Organisers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have announced a community-wide consultation on the Parade's future and the organisation's constitution. This is a step in the right direction, as the criteria for inclusion into the Parade this year do not appear to have been applied equally to all floats, writes Katrina Fox.
In the wake of the media storm over the exclusion of queer animal liberationists from this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the corporatisation of Mardi Gras and queer media censorship, and subsequent revelations that actors had been paid to take part in an Ikea float in 2008, New Mardi Gras (NMG) CEO Michael Rolik sent a letter this week to queer media and NMG members vowing to consult widely with the community about the Parade’s future.
This is to be commended.
In the letter Rolik wrote: “What all this debate has suggested to me is that there is a discrepancy between some people’s view of what Mardi Gras should be about and the reality of our Constitution and business model.”
He then continues: “Animal Liberation have been in the parade many times, may have some gay members, but is patently not a GLBT organisation, provided no record of support for the GLBT community outside marching in the parade and had an entry with no emphasis on gay pride. That they reissued an application with ‘queer’ in the title didn’t change our view.
“If you believe Mardi Gras should be a vehicle for progressive political bodies or just anyone with a message to get out there then you’d include Animal Liberation’s message about cruelty to battery chickens, however, that is not what New Mardi Gras was set up to do. Our parade entry criteria broadly reflect our Constitution which is essentially about GLBT pride and celebration.”
Firstly, Animal Liberation does have many (not just ‘some’) queer members. In fact, as was explained to NMG, the Animal Liberation float each year comprises at least 80% of GLBSGDQ-identified people (out of around 100 participants, including Animal Liberation NSW’s executive director Mark Pearson, me and my partner Tracie O'Keefe). They happen to care about equal rights for all, including non-humans.
And secondly, if NMG’s Constitution and criteria, as outlined by Rolik above, are to be applied to all Parade entrants, perhaps he could explain why the following floats (listed as entries in this year’s Parade) have been included and exactly how they fit the criteria:
‘The history of the hula hoop’, Taronga Zoo (an organisation that profits from the exploitation of and cruelty to sentient non-humans), Federal Police, NSW Police, fire brigade, ANZ, Virgin Blue, Foxtel, the Michael Jackson Thriller Zombie Marching Group, Raelians, Railcorp, a float about Neil Armstrong and the first humans on the moon.
How are any of these ‘gayer’ than a float comprising around 80 GLBSGDQ community members?
Oh, and then there's Climate Action Newtown & Friends - 'Gay, lesbians and queers for renewable energy' who will 'bring the message of renewable energy to the streets' and Gays and Lesbians Against Climate Change. But Sydney Queers for Animal Rights don't get a look in? Double standards anyone?
NMG’s letter comes shortly after Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) issued a media release claiming NMG had told them that although excluded groups may march with CAAH’s marriage equality float, “no unauthorised material” can be displayed. CAAH has urged all floats to engage in civil disobedience and display “rebellious” and “unauthorised” placards and other material.
Whether NMG attempts to censor any “unauthorised” material on Saturday night remains to be seen, but as I mentioned above, NMG’s decision to pledge to consult with the community is to be applauded, as there are huge discrepancies between what people think Mardi Gras is or should be and what it is in reality.
Kudos too to NMG for committing to consult with the entire queer community and not just NMG members, as so many GLBSGDQ people have given up being members because of what they perceive Mardi Gras to have become.
I attended Fair Day last Sunday and was overwhelmed by the support from so many community members who were outraged that queer animal libbers had been excluded from the Parade, as well as the fact that actors were paid to take part in a corporate float in previous years.
At the Radical Picnic later that day, I met a 78-er who was appalled by Mardi Gras’ allegiances to corporate sponsors at the exclusion of queer community members. Yes, times have changed and it’s not 1978 anymore, but it’s about time it was made clear exactly what the ‘Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ Parade is.
Is it an inclusive representation of our very diverse queer community? Or a sanitised selection of safe queers approved by the gaystream ‘fruits in suits’ as being suitable for entertaining the heterosexuals, sprinkled with a liberal dose of corporate vampires chasing the pink dollar?
Watch this space.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
Trackback(0)
TrackBack URI for this entry
Comments (26)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by shayne chester, 04 March 2010
I spend half my life waiting for a response from our 'leaders,' Mr/Ms. Anonymous. It's like shouting into a dark cave and wondering if there's anyone in there. Every so often, you hear them scurrying for cover, so you know something's happening, but expecting accountability might be a bit of an ask. For example, I've been offered a regular spot on queernoise radio and have sent an invite to these people to discuss a few issues with me on the radio. Somehow, I think there's more chance of Tony Abbott understanding climate change before that happens though. 
written by Wait and see, 04 March 2010
Why dont you wait and see Shayne ?
Stick the knife in after the meeting if it wasnt too your liking.
But for f..ks sake give them a chance.
Stick the knife in after the meeting if it wasnt too your liking.
