FAIR PLAY was originally known as Project Blue which was launched in 2009 by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG), ACON, Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.  FAIR PLAY remains an initiative to inform, support and educate members of sexuality and gender diverse communities on health, safety and rights issues when attending Mardi Gras events, particularly where police drug operations occurred.

In light of a number of concerning incidents raised by sexuality and gender diverse communities and organisations in relation to the conduct of the NSW Police Force during the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, the Policing at LGBTIQ Events and Venues advocacy paper was developed and launched in September 2013. This document makes clear the commitment of sexuality and gender diverse community organisations to provide accurate legal resources and education to sexuality and gender diverse communities. 

In line with this commitment, FAIR PLAY was re-launched for the 2014 Mardi Gras season with the intention to support, empower and educate sexuality and gender diverse communities.  FAIR PLAY seeks to help party-goers know their legal rights and how to keep safe over the Mardi Gras Festival.

FAIR PLAY works to:

  • Educate and support LGBTIQ communities

  • Promote community safety

  • Respond to community needs and demands

  • Provide information about services

  • Build community confidence and trust

The NSW Police Force has committed to ensuring officers at the Mardi Gras Party are briefed on the FAIR PLAY program and will refer community members they engage with to the FAIR PLAY stall.

FAIR PLAY is supported by teams of community volunteers known as Fair Players.  Fair Players are on site at the Mardi Gras Party to share legal and safety information with party-goers, monitor and document the operations of NSW Police and provide support to people who have been searched or questioned by police.

We are monitoring police operations because the LGBTIQ community demanded a strong response.

FAIR PLAY is an initiative of the Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC), NSW's sexuality and gender diverse community legal centre, in partnership with ACON and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG).