American Express partners with Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride

American Express has announced an exclusive three-year principal partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 

The company will also partner with Sydney WorldPride in 2023 – set to be Sydney’s largest event since the 2000 Olympics and a southern hemisphere first.

American Express will work alongside the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride teams to bring to life a festival of events that reflect and celebrate our diverse communities. 

“At American Express, we value and embrace differences and believe unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are critical to the diversity of communities and the success of businesses,” said Corrina Davison, Managing Director for American Express Australia & New Zealand and Chair of the American Express Inclusion & Diversity Council for both countries. 

The partnership represents a shared commitment to reinvigorate local businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. 

“We’re very proud to have American Express join the Mardi Gras family as our principal partner,” said Albert Kruger, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO. 

“As a global brand, they have the capacity to help spread the Mardi Gras message of equality far and wide. 

“Locally, American Express will help us immensely as we work with LGBTQI+ businesses to reignite the vibrancy and economy of our valued gaybourhoods across Australia.”

Sydney WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett also welcomed the partnership.

 “Sydney WorldPride 2023 will activate the community, corporations, and governments to be part of the global movement for LGBTQI+ equality and human rights,” said Wickett.

NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said that the events would help reinvigorate the economy and arts and culture scene. 

“We can’t wait to welcome tourists from across the world back to Sydney,” said Ayres.

Stephen Maoudis, co-lead of American Express’s colleague PRIDE+ Network, said that individuality and acceptance were crucial to corporate culture.

“Our dedicated PRIDE+ Network is committed to raising awareness and advancing changes that allow all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, to be respected and valued,” said Maoudis.

“Through this new partnership, we look forward to bringing these values and actions into the wider community.”

American Express’s principal partnership continues its commitment to equality and inclusion.

The organisation has scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the last 16 years.

It is also a member of Pride in Diversity and received Bronze status in the 2021 Australian Workplace Equality Index.