One of our favourite times of the year at Google is when we get together with our friends at the
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to help celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion.
At Google we believe that by creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to their work, they can be more innovative, creative, and inspired at work. We also want our employees to have the same inclusive experience outside of the office as they do at work, and for people to be safe and to be accepted wherever they are, so we look for impactful ways to help the LGBTQI community in Australia.
 |
| The Gay Tradies show that day-glo can be appropriate evening wear. Picture: Chris Meier |
This year we wanted to take an authentic approach that would promote equality, make a big and lasting impact, and give people a stronger voice, so we helped to fund the
Mardi Gras Community Parade Grants program.
This program is designed to provide grants to individuals, community groups and not-for-profit groups to help lift their parade entries to a completely new artistic level.
 |
| Salamat Datang, supporting LGBTQI Indonesians. Picture: Chris Meier |
This year the organisers received a total of 37 grant applications, more than double the previous year's number, and we awarded grants to 17 non-profit and community organisations:
