Jan Schneider, Mardi Gras Festival Coordinator (He/Him)   

Originally from Germany, Jan moved to Sydney in 2019. He works on and contributes to some of Mardi Gras’ core events including our emerging music artist showcase, Express Yourself – Queer Discovery. He has a background in theatre management, having worked across Europe and Australia in various arts organisations.  

“There’s a lot of overlap in the queer and arts community,” he says. “Both are diverse, and both place an importance on creating communities that are welcoming and bring people together. I find that both the queer and arts communities are quite unconditional in their approach to welcome new people. It’s something I take great pride in being a part of.” 

“Creating spaces where the LGBTQI+ community can come together is something that drives me. It comes back to my experience as an LGBTQI+ youth in rural Germany. Where I didn’t feel I had enough confidence or didn’t feel that there were spaces that are there for me. I take a lot from this and enjoy being a part of something that creates experiences that foster communities in a welcoming and supportive way.”