Speech to the Melbourne Rubber Community By Jason Pearce, Co-Founder and MRM19

Good evening everyone,

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that’s gone into the past year. Another Slick has come and gone, and once again it was an incredible success — a true reflection of the dedication, creativity, and passion that this community continues to bring together.

However, I want to speak openly and honestly tonight — from one of you, to all of you.

Over the past couple of years, it’s become clear that Melbourne Rubber has struggled to stay focused on the basics — the very things our group was founded on: its people, its sense of togetherness, and most importantly, keeping it humble.

From the outside, it’s been sad to see moments where we’ve spent more time tearing each other down rather than lifting each other up. And in a world where the LGBTQIA+ community already faces enough division and judgment, that’s something we can — and must — do better than.

This needs to be a learning moment for all of us.

It takes more effort to listen, to stand together, and to respect one another’s ideas and opinions. But that effort is what allows true growth — both as individuals and as a community.
That was one of the core reasons and foundationsMelbourne Rubber built this on back in 2017 — creating a space where everyone could belong, be heard, and feel valued.

We have amazing, passionate people here — and that’s something worth protecting. What we need now is a team that can harness that energy, working collectively, positively, and as one.

I also want to address something important.

During COVID, we worked hard to introduce inclusive policies — not to divide, restrict, or prevent growth — but to ensure that Melbourne Rubber remained a safe place for everyone and to create multiple events for multiple groups of people, to celebrate diversity, and to bring different parts of the community together duringSlick Week. But somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of those reasons — and it’s time we find our way back.

So tonight, I ask you all to listen carefully to my proposal.

It’s time to bring Melbourne Rubber back to basics— back to the foundation it was built on.
To do that, I firmly believe we need a fresh start — a new committee moving forward into 2025 and 2026. That means no previous committee members will be eligible to rejoin during this period.

As the founder, I’m offering to assist and guide a new group of people through this transition — to help put in place the structure and support needed so that Melbourne Rubber can return to its roots and thrive again.

I’m happy to help build this new team, to work on a clean reset, and to create space for reflection and healing — for everyone.

But if the majority does not agree with this direction, I will respectfully step away — and wish the future of Melbourne Rubber the very best.

This community means a lot to me. It’s been a journey of passion, creativity, and connection — and I truly believe it can continue to be all those things and more.

Let’s move forward together, stronger, and truer to who we are.

Thank you.

Regards,
Jason Pearce
Co-Founder & MRM19