But for f..ks sake give them a chance.
written by Shayne Chester, 03 March 2010
ah, so many lobbies, so little energy. I'm currently researching and trying to get info out into the HIV sector. however I have also written to NMG, (to Sam and Luke) explaining why I decided to not participate in the 'you-need-to-be-our-kind-of-queer-to-play' mardi gras and had no reply. Nor has anyone else I know that contacted them. Doesn't give me an awful lot of faith in 'let's talk.'
written by Not over it yet, 03 March 2010
I'm tired of the histrionics here (although I do share Gary's concerns about his pussy, Ivory). You guys are so defeatist. The opportunity that you have to shape the future of Mardi Gras is still there, so why not make a damn nuisance of yourselves (again) and lobby hard for what you, and a lot of others, want. You don't have to hand it over entirely to the younger generation yet, after all you're not dead yet.
Oh, and Gary just because I sympathise with Ivory's plight doesn't mean I buy all the idea of a silent majority behind your every word.
Remember others have made that claim.
Oh, and Gary just because I sympathise with Ivory's plight doesn't mean I buy all the idea of a silent majority behind your every word.
Remember others have made that claim.
written by Star Adrael, 28 February 2010
Hello Everyone,
I'd like to address the inclusion of the Raelian float as an example of criteria not met.
The Raelian Movement is the worlds largest atheist organisation. We are, to my knowledge, the only religion that openly welcomes and encourages homosexuality as normal and natural. We activley promote these ideals, along with other teachings of peace, love and happiness, at our seminars through the year and on our website www.raeliangay.org
Our activism in the arena of gay rights is well known to many, and was highlighted by our co-organisation (along with CAAH and others) of the "No To Pope" World Youth Day Protest. www.notopope.com
I feel I must remind people that The Raelians too got excluded from entering our first Mardi Gras, and it wasn't utill we protested with signs outside MG head quarters, and picketted along Taylors Square with signs saying "Mardi Gras Organisation descriminates against homosexuals" that we were allowed to actually enter the parade. Our first float in the mardi gras was in support of same sex couples having children (via science). Our popular slogan "F**K HOMOPHOBIC RELIGION" in previous years has been a HUGE succsess and is a talking point for many.
Personally I do not endorse the commercialization of the Mardi Gras parade, unless said organisation has something specific to do with the GLBTQ community. Being gay and working at ikea, doesn't bring anything but numbers to the parade. The parade should continue to be about activism, pride and equality. Having floats like the Hoola Hoops and Michael Jackson etc keeps it camp, keeps it fun, and doesn't have a commercial gain.
Thankyou,
Star Adrael
Raelian - http://australia.rael.org
I'd like to address the inclusion of the Raelian float as an example of criteria not met.
The Raelian Movement is the worlds largest atheist organisation. We are, to my knowledge, the only religion that openly welcomes and encourages homosexuality as normal and natural. We activley promote these ideals, along with other teachings of peace, love and happiness, at our seminars through the year and on our website www.raeliangay.org
Our activism in the arena of gay rights is well known to many, and was highlighted by our co-organisation (along with CAAH and others) of the "No To Pope" World Youth Day Protest. www.notopope.com
I feel I must remind people that The Raelians too got excluded from entering our first Mardi Gras, and it wasn't utill we protested with signs outside MG head quarters, and picketted along Taylors Square with signs saying "Mardi Gras Organisation descriminates against homosexuals" that we were allowed to actually enter the parade. Our first float in the mardi gras was in support of same sex couples having children (via science). Our popular slogan "F**K HOMOPHOBIC RELIGION" in previous years has been a HUGE succsess and is a talking point for many.
Personally I do not endorse the commercialization of the Mardi Gras parade, unless said organisation has something specific to do with the GLBTQ community. Being gay and working at ikea, doesn't bring anything but numbers to the parade. The parade should continue to be about activism, pride and equality. Having floats like the Hoola Hoops and Michael Jackson etc keeps it camp, keeps it fun, and doesn't have a commercial gain.
Thankyou,
Star Adrael
Raelian - http://australia.rael.org
written by shayne chester, 28 February 2010
there's always a fair amount of depression after Mardi Gras, especially among those disenfranchised who feel they don't 'belong'. It must be even more depressing to be TOLD u don't belong. If its any consolation, I'd rather stand with someone with a little political sensibility, like those who can see that gay rights, animal rights, all rights are the same thing...than any of thoses standing in the street last night waving their lil flags and shouting, 'look at me, i'm gay.' or any of the 100's of straights in the parade who couldn't give a shit about glbqti rights, they were just in the parade to party.
written by Dejay, 26 February 2010
I identify as a gay man who strongly supports the animal lib movement. I do this (on the most part) quietly, demonstrating the principles through my lifestyle and in discussions with friends and acquaintances. I love the gay leather scene, however in order to live by my principles and still enjoy this part of the gay scene, I choose, for example, to buy faux-leather products. I am not alone. I believe that I should be allowed to march, representing the small, but growing, group of GLBT animal lovers who do not feel that we as a community should exploit animals for our own desires.
In reference in particular to the discussion above, I look at the NMG Constitution and the Objects of the Company (copied below or you can obtain your own copy for the NMG website). I feel that I could make an argument that the Animal Liberation NSW float could fit into points 2.1 a, b, c, d and e.
For just one example - you could argue NMG should be supporting GLBTQ cultural development [2.1 a, (ii)] by supporting a group of GLBTQ protesters that questions our community's exploitation of animals. Wearing real animal fur is no longer culturally acceptable within the community, and most people don't question this "cultural development".
