The annual Sydney Mardi Gras parade has commenced, transforming Oxford Street into a vibrant spectacle of color and celebration. Thousands of spectators have gathered to cheer as the parade, featuring a total of 168 floats, makes its way through the heart of the city. Leading the procession is the iconic Dykes on Bikes, whose revving engines and energetic cheers set the tone for the festivities.
Historically, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras began in 1978 as a protest march advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, with only a few hundred participants challenging laws that criminalized homosexuality. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.
This year’s parade features a special tribute to Magda Szubanski, a prominent figure in Australian comedy and advocacy. The Glitter Club float has been renamed Magda’s Glitter Club in her honor. Additionally, the Community Float, titled ‘ECSTATICA about Magda’, celebrates six of her beloved characters, including Sharon Strzelecki and Lynette Flavel. This tribute follows Szubanski’s recent announcement of being in remission from stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, adding a poignant touch to the festivities.
Controversy surrounded this year’s event, particularly with the activist group Pride in Protest. They were barred from marching after refusing to retract social media posts accusing another group, Dayenu, of being “pro-genocide.” Pride in Protest, which campaigns for social justice within the queer community, described the ban as censorship and called for a demonstration at Sydney’s Town Hall.
Just before the parade began, members of Pride in Protest gathered outside the Mardi Gras entrance but were denied entry by police. Jesse Matheson, CEO of Mardi Gras, emphasized that participation relies on adhering to the parade’s code of conduct, which aims to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. In response to the accusations, Dayenu, a Jewish LGBTQ+ community group, labelled them as misleading and reiterated their commitment to inclusion, expressing openness to dialogue with Pride in Protest.
Heightened security measures were implemented across Sydney’s CBD and surrounding areas ahead of the parade, particularly following the Bondi terror attack on December 14. Police confirmed a visible presence at the event, with officers equipped with long-arm rifles, as part of the strategy to ensure safety for both participants and spectators.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty stated there was “no immediate threat,” but the increased police presence was aimed at reassuring the community, managing crowd movement, and addressing any potential criminal or anti-social behavior. As the parade unfolds, attendees can expect a strong security presence while they celebrate pride in the heart of Sydney.
