In a time of global uncertainty, travel has never been more important – that was the message delivered at a New York State Tourism celebration on Sydney’s Oxford Street during Mardi Gras weekend.
Addressing a packed room of Australian travel industry guests on Saturday night, Ross Levi – who was instrumental in bringing marriage equality to New York State – urged travellers to see their journeys as a visible act of support for inclusive destinations.
“Travel is activism,” he said. “There’s no more important time for you to be out in the world… no more important time for you to come to Stonewall.”
The event, which was well attended and featured glittering décor and a drag performance, highlighted the deep cultural ties between New York and Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ communities.
Levi, whose background in LGBTQ equality work led him into tourism, helped launch New York State’s LGBTQ travel program following the passage of marriage equality and has been a key figure in positioning the state as a global destination for inclusive travel.
Acknowledging the current climate, he emphasised resilience and visibility, noting that travel can be a powerful way to stand alongside communities and values.
“These are challenging times… but our community knows resilience,” he said, adding that welcoming visitors is embedded in New York’s identity.
Speaking during Sydney’s Mardi Gras – itself inspired by the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising – Levi reinforced the historic connection between the two cities and encouraged Australians to experience New York’s LGBTQ heritage first-hand, from the Stonewall National Monument to neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.
He also urged travellers to venture beyond New York City to explore inclusive communities across the state, positioning the region as a year-round option for pride travel, destination weddings and cultural tourism.
The Oxford Street gathering formed part of New York State’s broader push to strengthen ties with the Australian market by aligning with one of the world’s largest LGBTQ celebrations.