I may also point out that the Parade Entry Criteria that Rolick defends DOES NOT simply "reflect our Constitution which is essentially about GLBT pride and celebration.”, and the proof of that is in the copied text below. He forgets the parade is not just a celebration of who we are, but as the Constitution says, a vehicle for organizing events of "celebration, commemoration and protest and engage in other activities as part of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community "
If NMG does in fact want to review the parade and who is included, I think it’s going to need to heavily review it’s constitution – and to be frank, a vote to change it so drastically will only fail. (You only need to see the failure of the attempt to alter the Constitution at the last AGM to prove that.)
NMG, you simply have made the wrong decision, and the stubbornness to not review the decision shows how you do not really want to engage in community consultation (as per the promise at the 2009 AGM), but rather define yourselves as a Board with strong resolve - right or wrong.
Further to this, I felt demeaned that the email NMG sent to members on 23rd Feb suggesting that now the season is on, criticism should give way to preparing for “the exciting stuff that’s happening”. NMG publicly demeaned and side-lined my (and others) criticism and basically told us all to ‘fall in line’. That the CEO, with the support of the Co-Chairs, can be so arrogant is startling. I know where my vote is not going come the AGM.
NEW MARDI GRAS
CONSTITUTION
OBJECTS
2.1 The objectives of New Mardi Gras shall be to organise and co-ordinate events of celebration, commemoration and protest and engage in other activities as part of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community. This includes:
(a) Sustaining and strengthening the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community by:
(i) providing opportunities for interaction and association between individuals, groups and organisations;
(ii) contributing to its social, economic, cultural and political development;
(iii) enabling the full expression of its culture, history, traditions and aspirations; and
(iv) providing opportunities for other organisations to promote their services, fundraise and advance their objectives;
(b) Acknowledging the diversity of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community.
(c) Advancing the goals of this community, including:
(i) full acceptance of and equal rights within Australia and internationally;
(ii) promoting visibility of its people within the Australian community and internationally;
(iii) recognition within society of the right to sexual self-determination of all people.
(d) Advancing the interests and general well-being of gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people including:
(i) affirmation of gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer love and life;
(ii) creating opportunities for people to express themselves artistically and politically and develop their artistic and political skills; and
(iii) by creating a forum in which sexuality and gender diversity are explored and celebrated.
(e) Building strong, positive and beneficial relationships between the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community and the wider community.
In reference in particular to the discussion above, I look at the NMG Constitution and the Objects of the Company (copied below or you can obtain your own copy for the NMG website). I feel that I could make an argument that the Animal Liberation NSW float could fit into points 2.1 a, b, c, d and e.
For just one example - you could argue NMG should be supporting GLBTQ cultural development [2.1 a, (ii)] by supporting a group of GLBTQ protesters that questions our community's exploitation of animals. Wearing real animal fur is no longer culturally acceptable within the community, and most people don't question this "cultural development".
I may also point out that the Parade Entry Criteria that Rolick defends DOES NOT simply "reflect our Constitution which is essentially about GLBT pride and celebration.”, and the proof of that is in the copied text below. He forgets the parade is not just a celebration of who we are, but as the Constitution says, a vehicle for organizing events of "celebration, commemoration and protest and engage in other activities as part of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community "
If NMG does in fact want to review the parade and who is included, I think it’s going to need to heavily review it’s constitution – and to be frank, a vote to change it so drastically will only fail. (You only need to see the failure of the attempt to alter the Constitution at the last AGM to prove that.)
NMG, you simply have made the wrong decision, and the stubbornness to not review the decision shows how you do not really want to engage in community consultation (as per the promise at the 2009 AGM), but rather define yourselves as a Board with strong resolve - right or wrong.
Further to this, I felt demeaned that the email NMG sent to members on 23rd Feb suggesting that now the season is on, criticism should give way to preparing for “the exciting stuff that’s happening”. NMG publicly demeaned and side-lined my (and others) criticism and basically told us all to ‘fall in line’. That the CEO, with the support of the Co-Chairs, can be so arrogant is startling. I know where my vote is not going come the AGM.
NEW MARDI GRAS
CONSTITUTION
OBJECTS
2.1 The objectives of New Mardi Gras shall be to organise and co-ordinate events of celebration, commemoration and protest and engage in other activities as part of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community. This includes:
(a) Sustaining and strengthening the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community by:
(i) providing opportunities for interaction and association between individuals, groups and organisations;
(ii) contributing to its social, economic, cultural and political development;
(iii) enabling the full expression of its culture, history, traditions and aspirations; and
(iv) providing opportunities for other organisations to promote their services, fundraise and advance their objectives;
(b) Acknowledging the diversity of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community.
(c) Advancing the goals of this community, including:
(i) full acceptance of and equal rights within Australia and internationally;
(ii) promoting visibility of its people within the Australian community and internationally;
(iii) recognition within society of the right to sexual self-determination of all people.
(d) Advancing the interests and general well-being of gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people including:
(i) affirmation of gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer love and life;
(ii) creating opportunities for people to express themselves artistically and politically and develop their artistic and political skills; and
(iii) by creating a forum in which sexuality and gender diversity are explored and celebrated.
(e) Building strong, positive and beneficial relationships between the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community and the wider community.
written by shayne chester, 26 February 2010
I agree, Steven, and I mentioned elsewhere on this site that 'gay' as a social construct may well be redundant. We don't want or need to wear a badge to declare our sexuality anymore (tho's some might argue that the queer semiotic of the Ipod/Zannerobe/gym bod/etc generation and other labels that we use to identify the tribe we belong to, is no different.)
