When the Glitter Settles: Safety and Hostility at and Around Gay and Lesbian Public Events

Stephen A. Tomsen, Kevin Markwell

Research output: Book/Research ReportResearch report

Abstract

This report explores aspects of safety and hostility as perceived and experienced by participants at large-scale gay and lesbian events held in Australia. These public celebrations have considerable economic, social and cultural benefi ts, and they contribute signifi cantly to a cosmopolitan image of the cities in which they are held. In particular, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) is known internationally as a major festival and attracts substantial numbers of both domestic and inbound tourists. The report examines the results of an internet-based questionnaire survey that sought information concerning participants’ perceptions and experiences of hostility, threats, and violence before, during, and after these events. Event organisers, police, and public officials involved in planning and regulation generally stress the order and goodwill of these occasions. Nevertheless, this study suggests that: ”¢ There is a steady undercurrent of hostility, abuse and unreported violent attacks at these events, particularly in the aftermath of the SGLMG parade. ”¢ Survey participants felt notably unsafe or threatened in relation to post-event interactions at the SGLMG parade. ”¢ Hostility, abuse and attacks reflect sexual prejudice as well as the more general safety issues of large night-time events: mass discomfort, collective intoxication, drug use, late-night transport, and finding an optimal degree of crowd supervision and surveillance. ”¢ Although event planning and policing have done much to reduce serious violence in the immediate context of the event, there is room for further direct consideration of the concerns and suggestions of event participants of the sort that are raised in this report.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCanberra, A.C.T
PublisherAustralian Institute of Criminology
Number of pages50
ISBN (Print)9781921532276
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Bibliographical note

©Australian Institute of Criminology 2009

Keywords

  • Australia
  • Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
  • crimes against
  • gay men
  • gay pride parades
  • lesbians
  • safety measures
  • violence against

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