Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Description
Fair Day, our spectacular Parade, parties and so much more! Join us for our 2017 Festival!
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facebook.comMardi Gras 2017: A guide to the festival
It's almost 2017, and we've got soooo much planned for you!
Timeline Photos
"I think quite simply coming out as a gay man to my parents was probably the most difficult challenge I have ever faced," says Mikey. "Growing up through my teenage years in a middle class, conformist and highly conservative environment convinced me that I could never reveal my true identity to anyone. Like many, I felt ashamed and dirty. However, when I made the move to Sydney aged 21, everything changed. I quickly realised that the majority of people really didn't care what your ethnicity or sexual preferences were. "I am the youngest sibling in my family and the only boy, and I felt like I had failed both my parents. However, they have accepted me for who I am and they still love me all the same. And that is more than enough for me." My People My Tribe #barenakedtruth - photo by Brenton Parry.
Make a date with Mardi Gras 2017!
A quick update on tickets for our biggest ticketed events: There's now fewer than 200 tickets left for the Mardi Gras POOL PARTY, and today the First Release ticket allocation sold out for the 2017 Mardi Gras Party! Snap up second release tickets now as they're selling fast. Find out more about our parties and Parade viewing seats here. We can't wait to party with you!
Timeline Photos
"As a queer woman facing a double mastectomy today, I would be completely lost without the support of my phenomenal queer community and their wonderful broad vision of body image, sexuality, and what means to live honestly and openly," says Vicki. "So much love." My People My Tribe #barenakedtruth - photo by Brenton Parry.
Me, two years later
Can you relate to this? "You'll make mistakes but you'll ultimately live with honesty, and this is refreshing," writes Louis Hanson to his closeted, 18-year-old self.
Timeline Photos
"As soon as I realised I was attracted to women I identified as a Lesbian," says Zoe. "I had no doubts and had a sense of finally feeling like I had things sussed out about myself, this felt right and comfortable and me. I have always been proud to be out and felt lucky to live in a place that for the most part, I was safe being out. Since I came out 17 years ago, I have challenged those around me to see that LGBTIQ attractions are entirely normal. "The hardest person to tell was my Dad because I knew he would struggle, and he did for quite some time. After many years and much work we have become close again, as his only child I'm so happy with that. I never thought the day would come when he'd love a girlfriend of mine, but we're there now and it's great. Mum on the other hand was always accepting and encouraging. She's the best. "I love being a lesbian, to feel part of our community and I want the hate to stop. This is worth it if one person changes how they view me, a feminist dyke that is a good person that happens to love a woman rather than a man." My People My Tribe #barenakedtruth - photo by Brenton Parry.
Sydney, the city which stole George Michael's heart
Lots of great are articles being shared about George Michael. This one shows how much he loved Sydney. After his show at Mardi Gras in 2010, he stayed here for several weeks and visited Oxford Street's bars. Lots of folks mentioned how lovely he was.
Timeline Photos
"I am most definitively a work in progress," says Josh. "The more I learn from other LGBTQ+ people the more I understand that my experiences are uniquely my own, yet sadly have many commonalities with others. "Growing up having slurs yelled at you on a daily basis, chairs and glass bottles thrown, being shoved into lockers and even literally being spat on doesn't foster much confidence about your future. All that bred was fear; fear of what my life would be like, fear about ever coming out and fear of rejection for just being myself. "When the world shouts so loudly that you do not belong it makes it hard to hear your supporters. Whilst I am so fortunate to have a family that does support me this made me no less scared to come out and I still carry residuals of that fear everyday. I am constantly anxious entering new situations and having to expose myself all over again. "Despite all of this I have never let go of hope and have held on to an unwavering sense that things will be okay. I make no secret of the fact that I am still searching for my people. When I first found the LGBTQ+ community, I felt home, but I am still trying to find the tribe that I belong to. The older I get though the less attached I am to fitting in and the more I endeavour to be transparent from the outset. I am becoming content with my differences and realising they are actually my strengths. "All I could ever want for anyone else is to know that, regardless of what some may say, they are worthwhile, their story is worth hearing and that they matter to me." My People My Tribe #barenakedtruth - Photo by Brenton Parry.
George Michael - Outside (Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Party 2010)
We are shocked and saddened to hear of George Michael's death. As you see, we have very fond memories of him. RIP.
Bright Spark Pictures
Merry Christmas from all the team at Mardi Gras! 🎄 Here's our favourite Christmas video.
The top 10 must-read queer books of 2016
Some great reading suggestions for the beach this summer!
Timeline Photos
"I was definitely more comfortable in my skin with women," says Ellen, "and now I can't imagine spending my life with anyone other than a lady." My People My Tribe #barenakedtruth - Photo by Brenton Parry.
Quiz
