mardigra 2022

Pride is in the air

In 2023, Sydney WorldPride and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras unite to present a truly global LGBTQI+ pride festival – the very first in the Southern Hemisphere.

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As the national carrier, we have a proud history of supporting diversity and inclusivity.

We have a long-standing relationship with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, supporting the LGBTQI+ community and playing an active role as a leading Australian organisation that supports equality.

We are proud to have our employees participate in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade for over 25 years, be a long-term partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) and our ongoing support for hosting WorldPride 2023 in Sydney. We celebrate our LGBTQI+ people, allies and the broader the LGBTQI+ community.

At Qantas, we value our people’s diverse lived experiences and believe that our inclusive culture contributes to our strength and success. Our diversity helps us to understand our customers, make better decisions and get things done safely. We aim to build a safe and inclusive culture by championing equity and celebrating diversity, to ensure every employee feels comfortable bringing their whole self to work, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification.

We established the Qantas Group Illuminate employee network to facilitate communication between our LGBTQI+ employees and their allies. The group fosters a community free from bullying, harassment and discrimination for all employees through additional information, support, contacts and advocacy across the business.

On behalf of our employees and customers, Qantas was a vocal supporter of the 2017 Marriage Equality campaign.

Mardi Gra 2022

The Festival

From 17 February to 5 March 2023, Sydney WorldPride will celebrate Australia’s brilliant and diverse LGBTQI+ community in a city renowned for its diversity, inclusivity and proud LGBTQI+ population. Featuring all the beloved Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events, Sydney WorldPride marks the beginning of a broader festival celebrating art, sport, theatre, concerts, parties, First Nations programming and a Human Rights Conference. More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in the festival. The world-famous Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street for the first time in three years.

As a Major Partner and the Official Airline of Sydney WorldPride, Qantas is proud to bring travellers from across the world and throughout Australia closer together.

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Qantas WorldPride Flight

Mardi Gra 2022

Qantas, the official airline partner for Sydney WorldPride, is preparing to take off from Los Angeles on 22 February, bringing members of the LGBTQI+ community direct to the glamour and glitz of the Harbour City for WorldPride.

All passengers on the Qantas WorldPride flight will receive a ticket to the sold out Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert on February 24 featuring Kylie Minogue, Charlie XCX, and Jessica Mauboy.

To complete your trip to Sydney, Marriott Bonvoy are offering a range of special extras to celebrate the festival such as complimentary breakfast for two, welcome amenities, and hotel credits on selected premium rooms across their Sydney properties.

Celebrations for the Qantas WorldPride flight will kick off at an exclusive event in its Los Angeles First Lounge, headlined by popular singer and musician G Flip with special DJ performances.

As the Official Makeup Partner of Sydney WorldPride, MECCA MAX will host an inflight makeup masterclass at 40,000 feet, to help passengers get party ready for the arrival celebrations at Sydney Airport.

The Qantas WorldPride flight will also feature entertainment from Australian comedian Joel Creasey, live inflight drag performances, limited edition ‘Rainbow Roo’ Qantas pyjamas designed specifically for the flight, and a menu created by chef and Qantas Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry.

Inflight movies, music and content curated for the LGBTQI+ community.

We are proud that this B787 Dreamliner flight will be operated by members of the Qantas Illuminate network - a community of Qantas LGTIBQI+ staff and allies.

The Dreamliner features Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, and the flight will be carbon neutral with 100 per cent of emissions offset.

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Qantas Sydney WorldPride Regional Grants

Find out more and apply Mardi Gra 2020

Applications are now open for the Qantas Sydney WorldPride Regional Grants program. Designed to provide opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals who reside in regional Australia to engage with and attend the 2023 Festival and Mardi Gras Parade.

The program will provide one grant per state/territory to applicants that best demonstrate how they have fostered LGBTQI﹢ inclusion in their local communities.

Grant recipients will receive:

  • Two return economy airfares from the winner's closest Qantas operated domestic port to Sydney
  • Two tickets to the newly announced Ruby Road Parade Viewing Area and;
  • Two nights’ accommodation.

Applicants can apply on behalf of themselves or others.

Find out more and apply
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