I don't think anyone is engaging in a competition between queer then and now. The issue is about what is becoming of community and Mardi Gras... and what we want it to be. I'm not sure what you think 'we still have to go through,' but arguably, homophobia is still alive and well and it'd be nice to see the ugly 'not queer enough to be one of us' attitudes put aside so that we might unite against a common enemy. The last Mardi Gras I photographed for the queer media - before I realised that the pix were looking the same every year - had 10,000 participants and about 180 floats, everything from commercial venues, community groups, political orgs, and so on, including …
Community, service and religious groups including ACON, Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, Gay And Lesbian Rights Lobby, Twenty-Ten Youth Support Service, the Luncheon Club, PFLAG NSW Inc (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Highschoolers Against Homophobia, the Gay Straight Alliance (made up of parents, teachers and students), Macquarie Grammar School, and Gay and Straight Teens From Western Sydney and the Central Coastthe middle-eastern GLBT group Beit El Hob, Amnesty International, Metropolitan Community Church, Dayenu Sydney Jewish GLBT Group; the Pentecostal & Charismatic GLBT group Freedom 2 B(E), the Catholic GLBT group Acceptance Sydney, the Wayside Chapel and 100 ministers from various religions who marched to apologise for exclusion and treatment of the gay community; GLBT social, cultural and sporting groups such as Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Heaven Social Group (Western Sydney), The Pollys Social Group (formed in 1964), Cronulla Gay Group, Mature Aged Gays, Leather Pride, Harbour City Bears, Sydney Spokes Cycling Club, Sydney Rams Tenpin Bowling Club, Sydney Rangers Football Club, Freezone Volleyball Club, Australian Sailing And Cruising Club, Sydney Convicts Rugby, Tropical Fruits, the Sydney Homotones Gay and Lesbian Concert band and Come Out Australia, a social community organisation with branches throughout metropolitan Sydney, regional NSW, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Geelong, Melbourne gays, Rainbow Recovery for glbqti addicts and alkies, gay lifesavers, flight attendants and large group of gay and lesbian parents and their children; corporate organisations such as IBM, ANZ Bank, Salesforce and IKEA supporting their GLBT employees; The City of Sydney, NSW Police, Australian Defence Force, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, State Transit Authority, surf Life Saving Australia, NSW Fire Brigades, NSW Rural Fire Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Kirketon Road Centre and Nurses from RPA, St Vincents, Prince Of Wales And Concord Hospitals, Cronulla Gay Group’s lavish Ice Castle float; New Mardi Gras’ procession of planets throughout the Parade, climaxing with an elaborate starship at the Parade’s end; the Thunderbags are Go! Marching group; the Asian Marching Boys; the Newcastle Collaborations float, Pash’n Bonker; and Divas thru the Decades and shitloads of butch queens and scary dykes …
...more diversity than you could wrap your brain around and all welcomed by cheering masses who understood that in that diversity lie our one true strength. That is why I have no patience for this politic of self-interested groups and self appointed 'leaders' battling each other for some spurious position in the grotty glammerati.
I don't think anyone is engaging in a competition between queer then and now. The issue is about what is becoming of community and Mardi Gras... and what we want it to be. I'm not sure what you think 'we still have to go through,' but arguably, homophobia is still alive and well and it'd be nice to see the ugly 'not queer enough to be one of us' attitudes put aside so that we might unite against a common enemy. The last Mardi Gras I photographed for the queer media - before I realised that the pix were looking the same every year - had 10,000 participants and about 180 floats, everything from commercial venues, community groups, political orgs, and so on, including …
Community, service and religious groups including ACON, Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, Gay And Lesbian Rights Lobby, Twenty-Ten Youth Support Service, the Luncheon Club, PFLAG NSW Inc (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Highschoolers Against Homophobia, the Gay Straight Alliance (made up of parents, teachers and students), Macquarie Grammar School, and Gay and Straight Teens From Western Sydney and the Central Coastthe middle-eastern GLBT group Beit El Hob, Amnesty International, Metropolitan Community Church, Dayenu Sydney Jewish GLBT Group; the Pentecostal & Charismatic GLBT group Freedom 2 B(E), the Catholic GLBT group Acceptance Sydney, the Wayside Chapel and 100 ministers from various religions who marched to apologise for exclusion and treatment of the gay community; GLBT social, cultural and sporting groups such as Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Heaven Social Group (Western Sydney), The Pollys Social Group (formed in 1964), Cronulla Gay Group, Mature Aged Gays, Leather Pride, Harbour City Bears, Sydney Spokes Cycling Club, Sydney Rams Tenpin Bowling Club, Sydney Rangers Football Club, Freezone Volleyball Club, Australian Sailing And Cruising Club, Sydney Convicts Rugby, Tropical Fruits, the Sydney Homotones Gay and Lesbian Concert band and Come Out Australia, a social community organisation with branches throughout metropolitan Sydney, regional NSW, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Geelong, Melbourne gays, Rainbow Recovery for glbqti addicts and alkies, gay lifesavers, flight attendants and large group of gay and lesbian parents and their children; corporate organisations such as IBM, ANZ Bank, Salesforce and IKEA supporting their GLBT employees; The City of Sydney, NSW Police, Australian Defence Force, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, State Transit Authority, surf Life Saving Australia, NSW Fire Brigades, NSW Rural Fire Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Kirketon Road Centre and Nurses from RPA, St Vincents, Prince Of Wales And Concord Hospitals, Cronulla Gay Group’s lavish Ice Castle float; New Mardi Gras’ procession of planets throughout the Parade, climaxing with an elaborate starship at the Parade’s end; the Thunderbags are Go! Marching group; the Asian Marching Boys; the Newcastle Collaborations float, Pash’n Bonker; and Divas thru the Decades and shitloads of butch queens and scary dykes …
...more diversity than you could wrap your brain around and all welcomed by cheering masses who understood that in that diversity lie our one true strength. That is why I have no patience for this politic of self-interested groups and self appointed 'leaders' battling each other for some spurious position in the grotty glammerati.
