With the 2020 Mardi Gras season fast approaching, we decided to touch base with a number of hardworking festival volunteers; those who form the backbone of the large community events, like Fair Day and the parade, while making the diverse and ambitious programming possible.
While it might seem a bit daunting at first, there are endless benefits to volunteering for Mardi Gras; from the supportive team environment and front-row seats, right through to the volunteer merchandise and, most importantly, the distinct sense of giving something back to the LGBTIQ+ community and its young people.
Here are four of the main reasons you might want to give it a go in 2020:
1. You don't just volunteer - you join the Mardi Gras community
When you put on your pink 'volunteer' t-shirt, you join a community of thousands who are helping to bring Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras to life.
“Last year we had around 1700 volunteers supporting the Festival across many of its key events," Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu tells SBS Sexuality.
"Our volunteers are what makes Mardi Gras a truly wonderful experience for all. Their passion for the event is unwavering and Mardi Gras simply would not happen without their dedication and tireless commitment to making this planet a fairer, more inclusive place."
Ask anyone who has done it before and you'll hear firsthand how special it can feel to be a small part of something so big, positive and full of life.
"Our volunteers get a lot out of working with us to produce one of the world’s largest LGBTIQ celebrations and bring queer issues to a global stage,” Casu says.
2. Once you start, you don't stop
It's a well-known fact that many Mardi Gras volunteers enjoy it so much that they end up coming back each year for decades. Such is the case for photographer Markham Lane, who first volunteered as a performer in the Mardi Gras community show of 'Go West' in 1994.
"Not only was it a magical experience to have 8000 people cheering for us at the end [of the show], but I also made lifelong friendships during that experience," Lane says. "Volunteering formed the basis of my drive and passion to give back to the community which looked after me so very well. It made me feel included.
"We get swept up in the overwhelming excitement of it all and when you volunteer, you get to be part of something bigger than just being a spectator," Lane, who last year produced a float called '', tells SBS.
"You get to see the behind-the-scenes passion and commitment and excellence that exists within our community."
3. It's a family affair
For Sydneysider Melissa Menzies, volunteering for Mardi Gras has become something of a family affair. After participating for the first time last year, the enthusiastic mother is already looking forward to bringing along her 16-year-old daughter to help out in 2020.
"Everybody I come across is so friendly and lovely," Menzies tells SBS Sexuality. "I love the creativity, meeting new people and making friends. It truly is a unique experience and I feel privileged to be a volunteer." 
Having volunteered at Fair Day and the After Party last year, Menzies took away nothing but positive memories - and a clear drive to help others.
Melissa's washing line during Mardi Gras season. Source: Supplied
"They look after their volunteers," she says of Mardi Gras. "We get food and drink before the parade and briefings, as well as a hat and t-shirts.
"I suppose if I can help young people, it makes it all worthwhile. Young people identifying as LGBTIQ+ have a hard time and lets face it, it's hard enough being a teenager.
"If they can see that love is there, it might help them."
4. It's actually good for you!
According to Dr Ryan Storr, Lecturer in Sport Development at Western Sydney University, the act of volunteering is - but still isn't being embraced by young people.
"Volunteering can really help LGBTIQ+ people, particularly those who are struggling with social isolation, the loneliness epidemic and substance abuse," Storr tells SBS Sexuality.
With a PhD on diversity in sport, focusing on LGBTIQ+ inclusion, Storr says there is mounting evidence to suggest that while volunteering is often overlooked by young people, it can and well-being, especially if they belong to marginalised communities.
This, he says, is something that is becoming evident in Australian sport through the establishment of LGBTIQ+ supporter groups.
"The people who volunteer to run these organisations speak about how it's really impacted them on a personal level," Storr explains. "The experience of volunteering offers them a network of support, a sense of belonging - it benefits them."
Volunteer positions for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020 are still available, in particular for Fair Day. Anyone interested in joining can download an application from the .
