Organisers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are facing sharp criticism after refusing to support a motion to make trans rights the focus of the 2026 event. At its annual general meeting last November, the Mardi Gras Board rejected member resolutions, including one titled: Embrace trans rights, not Trump, which called for parade floats to actively support trans and non-binary communities and condemn US president Donald Trump. In a statement released Tuesday, the Board said adopting the resolutions would restrict creative direction and conflict with standard processes, adding the decision was made to align with Mardi Gras’s values, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
A spokesperson said, “Mardi Gras stands proudly with trans and gender-diverse communities. We are, and always will be, a visible, active ally,” while arguing the Board must respect the independence and diversity of Parade participants. Activists strongly disagreed. Evan Gray of Pride in Protest accused the Board of attacking trans people by framing them as intimidating and their rights as an imposition. Former board member Charlie Murphy called it a “deliberate choice to abandon the trans community politically.” Critics say the decision signals a troubling retreat from political advocacy at a pivotal moment for trans rights globally.
