Dykes on bikes, dancing boys, drag queens, tons of glitter and night-long festivities; these are just a few of the elements that people associate with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, the city’s biggest party of the year. But, for the New Mardi Gras, an alliance of forces that came together after the almost complete financial breakdown of its predecessors in 2002, it is much more than that. The parade and party that Mardi Gras is best known for around the world is actually the culmination of a month-long festival.
‘Aside from the parade and party, the festival encompasses more than 100 events throughout the month,’ says Marcus Bourget, chairman of New Mardi Gras. ‘From theatre to cabaret, from sports to social outings, from parties to visual arts, the Mardi Gras festival has something for everyone.’
Not surprisingly, since the event began in 1978 as a civil rights protest that ended in police intimidation and violence, there is still a large activist and political element. ‘The calendar is packed full of forums and debates focusing on a whole range of gay and lesbian issues, which are always well attended,’ says Bourget. ‘Where there is sometimes some tension is around particular political stances. There are lots of people who want to see us take a strong stand on a particular issue, but, as an umbrella festival, we feel it’s our duty to provide the platform and let other groups deliver those messages. Today’s gay community is increasingly fragmented, so even if we wanted to push a particular agenda, it wouldn’t be obvious where to start.’
However, the parade itself, a chaotic collaboration of colour and movement, celebrates achievements and pride within the gay and lesbian community, and makes a case for equal rights. ‘The party and the political are not mutually exclusive,’ says Bourget. ‘Comic satire is a very big part of the Mardi Gras mix.’
So, for those in Sydney before the big parade on March 3, what can they look forward to? If you’re the sporty type, the Little Black Dress Run, a 5km social jog through Centennial Park in drag, or the Body Art Ride, where cyclists in body paint ride from the University of NSW to Maroubra Beach, might be up your alley. There’s also Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music, Big Bingay, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Zoo Walk and Miss Gay Universe. And one of the highlights, says Bourget, will be the return of the Pool Party. ‘Thousands of Sydney’s sexiest boys and girls in their best cossies, all with their favourite inflatable for company.’
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The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras runs from February 2-March 3.
- Website
- http://www.mardigras.org.au.
