Meta and Google opt out of Sydney Mardi Gras amid move away from DEI in US

<p>Former sponsors walk away from 2025 event – while organisers say they do not meet partnership requirements</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/feb/20/australia-news-live-richard-marles-defence-china-png-pacific-election-cost-of-living-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-nsw-vic-qld-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></li><li>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></li></ul><p>Google and Meta do not meet the requirements to partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the organisation has said, after the two tech giants ended their official involvement and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ng-interactive/2025/feb/11/dei-meta-facebook">ditched diversity obligations</a> in the US.</p><p>At the 47th annual Mardi Gras parade up Oxford Street next Saturday, a notable absence will be the two tech firms, previously event sponsors.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/20/meta-and-google-opt-out-of-sydney-mardi-gras-2025-sponsorship-dei-us">Continue reading...</a>