Gillian Minervini interviewed by James Waites in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras oral history project [sound recording]

Gillian Minervini, the first female Festival Director at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (MGras), 1990-1992, speaks about her childhood; her schooling and education; his brother; her parents; her first experience with the Sydney MGras; her career in the entertainment industry; touring around Australia; Cath Phillips; her role at MGras from 1989; MGras workshop; management hierarchy and the various leaders at MGras; the people and factors that shaped her career and her professional life; the impact of the AIDS epidemic on MGras; the male-female divide; her first dance party show; the influence of MGras on other big events; currently managing Events for the City of Sydney and teaching at University of Technology Sydney (UTS); MGras politics; the challenge of a name change for MGras; her role at Australia Council (AC) - Community Cultural Development's (CCDU) Performing Arts portfolio; overseas travels; programs of Festivals; media coverage; producing Paul Capsis' first ever theatre show; her master’s degree; the educative role of Parade; Reverend Fred Nile; her involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival; Queer Screen; the opening of the Sydney Gay Games; Gay Olympics; her friendship with Dawn Fraser; her involvement with MGras related events; Chinese New Year parades; the power of community celebration.