The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras refused to meet with the adult entertainment industry to discuss a partnership offer because it wanted to protect its identity as a "family-oriented festival".

The revelation has added to criticism from within the LGBTQI community that the country's biggest gay pride celebration is too reliant on "corporate money" and projecting a "respectable" image.

Celebrations at the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. Credit:James Alcock

Sexpo, the adult entertainment exhibition, approached Mardi Gras organisers last year about a potential partnership, seeking to book a float in the parade and run a stall at "Fair Day", which is held annually in Victoria Park.

But Mardi Gras' then head of partnerships, David Harris, rejected offers to meet, telling Sexpo in an email: "We don't partner with the adult entertainment industry."