Large scale gay and lesbian events such as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are major international festivals with considerable tourist attendance. Good order and goodwill are emphasised as positive aspects of the events, but an internet survey of participants shows that there is an undercurrent of hostility, abuse and unreported violence, particularly after the events. Participants can feel unsafe or threatened by abuse based on sexual prejudice as well as the more general issues of large night-time occasions.

The report finds that, although much has been done to improve event safety, there is room for improvement.