MinterEllison is proud to announce its continued partnership with the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation for the 2025 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. This marks the second year of collaboration between MinterEllison and the Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and raising awareness about domestic, family and intimate partner violence.

The partnership began when the Foundation required assistance in establishing itself as a not-for-profit organisation. Referred to MinterEllison by LawRight, a Queensland-based service connecting not-for-profits with pro bono legal support, the Foundation received crucial advice and assistance to transition to a company limited by a guarantee structure. This included support in obtaining appropriate tax, Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, fundraising registrations and permits, and trademark and intellectual property registrations.

"We are thrilled to continue our support for the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, and to provide them with a platform like the Parade to highlight the vital services they provide to the community." said Gordon Williams, Partner at MinterEllison. "Our partnership with the Foundation reflects our belief that everyone deserves the right to live life free from violence and abuse and wand we look forward to continuing to build our partnership."

The LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation actively combats domestic violence in LGBTQ+ communities through global awareness, advocacy, education, and addressing reporting and support challenges. It spearheads the annual awareness day on May 28 to foster global dialogue. The Foundation equips front-line workers with resources on LGBTQ+ specific abuse issues and partners with agencies to improve victim support.

Despite over 60% of LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing domestic, family or intimate partner violence and only 28% of this disclosing it, the Foundation's mission is to ensure all victim-survivors are seen, believed, and supported. The Foundation established a globally-recognised annual awareness day, raised significant funds and launched a world-first unique e-learning platform for front-line workers, and in 2024 participated in Mardi Gras to amplify their message even further.

Having marched in the Parade for the first time in 2024, again in 2025, the Foundation will benefit from MinterEllison's expertise and resources to further its mission of raising awareness and providing support to those affected by domestic violence.