written by Steven Alexander, 26 February 2010
Why should I wipe away those memories ? never said that Gary. Read slower next time.
The community back then is totally different to the community today. Younger generation dont need a gay bar to feel comfortable in.
The younger gays I work with hardly go to gay bars and hang out at straight pubs with their gay and straight mates.
Its all changing so the community is not and probably will never be as close knitted as it used to be.
Is the younger generation interested in what the 78'ers went through ? probably not. Yes we still have a way to go but
nowhere near what the early community had to go through.
The community back then is totally different to the community today. Younger generation dont need a gay bar to feel comfortable in.
The younger gays I work with hardly go to gay bars and hang out at straight pubs with their gay and straight mates.
Its all changing so the community is not and probably will never be as close knitted as it used to be.
Is the younger generation interested in what the 78'ers went through ? probably not. Yes we still have a way to go but
nowhere near what the early community had to go through.
written by shayne chester, 26 February 2010
'Should we stay in the past ? ' That's not possible. And I've already said what I think about nostalgia. This community will get the 'gay government' (NMG/acon/BGF etc) that it deserves. But on the matter of community, I suppose I am biased because I came to this city alone at age 12 and the glbqt community took me in and became my family. I am a stately homo now, a maiden aunt, and the next generations will make of community what they will. But I still believe, as the Sister Sledge anthem would have it, that we are family. It is not just a link to our past, but a bridge to our future.
written by Garry Burns, 25 February 2010
Mr Alexander you can't wipe your past because that's where your memory is.
I can still remember the first time I kissed a boy.
Why would I want to wipe away this beautiful memory ?
Is remembering things important from ones past mean you are stuck in the past ?
The 1978 gay civil rights struggle means a great deal to me.
Even all these years later.
It's not something I share with the younger generation because they are yet to travel down life's track and experience the sadness and strife I had too as a gay teenager.
We should all know where we came from as a community regardless of age's of the members of today.
I can still remember the first time I kissed a boy.
Why would I want to wipe away this beautiful memory ?
Is remembering things important from ones past mean you are stuck in the past ?
The 1978 gay civil rights struggle means a great deal to me.
Even all these years later.
It's not something I share with the younger generation because they are yet to travel down life's track and experience the sadness and strife I had too as a gay teenager.
We should all know where we came from as a community regardless of age's of the members of today.
written by Steven Alexander, 25 February 2010
But times change Shayne.
Lets just hope the upcoming generation want to go this way as well. Its them I am more worried about.
Should we stay in the past ?
Lets just hope the upcoming generation want to go this way as well. Its them I am more worried about.
Should we stay in the past ?
written by shayne chester, 25 February 2010
Oddly enough, Steven, the early Mardi Gras festivals were hugely successful, I guess because everyone felt it was their event and got involved. There was no need for sponsers (sic) no one to ask permission if you could participate, no one to dictate the semiotics of queer behaviour and no feeling that we had to be entertaining to the crowds or the media. It was just queers celebrating being themselves. I think it was inevitable that in commoditising and defining our culture, Mardi Gras has become the rather drab shadow of its origins that we now have.
written by Steven Alexander, 25 February 2010
Well time will tell wont it.
I like others get the feeling this older crowd will bring Mardi Gras back to its so called grass roots, get rid of straight sponsers, make into a march of solidarity and please no one but themselves. The march will bore everyone and numbers will drop.
No money to put on any fun festival and it will be users pay.
Or should this crowd thats so over it and offended that their rights are nearly forgotten just retire and shut up and leave it to the younger generation they way they want to ?
Time will tell.
I like others get the feeling this older crowd will bring Mardi Gras back to its so called grass roots, get rid of straight sponsers, make into a march of solidarity and please no one but themselves. The march will bore everyone and numbers will drop.
No money to put on any fun festival and it will be users pay.
Or should this crowd thats so over it and offended that their rights are nearly forgotten just retire and shut up and leave it to the younger generation they way they want to ?
Time will tell.
written by Peter Hackney, 25 February 2010
Good to see the media attention has shamed NMG into consultation, but I have to wonder: are they really interested in consultation or is this a PR stunt? I'd be less dubious if, in announcing the 'consulation', Michael Rolik didn't make statements like: "NMG made the right decision and acted wholly in line with our Constitution." But we'll see...
@ 'Been there done that , over it.....................': At least Gary has the guts to post under his real name. Who are you when you're at home?
