Love, leadership and philanthropy: a decade on from the marriage equality campaign

Nearly a decade ago, phones rang day and night as volunteers campaigned, friendships strengthened, relationships were tested and communities mobilised to answer a question.

That question, should same-sex couples be allowed to marry, saw one of the largest philanthropy-backed campaigns in Australia’s history, with activists, corporations, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and allies rallying for marriage equality. Their efforts led to 61.6 per cent of participants voting in favour of change, with the law amended soon after. 

Philanthropy Australia will be marking the imminent 10-year anniversary of the campaign with an inspiring evening of celebration at Conference 2026. Hosted at Brisbane’s iconic Glo House, it will be a celebration packed with spectacular entertainment, music and joy, brought to life alongside Equality Australia and Rainbow Giving Australia, with generous support from Snow Foundation. The party will commemorate the power of philanthropy, advocacy and community coming together behind a shared vision.

Support was a ‘no-brainer’ 

Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, was one of the key campaigners for marriage equality. Her organisation emerged from the Equality Campaign and is now a permanent body tackling the discrimination and systemic injustice experienced by LGBTIQ+ people. 

Thinking back to 2016 when it was decided Australians would vote on this legislation change, Anna says she – like many others in the community – felt terrified. 

“I knew firsthand that our communities didn’t have the resources and capability to run a national vote campaign.  It was the leadership and support of key individuals like Tom Snow, Brooke Horne and Leonard Vary that galvanised philanthropy and enabled us to build the infrastructure and coalitions needed to run and win the campaign.“ 

Anna says philanthropic support enabled the Equality Campaign to rapidly grow from a handful of advocates to a national operation of more than 80 full-time staff, supported by over 15,000 volunteers.

“Marriage equality showed what is possible when philanthropy invests in social change movements,” Anna reflects. 

Rainbow Giving Australia Chair Sam Turner recalls how busy and monumental the campaign was. They were heavily involved in encouraging corporations to support the change, including placing a full-page advertisement in The Australian listing corporate supporters of marriage equality. 

Sam remembers waiting with anticipation at Prince Alfred Park in Sydney for the result in November 2017. 

“It was a mixed feeling of elation and excitement, but also relief. It was great to be there with other campaigners who had done the hard work of door-knocking and talking to people to advocate for this change within corporate Australia, but also within our personal lives.” 

Sam says centering and making visible members of the LGBTIQ+ community was key to the campaign, as was the financial support of the philanthropic sector. 

“In philanthropic circles, thankfully it became a bit of a no-brainer to be able to donate in some way, shape or form to the campaign.” 

Love is love  

Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey feels immense pride in how the philanthropy sector rallied behind the campaign. She says she is looking forward to raising a glass to commemorate the efforts at the Conference 2026 Celebration Dinner.  

“The equality campaign was a wonderful example of the value of collaboration between donors and civil society. Almost ten years on from the successful marriage equality campaign, I can’t wait to celebrate the people, partnerships and philanthropy that made this monumental achievement possible.

“We’re using this dinner to reinforce that adage – love is love – and that when we centre humanity, we can change the world.” 

“There are many Philanthropy Australia members who should be proud of the work they did to support this campaign – the Snow Foundation were a huge supporter back then, and we thank them for their generous support of this dinner event.” 

Anna and Sam say their organisations are excited to be part of the celebration.  

“Being part of the dinner is another opportunity to spotlight some of our grant partners and the great work happening on the ground. It’s also a massive celebration of how far we’ve come” Sam says.   

While Sam and Anna acknowledge the importance of celebrating this milestone, they agree there is plenty more work ahead and that philanthropy can continue to play an important role in supporting LGBTIQ+ causes. 

As Anna says, while reflection is important, so too is what’s ahead: “The work isn’t finished, and philanthropy remains essential to protecting the progress we’ve made and achieving the legal and social reforms still needed for true equality for everyone.”  

The Celebration Dinner will be held at Glo House, Brisbane Botanic Gardens on 9 September 2026, 7:00pm 
Tickets are limited and going fast.

Register now.