The festival we know and love is kicking off with a new look and a new vision.

Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 is starting with a new name, a new logo and a new vision. The vision is two fold. The first is the name change, which has gone from New Mardi Gras to Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. The previous name existed for ten years, and the move to the old title is said to recognize that the brand retains ownership with Sydney's LGBT community, as it continues to grow to include the wider community.

The event that we all know and love that takes place will be called Sydney Mardi Gras, a shorter name that signifies the way it is referred to around the world, and is also more inclusive of the diversity of the community, including those who do not like to label themselves.

The logo is a new symbol of two hearts joining together, which has said to herald in the new vision for the event: 'To inspire the world to love each other by celebrating the power and beauty of diversity.'

We'll be updating lotl.com soon with all that's best for the girls this Mardi Gras season. In the meantime, head to mardigras.org.au for more.

And before you go, check out this promo vid:

Featured: Sydney Mardi Gras launch from mardigras on Vimeo.