@ 'Been there done that , over it.....................': At least Gary has the guts to post under his real name. Who are you when you're at home?
written by shayne chester, 25 February 2010
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras had its origins in a letter from the Stonewall committee, suggesting a protest march and commemoration of the Stonewall Riots which took place in New York in June 1969. Gay icon, Judy Garland had died earlier that week. At that time, male homosexuality was illegal in this state, cops thought poofs deserved a good thumping and we had no rights against discrimination or vilification.
All those rights were hard won (and a whole gay scene built) by a community represented in spirit by Mardi Gras. Half a dozen years later, a virus was killing off a whole generation and we stood shoulder to shoulder again.
But all that's a history unknown to most Mardi Gras partiers today, many of whom have never even heard of Judy and think that gay marriage and anal bleaching are the only issues to get excited about.
'Our' festival has been reinvented by NEW Mardi Gras and unfortunately, it's tradition and heritage have been lost. I think it will continue to devolve, regardless of all the gabfests which seem somehow token anyway, until it becomes a kind of queer version of the old Grace Bros Xmas Pageant. I think these recent exclusions point to it heading in that direction.
I also think it's pointless to be resentful of a reinvention if that is truly a reflection of what this community now represents and wants. While our history is important, because it defines how we came to be where we are now, nostalgia for things past is a poor receipt for that which has gone forever.
However my concern is the cause and effect of NMG creating a community that is apolitical, and exclusive. We use the word 'community' a lot, but often it just means 'the scene.' I quoted New York activist Peter Staley some time ago, "community is just gay men looking after each other," and I've seen it repeated so many times, that I'll put it another way. I think we are all are at once Everyman (and woman...and in between) and we are all alone. We are all idiosyncratically and uniquely representative of the glbqt community, we all belong. None of us should need to wonder where we've been, who we are or where we fit it in, because that is, to me, the entire raison d'être of Mardi Gras, more so than any of its glitzy incarnations. To call itself a 'community' event, no glbqti should ever be left out, or thrown out, on their own. But that, I guess, is an old-fashioned notion.
All those rights were hard won (and a whole gay scene built) by a community represented in spirit by Mardi Gras. Half a dozen years later, a virus was killing off a whole generation and we stood shoulder to shoulder again.
But all that's a history unknown to most Mardi Gras partiers today, many of whom have never even heard of Judy and think that gay marriage and anal bleaching are the only issues to get excited about.
'Our' festival has been reinvented by NEW Mardi Gras and unfortunately, it's tradition and heritage have been lost. I think it will continue to devolve, regardless of all the gabfests which seem somehow token anyway, until it becomes a kind of queer version of the old Grace Bros Xmas Pageant. I think these recent exclusions point to it heading in that direction.
I also think it's pointless to be resentful of a reinvention if that is truly a reflection of what this community now represents and wants. While our history is important, because it defines how we came to be where we are now, nostalgia for things past is a poor receipt for that which has gone forever.
However my concern is the cause and effect of NMG creating a community that is apolitical, and exclusive. We use the word 'community' a lot, but often it just means 'the scene.' I quoted New York activist Peter Staley some time ago, "community is just gay men looking after each other," and I've seen it repeated so many times, that I'll put it another way. I think we are all are at once Everyman (and woman...and in between) and we are all alone. We are all idiosyncratically and uniquely representative of the glbqt community, we all belong. None of us should need to wonder where we've been, who we are or where we fit it in, because that is, to me, the entire raison d'être of Mardi Gras, more so than any of its glitzy incarnations. To call itself a 'community' event, no glbqti should ever be left out, or thrown out, on their own. But that, I guess, is an old-fashioned notion.
written by Garry Burns, 25 February 2010
I may not represent the gay community but I know my opinion reflects the majority view of the gay community.
ACON, THE CONVICTS, GLRL, NEW MARDI GRAS are self appointed spokespersons for our community.
Who elected them ?
As a well known unelected commentator I say Mardi-Gras belongs to all gay and lesbian aussies and not the corporate dollar entirely.
Gay NZ called me in their recent article a well known and respected Australian gay rights activist.
Why should gay and lesbian aussies let the directors of Mardi-Gras sell them out for 30 pieces of silver ?
Mr Rolik and the board should resign because they don't reflect a message based on inclusivity.
ACON, THE CONVICTS, GLRL, NEW MARDI GRAS are self appointed spokespersons for our community.
Who elected them ?
As a well known unelected commentator I say Mardi-Gras belongs to all gay and lesbian aussies and not the corporate dollar entirely.
Gay NZ called me in their recent article a well known and respected Australian gay rights activist.
Why should gay and lesbian aussies let the directors of Mardi-Gras sell them out for 30 pieces of silver ?
Mr Rolik and the board should resign because they don't reflect a message based on inclusivity.
written by Been there done that , over it....................., 25 February 2010
What Gary ?
I never said anything like that
" Where in my opinion did I say I represented the gay community."
I posted you have said before you dont represent the gay community eg
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACON,NMG,GLRL does not speak for our whole community.
written by Gary Burns , December 03, 2009
ACON,NMG & the GLRL does not speak for the whole of the our community.
These groups certainly do not speak for me.
Just as my gay rights activism does not speak for our whole community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And as you seem to not be able to read and absorb........... did I say you are not entitled to your opion ? nope
We both are and I posted mine , just as you posted yours.
