Editors Note: Robbie

As the end of summer settles over Sydney, we’re doing anything but settling. In fact, we’re turning up the volume in some of Sydney’s most iconic venues as the official gin sponsor of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for our sixth year in a row.

I’m writing this as a queer person on the inside of the brand, and I still catch myself thinking about how younger me, (a former Canberran trying to make it in the big smoke) would have processed seeing an Australian brand show up with real intention, time, energy, and a genuine desire to contribute to the community (let alone working for said brand). From staring at yourself in the mirror, petrified to say ‘gay’ out loud, to being surrounded by a team proudly wearing “In Gay Spirits” on our shirts. These are the things that matter. They mattered then, and they matter so much more than ever right now.

This Journal edition is just one of the ways we step closer to the people who make Mardi Gras what it is. Closer to the conversations that sit underneath the surface of the sparkle, and closer to the kind of pride that is built through community, not performance.

This year we had the incredible pleasure of collaborating with local artist ENOKi (Darcy McConnell) to shape the visual world of our campaign. Their joyful, sharp, and unapologetically present work is already painting the walls (and trams) of Sydney city across the Mardi Gras season.

Keep reading and you’ll find a series of moments from behind the bar, where we invited a few incredibly talented and brilliant humans in to talk pride, inclusivity, and belonging, with a drink in hand, obviously. Find a series of special moments rolling out across our social channels featuring none other than Joel Creasey, Jones Jones from Rainbow Giving Australia, Faustina Agolley, Hannah Conda and of course our artist, ENOKi aka Darcy McConnell, that’ll have you in stitches and shedding a tear at the same time. Follow us here so you don’t miss it.

If you’ve been to the Archie Rose Bar across gay christmas, you might’ve tasted a selection of some of our fruitiest cocktails. This year we're reviving four of our most loved cocktails from past Mardi Gras menus, including (cocktails here). Consider it your very good excuse to make a gay night of it at the Archie Rose Bar in Rosebery.

Find us in the wild at some of Sydney’s most iconic venues and events, including at Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sunday 15 February. If you are planning your Mardi Gras calendar, you’ll find all the details throughout this issue.

However you celebrate Mardi Gras, thank you for being part of our community, and part of this moment with us.

A huge, gay cheers to Mardi Gras, from us to you.