Confetti, glitter and rainbow flags flew again at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras as thousands of people supported inclusivity, diversity and queer culture.
Among a sea of leather, glitter, sequins and sparkles, the The spirit of protest was also presentwith keffiyehs and pro-Palestinian signs in the parade.
The 78ers – who participated in the first-ever parade – held a large banner that read “Stop Police Attacks on Gays, Women and Blacks.”
They were cheered as they marched through streets that were this week added to Australia’s National Heritage List in recognition of gay history and culture.
Groups representing rainbow families, transgender people, queer people with disabilities, trade unions, government services, health organizations and LGBTQI choirs were among the 170 floats that filled the route with colour, music and choreography.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not march this year, but other political faces including Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, NSW independent Alex Greenwich and federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek joined the march along the 1.3km route through Darlinghurst.
Dykes on Bikes showed off their love for motorcycles as the crowd matched their revs with shouts and roars as they passed by.
A special netball-themed tribute was held for actor Magda Szubanski, who recently announced she is in remission after treatment for blood cancer.
The parade featured the trademark elaborate and creative costumes and a large number of floats and groups marching down Oxford Street.
Amid the festivities, the evening was not without controversy, with one activist group saying its float would be banned from the parade less than 24 hours before the event.
Mardi Gras organizers told the Pride in Protest group they could not participate because of their behavior on social media.
The members previously marched with a float under the banner ‘No pride in genocide’, referring to the conflict in Gaza.
But recent social media posts targeting a Jewish LGBTQI group were deemed to have violated the parade’s code of conduct.
Protesters in other floats carried Pride in Protest signs that read: “We support protest. We oppose genocide.”
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty praised the behavior of the crowd and said no significant arrests were made as part of the public safety operation.
“We were happy to see people celebrating safely and respectfully,” he said in a statement.
“Most people were well-behaved, followed instructions from authorities, took care of each other and got home safely.”
Four people, who had previously been barred from taking part in the parade, were arrested for disturbing the peace in Liverpool Street, Sydney.
– With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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