I never said anything like that
" Where in my opinion did I say I represented the gay community."
I posted you have said before you dont represent the gay community eg
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACON,NMG,GLRL does not speak for our whole community.
written by Gary Burns , December 03, 2009
ACON,NMG & the GLRL does not speak for the whole of the our community.
These groups certainly do not speak for me.
Just as my gay rights activism does not speak for our whole community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And as you seem to not be able to read and absorb........... did I say you are not entitled to your opion ? nope
We both are and I posted mine , just as you posted yours.
written by Garry Burns, 25 February 2010
Been there done that (whoever you are).
Where in my opinion did I say I represented the gay community.
I have the same right as you to an opinion.
Perhaps you should stay on the SameSame site & leave this site to the grown ups.
Been there done that you can attempt to shun me.
It's a-bit hard because my opinion has a real name attached to it and yours does not.
Where in my opinion did I say I represented the gay community.
I have the same right as you to an opinion.
Perhaps you should stay on the SameSame site & leave this site to the grown ups.
Been there done that you can attempt to shun me.
It's a-bit hard because my opinion has a real name attached to it and yours does not.
written by Been there done that , over it....................., 25 February 2010
What concerns me is that the loudest moaners about Mardi Gras those that have been enough times for them to get bored and so want change.
What about the younger gays ? what do they want ?
Sponsors ? fine get rid of them. Are there any big enough gay orgs that can help bank roll NMG ? not that I know of and would they be acceptable ?
You want a festival to showcase our gay community , a big Fair Day , Queer Screen etc ? if no sponsors then these are going to have to charge as most lose money which NMG covers. I wonder how many would go when they had to pay a higher fee to get in ?
Do you want all the floats to have a message about every sexuality going and to have a message of what we want, when do we want it ? I just wonder how many people would bother coming to watch the Parade year after year if that was the message ?
Yes we have to have messages in there of our inequality but you have to put in some glitz and dont forget a lot of the younger generation havent seen glitz of this grand a scale and they seem to love it .
Should we deprive them because others are over it ?
Michael Jackson only recently died so some want to have a tribute to him. Hoopla sounds like it will be a real laugh.
People marching about chickens ? no. Sorry just doesnt seem to gel. Last year they offended leather wearers. The Parade has to be cut its just too long now. No matter who gets cut then will always be those that will be upset about it.
Gary Burns idea on NMG? NO THANK YOU. You have already stated you dont represent the gay community.
And dont forget it wasnt NMG or Ikea who hired actors despite National Enquirer type headlines making you think they had. It was a production company and probably NMG had no idea till after the event. Who knows ?
Again , you might be bored with it all but think of the younger generation coming through. I hope they are properly represented to give their views.
What about the younger gays ? what do they want ?
Sponsors ? fine get rid of them. Are there any big enough gay orgs that can help bank roll NMG ? not that I know of and would they be acceptable ?
You want a festival to showcase our gay community , a big Fair Day , Queer Screen etc ? if no sponsors then these are going to have to charge as most lose money which NMG covers. I wonder how many would go when they had to pay a higher fee to get in ?
Do you want all the floats to have a message about every sexuality going and to have a message of what we want, when do we want it ? I just wonder how many people would bother coming to watch the Parade year after year if that was the message ?
Yes we have to have messages in there of our inequality but you have to put in some glitz and dont forget a lot of the younger generation havent seen glitz of this grand a scale and they seem to love it .
Should we deprive them because others are over it ?
Michael Jackson only recently died so some want to have a tribute to him. Hoopla sounds like it will be a real laugh.
People marching about chickens ? no. Sorry just doesnt seem to gel. Last year they offended leather wearers. The Parade has to be cut its just too long now. No matter who gets cut then will always be those that will be upset about it.
Gary Burns idea on NMG? NO THANK YOU. You have already stated you dont represent the gay community.
And dont forget it wasnt NMG or Ikea who hired actors despite National Enquirer type headlines making you think they had. It was a production company and probably NMG had no idea till after the event. Who knows ?
Again , you might be bored with it all but think of the younger generation coming through. I hope they are properly represented to give their views.
written by Garry Burns, 25 February 2010
Jon (whoever you are) are missing the point.
The Mardi-Gras celebration came from a gay civil rights demonstration in 1978.
A time when community meant looking after each other.
Denying animal libbers a place in their parade is wrong.
Mardi Gras belongs to it's citizens.
Animal libbers are members of our community.
These people are gay and lesbian people too.
Mardi Gras needs to remember where it came from.
Once it does this it might have some understanding why gay and lesbian animal libbers are so upset.
My pussy Ivory has not eaten for three days because she has been hurt by Mardi Gras shenanigans.
And Ivory is a real Queen.
Corporate sponsorship should not come at the expense of members of our own community.
Our community must always come first.
The Mardi-Gras celebration came from a gay civil rights demonstration in 1978.
A time when community meant looking after each other.
Denying animal libbers a place in their parade is wrong.
Mardi Gras belongs to it's citizens.
Animal libbers are members of our community.
These people are gay and lesbian people too.
Mardi Gras needs to remember where it came from.
Once it does this it might have some understanding why gay and lesbian animal libbers are so upset.
My pussy Ivory has not eaten for three days because she has been hurt by Mardi Gras shenanigans.
