The Parade that brings the city to a standstill – the 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – is set to descend upon Sydney in just a few days time. On this Saturday March 5 thousands of people will line the streets of Sydney in support of the dazzling spectacle of sparkles and self-expression.
So, you’ve picked your viewing point, got your rainbow flag, glitter face paint and hot pants, all you need to know is who to look out for as you cheer on the parade from 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 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 Olympian 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, 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 years of production. With the families that feature in the film and it’s 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!?
For the best Parade experience, you can’t go past the official Parade Viewing areas. The Diamond Club at Taylor Square is exclusive to Members of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Parade Sideshow, just a couple of blocks away on Flinders Street, and this year hosted by the fabulous Portia Turbo and Andrew Mercardo, is a family-friendly area right on the Parade route with seating, food stalls, bars, toilets and live event screens capturing all the action.
If you can’t be there for the action head to www.mardigras.org.au to catch a live stream of the parade in full!
WHAT: The 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
WHEN: Saturday 5 March, 2016
TIME: 7:00pm start
Tickets for The Diamond Club and Parade Sideshow are available at www.mardigras.org.au
Share your photos of the Parade using #parade and RSVP on Facebook for updates.
Motorists are advised to avoid the Sydney CBD and Moore Park areas this weekend while roads are closed for the annual Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.
Road closures will affect many roads in the Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Moore Park from 3pm Saturday until 4am on Sunday. Significant road closures will be in place from 3pm. For more information go to www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
For information on changes to public transport go to www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 Transport Info Line.