Now entering the fifth year of its partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, W Hotels has cemented its commitment to diversity and inclusion in standing with the LGBTQIA+ community.

The parade float this year will celebrate the values that W Hotels and their guests stand for, and serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together in the fight for equality and inclusion.​

“W Hotels have always been about creating a safe space for all and through our partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras we are honoured to once again join in the celebrations of self-expression at one of the world's largest festivals of pride,” said Florencia Aimo, Senior Area Director of Marketing - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands at Marriott International.

“W Hotels foster an environment that makes all know they are welcome, and our meaningful programming this year will make it known exactly what we stand for - love, community, music, pride, freedom, and equality and the other values our guests share.”

This Mardi Gras marks a milestone year for W Hotels as the first year where festival goers will be able to experience the festival from a 'W' home base right in the heart of Sydney - with the world's largest W Hotel, W Sydney, having opened its doors in October last year.

W Hotels has partnered with - leading artists  Samuel Leighton-Dore and independent multidisciplinary artist Keiynan Lonsdale - to create bespoke art and content, with the goal of shining a light on the importance of inclusivity and self-expression in the LGQBTIA+ community, shared via the W Hotels platform.

Samuel's custom artwork explores themes of diversity and celebrations of community, and will add a local point of view to the W Hotels Mardi Gras parade float on Saturday 2 March. The artwork will be sold at the end of the festival and proceeds donated to Minus 18 charity. Keiynan's pride content will be released via W Hotels channels towards the close of SGLMG.

“I'm always grateful to work with people that allow me to express myself in my own creative style. The artwork I developed for W Hotels was prompted by the idea of sharing space without judgement, inspiring a tender, cheeky sense of togetherness that I believe is inherent to the spirit of Mardi Gras”, said Samuel Leighton-Dore.

A 'Creative Conversations' Panel held in one of W Sydney's stylish studios on Wednesday 28th February will be an intimate gathering with the aim of fostering community connections before Samuel Leighton-Dore and Keiynan Lonsdale delve into discussions about art and creativity.  The intimate event has limited tickets available, with proceeds being donated to Minus 18 charity. Bookings via Eventbrite.

There will be a line-up of curated music events including an OutHaus Poolside session with Josh Harrison on 25th February at 29/30 Bar at W Sydney, followed by a spotlight on local LGBTQIA+ talent including Loosie Grind, Jacqui Cunningham and Troy Beman  in the lead up to Mardi Gras both at W Sydney's rooftop bar 29/30,  and at Living Room Bar.

Marriott Bonvoy Members can also enjoy exclusive access to VIP experiences throughout the entire festival via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform - from access to the Mardi Gras After Party, VIP viewing of the Mardi Gras Parade, or the ultimate parade experience onboard the W Hotels float in the Mardi Gras Parade alongside 80 W Hotels talent.

W Hotels have long been committed to making a real difference in the LGBTQIA+ community and initiating tangible change both within and outside the organisation. This year W Hotels have partnered with Qantas' regional grants program which has given 9 winners across regional Australia the chance to experience a 2-night stay at W Sydney during Mardi Gras parade weekend to take part in the festivities they may otherwise not have the chance to.

Those who can't make it down to Sydney will be able to enjoy the W Hotels portfolio nationwide. W Brisbane will also be serving up a themed cocktail menu featuring cocktails including 'I Stand For' as a celebration of the W values.

ENDS

About W Hotels

Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With more than 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each travellers' desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

Media contact:

The Mint Partners

marriott@themintpartners.com.au