The 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is quickly approaching. We give you the highlights to look for.
The 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will descend upon Sydney on Saturday 5 March. Thousands of people will line the streets of Sydney in support of the dazzling spectacle of self-expression.
Bruce Notley-Smith, member for Coogee, has said, “The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is a highlight of Sydney’s events calendar, attracting tens of thousands of locals and visitors who line the streets to enjoy the night’s festivities.” He added, “This year’s Parade promises to be one of the most spectacular yet, with a wide array of amazing floats and performers on show.”
Audience members must stay in the official Parade Viewing areas. Parade Sideshow, just a few blocks away on Flinders Street, is a family-friendly area right on the Parade route with seating, food stalls, bars, toilets and live event screens capturing all the action.
Now all you need to know is who to look for on the sidelines:
The Peoples Republic Of Mardi Gras – The award winning team of marchers and their pink army returns to continue the battle against homophobia and transphobia.
Muslims Against Homophobia – Muslims Against Homophobia aims to challenge homophobia in Muslim community and to promote queer Muslim rights. The group includes LGBTQI and non-LGBTQI members and calls for queer Muslims and their supporters to stand up for and promote queer Muslim rights.
Australian Olympian & Paralympians – Made up of Australian Olympians and Paralympians, this group aims to show that Australia's best athletes support diversity and inclusiveness.
Sydney AFL Women – With 17 women's teams from across Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast, Sydney AFL is made up of a mixture of straight, gay, trans, Muslim, Catholic and Christian participants who all support each other for who they are. The group will take to the streets to show that inclusion and diversity makes for a better community.
Sydney Queer Irish – Pirate Queens – Panti, the pirate (drag) queen of Ireland, will be spreading the message of love and equality across the world. A torch – the “burning flame of love” symbolises the connection of Ireland and Australia as Panti calls for Australia to march towards marriage equality.
Gayby Baby – The film Gayby Baby has drawn a community of supporters over the time of its production. With the families that feature in the film and its supporters marching, this float says thank you to the community who supported the film over the last 12 months, especially during the media storm and banning of the film in NSW schools.
Trans* – This group of marchers are walking in support of transgender rights and to deliver a statement of Trans* pride to the world!
Gay for Ruby Rose – A light-hearted celebration of gender fluidity and sexuality as a spectrum, #GayForRubyRose embraces the idea that true inclusiveness allows that someone might be gay for just one person… and who better to fall for than Ruby Rose!?
A live stream of the parade will be available here if you can’t make it.
More Information:
WHAT: The 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
WHEN: Saturday 5 March, 2016
TIME: 7pm start
