Gil Beckwith has been with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras for more than six years, with four and a half as chief financial officer before becoming CEO. She spoke with Pride of Sydney about being at the helm of the prestigious organisation.
“It’s been a whirlwind year since taking on the role, no doubt about it! And dramatically different to being the CFO. Taking the reins of an organisation as beloved and historically significant as Mardi Gras is both an honour and a massive responsibility. Last year threw plenty of challenges our way—financial pressures, shifting landscapes, unexpected curveballs—but at its heart, Mardi Gras is about resilience.”
Strengthening Community & Visibility
Beckwith says she is focused on strengthening the connection with the community, ensuring the right stories are told, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and safe.
“We’ve worked hard to refresh programming and introduce new experiences that reflect the full diversity of our community. I want Mardi Gras to feel like home to everyone in the LGBTQIA+ family, and that means making sure every decision we make comes back to that core purpose.”
As the festival approaches, the atmosphere in MG HQ buzzes with electric energy. Beckwith proudly acknowledges the passion and creativity of her team in delivering a unique, diverse program.
“For me, the best part is seeing how much this festival means to people,” says Beckwith.
“Out on the streets, you can feel it building—Oxford Street getting a little brighter, posters going up, conversations shifting towards parade plans and outfits. Mardi Gras has this way of making the whole city feel alive.”
Mardi Gras: More Than a Party
While it is a glorious celebration, Mardi Gras is and always has been more than just pomp and party.
“We’re a platform for visibility, activism, and progress. Right now, trans and gender-diverse rights are front and centre, both here in Australia and globally. Harmful rhetoric is being amplified in some spaces, and it’s crucial that we continue to push back against that with love, solidarity, and action,” says Beckwith.
“This year’s theme, FREE TO BE, speaks directly to these issues. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, but also acknowledging that the fight isn’t over.”
Mardi Gras, from its incipience, has been a powerful force in providing visibility, impetus and solidarity, giving the community the ability to effect change. Much has been accomplished, but the world is in constant shift and there is never any guarantee that young queer kids can feel safe to be themselves.
Beckwith is particularly excited that Fair Day (which was cancelled last year) is back this year.
“It’s such a special day where everyone—families, friends, allies, even dogs —come together in one big, colourful celebration.”
And she’s thrilled about the arts program on offer and the partnerships that will contribute to the quality and variety of offerings, including events like Blak & Deadly at the City Recital Hall and Mardi Gras + at Qtopia.
“We have been collaborating with some of the more traditional organisations in Sydney, bringing an extraordinary Mardi Gras festival experience to institutions such as Sydney Opera House, State Library, Art Gallery and the Sydney Theatre Company. Embedding our LGBTQIA+ community throughout Sydney in our celebratory and joyous way.”
This year’s Mardi Gras festival features over 80 events spanning everything from theatre, music and art to walking tours, talks and picnics, and so much more. There’s something for every taste and budget. For Beckwith, the festival is the culmination of lots of blood, sweat and tears, but the reward is tenfold.
Why Mardi Gras Still Matters
“At the end of the day, what I look forward to most is seeing our community take up space, take pride in who we are, and remind the world why Mardi Gras still matters and will continue to matter.”
Explore the full Mardi Gras program here: Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
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