All About The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2023

On June 24, 1978, a small group of gay and lesbians (known as the Gay Solidarity Group) organised a day of activities in Sydney. Promoting gay and lesbian culture and inspiring political activism against the prejudice they frequently faced were the goals. The group planned a street parade at night, and a dawn march and public meeting in the morning. The aggressive police response to the event gained widespread media attention and contributed to the parade becoming an annual event. This was the first Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG).

The Beginning Of A Revolution 

Every year, tens of thousands of people fill the streets to celebrate Sydney's distinctive social culture, but what is the Mardi Gras about?

The Mardi Gras has been more than just a homosexual pride celebration since its inception. In the gay and lesbian community as well as the wider spectrum, it has developed into a recognition of distinctiveness, expression, and harmony. In addition to the main parade, this vibrant, colourful event features two weeks of theatre, music, and art.

The aim is to create activities yearly to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity, support artistic expression, fight for justice, and elevate marginalised voices.

World Pride 2023 

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be a part of Sydney WorldPride 2023 this year, the biggest LGBTQIA+ event worldwide. Over 17 breezy summer days, from February 17 to March 5, a thrilling over-the-top schedule of more than 300 events will take place. 

The Grand Parade 

The Mardi Gras Parade will return to Oxford Street this year on February 25. The parade, which includes 12,500 marchers and more than 200 exhibits, is the festival's main attraction. From Hyde Park to Moore Park, free-watching locations will be sprawled all along Oxford Street, alongside special viewing zones and accessible viewing charged sections. 

Glorious Event Celebrations 

The fiesta has many other attractions to enjoy, including theatre, comical performances, films, and discussions. The event will begin with a concert including some of Australia's best singers and artists. On March 5, there will be a Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with more than 50,000 participants, the largest ever held for a pride event in Australia. 

From February 15 to March 2, the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will mark its initiation. 

On March 2, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will host Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert, a colorful explosion of LGBTQIA+ artistic expression. Followed by March 4th, Bondi Beach will play host to a large celebration to round out the event.

Over 60 unique activities, including theatre, contemporary art, dance, choirs, cabaret, and literature, will be included at this event from February 17 to March 5.  

There will be plenty of other exciting events. For the entire schedule of events, check the official website at https://sydneyworldpride.com/events/. 

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