Parading Our Pride! The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2023 In Images
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rocket
On Saturday, March 25, Sydney’s Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returned to Oxford Street after two years of covid-restrictions and social distancing rules at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Since 1978, Sydney’s Oxford Street has been home to Australia’s largest LGBTQIA+ Pride parade, this year incorporated into WorldPride festivities.
This Parade, Anthony Albanese made history by becoming the first sitting Australian Prime Minister to walk Oxford Street with the LGBTQIA+ community showing just how far our cause has come. Mr Albanese told the ABC’s Jeremy Fernandez that he had attended 35 Mardi Gras Parades over the years and that his presence as current Prime Minister represented modern, diverse Australia. American gay celebrities Andy Cohen and Carson Cressley were also present in the crowd on Saturday night.
Mardi Gras began in 1978 as a celebration of “gay liberation”. It quickly descended into violence when the police withdraw the permit to hold a rally at the last minute. Remembering where we have come from and how hard we have fought for acceptance, Mardi Gras Parade is a victory march for our community and a reminder that the fight is not over until we all stand equal.
Looking to recapture the magic of the Parade? Check out the incredible images shot by photographer Rocket.
