Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney (Australia) Mardi Gras by Mike Friganiotis

Normally held each year, the Sydney gay and lesbian Mardi Gras is a cacophony of costume, colour and courage. But it didn’t happen in 2020, when COVID-19 put a stop to all public celebrations. My home town knows how to party, and fortunately for everyone, Australia’s strong approach to dealing with COVID-19 has meant that in 2021 things were back to normal…well, nearly!

The Mardi Gras, watched and enjoyed by thousands of people, traditionally weaves its way along one of Sydney’s main streets, Oxford Street, but with the health and safety of the general community paramount in pandemic times, this year, the Mardi Gras was moved to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). It was close to the parade’s spiritual home of Oxford Street, but under current health orders, it was deemed to be one of the safest venues in which to stage this joyous event.

Gone were the large floats, but what remained was the outlandish pageantry of costumes, puppetry and props that make the Mardi Gras such an international phenomenon to witness. And, the spirit of celebration and protest remained strong as always.

The theme this year was RISE! Why, you might ask? Well, the past year living in Australia was one of unprecedented challenge and hardship for many. Not only were we impacted by a global pandemic, but Australians faced droughts, fires and floods in various parts of our country. But in our true Aussie spirit, the power of people and their communities made all of us rise together to support our fellow citizens to overcome adversity and inequality. We know that when we collectively rise together through love, compassion, respect and understanding, we will all arrive at a better place. For Aussies, 2021 is a new dawn – we will lift the bar and watch our spirits rise again!

The Sydney event, held in March, kicked off with the famous motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes, leading paraders around the arena to the sounds of the classic AC/DC song, Thunderstruck (dc thunderstruck - YouTube). It was the 33rd year that the group have led the march, with 68 motorcycles participating – a few less than in previous years.

The First Nations march marked a continuation of the original protest spirit of the parade. The theme of our Indigenous people and their friends, Black Lives Matter, was inspired by ongoing protests around police brutality and Indigenous deaths in custody. Sadly, Australians share similar concerns about their coloured peoples with many Americans.

As usual, music was a key element of the Mardi Gras, and the attendees were not disappointed by the line-up. International pop star Rita Ora headlined, with her hit Bang Bang (Rita Ora x Imanbek - Bang Bang [Official Audio] - YouTube) included in her presentation. She was supported by Australian singer/songwriter Troye Sivan, singing Easy (Troye Sivan - Easy (Official Video) - YouTube), and former Eurovision 2021 contestant Montaigne singing Technicolour (Montaigne - Technicolour (Official Video) - YouTube). Another Aussie, Moaning Lisa shared her activist hit, Carrie - I Want A Girl (Moaning Lisa - Carrie (I Want A Girl) (Official Video) - YouTube).

36,000 people attended one of the biggest arts and culture events anywhere in the world to be held in restricted conditions because of the pandemic. In addition to the main event at the SCG, many nearby pubs and clubs hosted their own celebrations, and were packed out.

Australia’s first city, Sydney, certainly knows how to put on a party, and with fine weather for the occasion, inhibitions were cast aside, people shared their support for the lesbian and gay community. Who was gay and who was not? It didn’t really matter, and no one cared – after all we all have the same blood running through us, the same hearts which can display deep emotions, and the same human beings around us, either seeking or giving love.

The gay and lesbian Mardi Gras will be back in 2022, hopefully in Oxford Street. I want to share it with you. Will you join me in Sydney? Maybe we can hold hands together as we watch, laugh, sing and share our happy feelings towards all mankind.