Pride
Key learnings from the Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2023
LILY STOKES , HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE PRODUCER , SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE 2023 , GAVE HER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAKING DE & I CONSIDERATIONS A PART OF EVERY BUSINESS EVENT .
K eep DE & I at top-of-mind Making events accessible and inclusive widens audiences ’ ability to participate . At Sydney WorldPride , we invested in DE & I as much as any other element of planning . Committees advised us on not only the content of our Human Rights Conference but also the delivery . Hired advisors weighed in on the content ’ s accessibility , ensuring that people of all abilities could engage with the event . We partnered with Equality Australia and community partners ; presenters reflected our diverse audience in age , gender , orientation , religion , ability , and race . As a result , we sold out the event weeks in advance .
Consider your location Our primary consideration when choosing ICC Sydney as our venue was accessibility . We were able to utilise public transport to the event and worked with the regional transport department to ensure that travel routes were accessible . ICC Sydney also has accessibility infrastructure built in , including lift access to all floors , accessible entrances , and designated seating for wheelchair users or those requiring extra space . With any items we brought into ICC Sydney , we also ensured they were set up for those with accessibility needs .
Include everyone As part of Sydney WorldPride ’ s community engagement before the event , we asked what the most significant barriers would likely be to attendees . The data let us set up supports that would overcome these barriers . Supports included accessible ticketing for target communities , a scholarship programme for 100 free attendees , and reduced prices for LGBTQIA + organisations . We implemented a variety of accessibility supports including live captioning , sign interpretation , and audio description . The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol featured on lanyards - a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities ( hidden disabilities ), and we provided ‘ no photos ’ lanyards to anyone who wished to opt out of photography .
Avoid ‘ gendering ’ Sydney WorldPride used inclusive language such as ‘ presenters ’ rather than ‘ speakers ’, as some panellists were non-verbal . Presenters were provided with inclusive language guidelines - for example , instead of using ‘ ladies and gentlemen ’, use ‘ folks ’ or ‘ everyone ’. ICC Sydney also replaced standard toilet signage with inclusive non-gendered signage throughout the venue .
Factor in cultural and religious needs Cultural elements of events in Australia should be advised upon by the local first nations authority – such as the Sydney Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council , which officially welcomed us onto Gadigal Country on day one of the Conference . Two additional rooms became a private space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees and a dedicated interfaith prayer room to include all the event ’ s attendees .
Get support and learn more Start planning for accessibility and inclusion from day one . Establish sub-committees and specialist advisors , work with your convention bureau or conference organiser , and use local expert services for live captioning , interpretation and audio description services .
Read the full BESydney case study at besydney . com . au
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