And Ivory is a real Queen.
Corporate sponsorship should not come at the expense of members of our own community.
Our community must always come first.
written by Tracie O'Keefe, 25 February 2010
And still at the eleventh hour Rolick you deny and insult our intelligence. Do I object to the Catholics taking part who follow an ex Nazi Youth member - no. Are you now the gay police? Will you be attending Animal Liberation meetings inspecting our sexuality and genitalia? First it was organisational difficulties and then leather fetishists complaining. The head of Mardi Gras needs to be someone who unites, despite all our differences, not divides. That is not you. A movement is not made from sequins, feathers, money and top-down management. Step aside before you lose all dignity, before your legacy is a divided community. Go before you do more damage.
written by jon, 25 February 2010
without sponsorship the mardigras can't exist.
a lot of things have been dropped over the years as they didn't get enough support to continue.
the animal libbers got it wrong - bad luck guys perhaps next year you will get in if you rethink your aproach and focus on gay issues - your float is political and the concept you spruiked was unrelated to the parade.
A lot of the other floats add to the parade in terms of interest and variety for the crowd.
Yes the committee does need to consult with the wider gay community about the future of the event but there are also a lot of whingers who see their own agendas as being 'the most important in the world'
a lot of things have been dropped over the years as they didn't get enough support to continue.
the animal libbers got it wrong - bad luck guys perhaps next year you will get in if you rethink your aproach and focus on gay issues - your float is political and the concept you spruiked was unrelated to the parade.
A lot of the other floats add to the parade in terms of interest and variety for the crowd.
Yes the committee does need to consult with the wider gay community about the future of the event but there are also a lot of whingers who see their own agendas as being 'the most important in the world'
written by Garry Burns, 25 February 2010
I am waiting for New Mardi Gras to send me my invitation to this "talkfest"..
I hope they are prepared to listen to the gary burns three vegetable Catholic approach to what needs to be said.
Do they have my postal address ?
I hope they are prepared to listen to the gary burns three vegetable Catholic approach to what needs to be said.
Do they have my postal address ?
written by norrie mAy-welby, 25 February 2010
At last New Mardi Gras has promised to involve the community in making decisions about the basic shape and idea of the festival. However, to set it up (as NMG CEO Michael Rolik did) as a choice between promoting "gay pride" and "a broader agenda of sexual and other freedoms" falsely promotes the idea that "gay pride" is what the parade is about now, ignoring the corporate imperatives that led to straight actors being paid to promote furniture shops, and the corporate sensitivities that banned some gay groups from Fair Day, not to mention the attempts to censor the parade.
I think Mardi Gras from the beginning involved people with a wider social justice agenda, focussed against the oppression of sexuality at that time seen as anti-gay, thus generating the notion of "gay pride". However, over thirty years later, we've had more time to deconstruct our oppression and to recognise the diversity of our community, and we need to ask if "gay pride" is applicable to, for example, transsexuals, or is there a broader front of sexual and gender freedom, and subversively camp social commentary?
Oh, and while it's great to see MAG had no trouble paying Mardi Gras fees, that's probably true of every group lucky enough to have government funding, or the cofffers of well established older people. Uni students, the sort of people who protest and change society, are not so rich.
I think Mardi Gras from the beginning involved people with a wider social justice agenda, focussed against the oppression of sexuality at that time seen as anti-gay, thus generating the notion of "gay pride". However, over thirty years later, we've had more time to deconstruct our oppression and to recognise the diversity of our community, and we need to ask if "gay pride" is applicable to, for example, transsexuals, or is there a broader front of sexual and gender freedom, and subversively camp social commentary?
Oh, and while it's great to see MAG had no trouble paying Mardi Gras fees, that's probably true of every group lucky enough to have government funding, or the cofffers of well established older people. Uni students, the sort of people who protest and change society, are not so rich.
written by This is needed, 25 February 2010
Lets see if its just a few hundred moaners or the majority who want to change things.
Dont forget it was an agency who hired the people for Ikea. We dont know if they were gay or straight and how the hell was NMG supposed to know that this had happened ? personally I dont care.
Animal Libbers ? well why shouldnt they march but last year they offended the Leather crowd and this year was supposed to be about Chickens ? so hmmmmmmmmm
Taronga Zoo ? exploitation and cruelty to animals ? I feel that is rather harsh. Yes they are caged but lots of these animals are dwindling in numbers around the world and the Zoos are doing good job of getting them to reproduce.
Hoola Hoops ? Michael Jackson ? I they give everyone some fun/something to laugh about/enjoy rather than having messages hammered into by all the floats.
So lets see how it goes.
Dont forget it was an agency who hired the people for Ikea. We dont know if they were gay or straight and how the hell was NMG supposed to know that this had happened ? personally I dont care.
Animal Libbers ? well why shouldnt they march but last year they offended the Leather crowd and this year was supposed to be about Chickens ? so hmmmmmmmmm
Taronga Zoo ? exploitation and cruelty to animals ? I feel that is rather harsh. Yes they are caged but lots of these animals are dwindling in numbers around the world and the Zoos are doing good job of getting them to reproduce.
Hoola Hoops ? Michael Jackson ? I they give everyone some fun/something to laugh about/enjoy rather than having messages hammered into by all the floats.
So lets see how it goes.
Write comment
