Myer has signed a three year deal as the exclusive fashion and retail partner and major sponsor of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The department store retailer has a range of activities planned both in store and as part of the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 3 March, with its Sydney City and Bondi stores set to feature prominently in the celebrations.

Myer CEO Richard Umbers and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu announced the partnership on Friday, alongside Australian designer and marriage equality advocate, Jayson Brunsdon, and local Mardi Gras performers and dancers.

The retailer said it stood together with leading Australian businesses to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and broader community.

“This partnership is about being a positive voice for diversity and inclusion, and reflects the views of many of our team members who work across the business,” said Umbers.

“Fashion and retail has always been considered a safe place for the LGBTQI community – not only accepting, but celebrating creativity and the contribution to the industry.”

Umbers said the retailer employs thousands of team members and works with hundreds of suppliers across Australia, with people from a diverse mix of cultures, religions and sexual orientations.

“We respect them all,” he said.

In June last year, a report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission and Deloitte found that businesses are failing to meet the needs of their diverse customer base, missing out on sales and customer loyalty.

“This festival we celebrate all the amazing activists and leaders who have fought tirelessly for our rights over the last four decades,” said Terese Casu, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO.

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