Gras Fair Day

Sunday 18 February | 10am–9pm | Victoria Park

For the first time, UNSW will be celebrating at Fair Day, where 70,000+ people kick off the festival at Victoria Park. We’ll be showcasing the works of UNSW queer researchers and UNSW queer research at our community stall.

Mardi Gras [Viewing] Party

Saturday 2 March | 6pm–9pm | UNSW Art & Design (Paddington)

Beat the crowds and watch the parade celebrations on our big screen! Join us at UNSW Paddington, just 10 minutes’ walk from all the main Oxford Street festivities, for live queer entertainment, drinks and food, and to soak up the pride vibes from the best seats in the house.

Pride Cup

Friday 1 March | 11am | Village Green, Kensington campus

Are you ready to play with pride at our second Pride Cup? Arc Sport is hosting this friendly day of social sport with netball and touch football competitions, plus free food, drag shows, music and good vibes. All skill levels are welcome. Register in a team or as an individual to join the fun.

Drag Bingo

Thursday 8 February and Tuesday 20 February | John Niland Scientia, Kensington campus

Kick off the Mardi Gras celebrations at these fabulous Drag Bingo sessions – your chance to battle it out for bingo glory!

Other ways to get involved

Volunteer opportunities

We’re looking for volunteers to be part of the team behind the scenes at events this year. Find out more and register.

Grants available for community-led projects

We’re inviting the community to apply for grant funding for ideas, events, projects and activations that celebrate LGBTQIA+ diversity and inclusion on campus. Applications are open to all current students and staff. Find out more and apply.