"We have some truly wonderful parade floats who have embraced the theme of WHAT MATTERS," says Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger. "From pure celebration and creative self-expression, to floats with a wild and witty protest call to action, the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is an opportunity for us to come together and tell the world about the things that are important to the LGBTQI+ community."
With 191 diverse floats, each taking their own unique take on the festival’s theme WHAT MATTERS, this year’s Parade promises to be a stunning display of celebration, passion and support.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres adds: "Since 2009, the NSW Government has proudly supported the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with a proud history of celebrating diversity, so it’s no wonder visitors flock from all around the globe to witness this incredible display of pride and creativity."
Here are a few floats not to miss:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Following the recent bushfire crisis, several floats are calling attention to the health of our planet. Le Petit Bateau are a collective of artists who are planning a colourful ocean theme float made using plastic bottles and recycled materials. Expect mermaids, sexy octopuses and incredible choreography.
Mardi Gras’ main float focuses on What Matters and is a powerful and creative protest for the world that draws attention to climate and sustainability. The float is built with love for the planet and hope for the future, featuring a genderless puppet Ze, a Gaia to remind people that all of earth’s inhabitants are alive and connected.
Bushfire Heroes
The heroes from the frontline of the recent bushfires will also come together and be celebrated on Parade night. LGBTQI+ community members and their allies from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW State Emergency Services will proudly take to Oxford Street in a symbol of unity for their LGBTQI+ members and the community.
Anniversaries
Two community organisations will be commemorating significant anniversaries at the Parade. 35 years ago, St Vincent's Hospital opened the first dedicated HIV/AIDS ward in Australia - 17 South. This year their float pays tribute to how far we have come since then, both in overcoming the stigma associated with a positive diagnosis and also in transforming HIV into a manageable chronic condition for almost all of those living with HIV in Australia today.
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest-running HIV charity, will also be at the Parade celebrating 35 years of helping people living with HIV to live longer, healthier lives.
Regional AustraliaLGBTQI+ communities in regional areas across Australia will have their moment in the spotlight with the likes of Newcastle Pride, Central Coast Pride, Shellharbour, Broken Heel Festival and Country Queens all featuring huge and colourful parade entries. For the very first time ever, these regional areas will also become Parade live sites, screening the Parade in full so their communities and supporters back home can cheer them on as they strut their stuff in Sydney.
Mardi Gras Volunteers Farewell
Daniel Lester, a Mardi Gras Parade volunteer who has been involved in the Parade for 20 consecutive years will farewell Mardi Gras with a float featuring other Parade volunteers, friends and family. This important float shines a light on the wonderful people that dedicate their free time to helping spread LGBTQI+ awareness at the annual Parade.
The LGBTQI Homeless
A poignant message requiring urgent attention is LGBTQI+ homelessness. The float Please Don’t Forget Our Homeless aims to highlight the growing number of LGBTQI+ homeless, in particular the elderly who are living in their cars. The float will take to the Parade with a simple message and endeavors to be a voice for those who are the most vulnerable in our society.
Celebrating the colourful collision of creativity and culture across our communities, the world-renowned Mardi Gras Parade unites hundreds of thousands of revellers for the biggest night on the LGBTQI+ calendar.
Crowds line the streets for hours in anticipation of the Parade, which is open for all to enjoy, so make your way to Oxford Street or Flinders St early to get the best viewing place and experience this creative playground under the stars. Find out more about about planning your Parade experience here.
The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
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