top of page
Search

Acceptance, Dialogue and the Spirit of Mardi Gras

MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

28 February 2026


Acceptance, Dialogue and the Spirit of Mardi Gras
Acceptance, Dialogue and the Spirit of Mardi Gras

As the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Parade prepares to walk the streets of the Rainbow Precinct, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) reaffirms its strong support for the Mardi Gras organisation and the values it represents.


Mardi Gras is more than a festival. It is a living expression of visibility, dignity, resilience, and belonging. It began as a protest against discrimination and injustice and has evolved into one of the most powerful celebrations of diversity in the world.


At its core, Mardi Gras champions acceptance and understanding values that are essential not only to LGBTQIA+SB communities, but to a healthy and cohesive society.


Recent public discourse and isolated incidents of hostility remind us that progress is not guaranteed. Around the world, we are witnessing rising polarisation and increased hate directed at minority communities. In Australia, LGBTQIA+SB people remain among the groups most frequently targeted by hate-based abuse and violence.


This is precisely why Mardi Gras matters.


However, in any vibrant and diverse community, there will be differing views, complex conversations, and difficult decisions. That is not a sign of weakness. It is evidence of democracy in action.


What matters most is how we respond.


VMHPAA believes that acceptance is not simply about who is allowed to march, it is about how we treat one another when disagreement arises. Understanding does not require consensus. It requires listening, restraint, and recognition of shared humanity.


VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:


“Mardi Gras exists because acceptance once could not be assumed. Its continued presence reminds us that inclusion requires ongoing commitment. Acceptance is not passive tolerance — it is active respect. Understanding is not agreement on everything — it is a willingness to see one another’s humanity, especially when perspectives differ. The strength of our community is not found in uniformity, but in our ability to hold space for difference without diminishing one another’s dignity.”

The organisation behind Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has consistently promoted safety, community wellbeing, and peaceful celebration. VMHPAA recognises the significant work undertaken by organisers, volunteers, and partners to ensure that the event remains a safe and welcoming space.


As a mental health body, we are acutely aware of the impact that social hostility, discrimination, and public rhetoric can have on psychological wellbeing, particularly for young people and those already vulnerable. Visibility can be empowering. It can also require courage.


To honour those who took up the battle before us, we encourage all Australians to:


  • Choose respect over division

  • Celebrate diversity without diminishing others

  • Reject hate and dehumanisation

  • Look out for one another in public spaces

  • Support safe, inclusive community events


Mardi Gras stands for love, joy, identity, and freedom but also for the right to exist without fear.


Acceptance and understanding are not partisan values. They are human values.

VMHPAA proudly supports the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and its mission to foster a society where diversity is not merely tolerated, but celebrated.


Media Contact:

Shane Warren, Chair

Susan Sandy, Secretary

Philip Armstrong, CEO




Comments

bottom of page