A Celebration of Diversity: The 2025 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

The 2025 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade was a vibrant celebration of diversity, resilience, and community, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to Oxford Street. While NSW Premier Chris Minns made history in 2024 by becoming the first sitting premier to march in the parade, he was notably absent this year. Despite his absence, the event remained a powerful testament to the strength and unity of the LGBTQIA+ community. The evening was marked by high temperatures, with the CBD still sweltering at 27 degrees by 7 p.m., making the glitter, leather, and elaborate costumes a challenging but worthwhile endeavor for many participants.

A Day of Anticipation: Securing the Perfect View

Long before the parade began, the streets were alive with anticipation. Spectators arrived as early as midday to secure prime spots along the parade route, eager to witness the colorful procession. The demand for vantage points was so high that one enterprising individual began selling milk crates for $10 to those hoping to elevate their view. Among the early arrivals were tourists Natalia Hall and Carmen Wong from Canada, who explained their rationale for arriving at Taylor Square by 12:30 p.m.: “We’re short,” Hall quipped, adding, “We wanted to get a really good viewing spot because we came from the other side of the world.”

Regional Representation and Heat Challenges

The parade also showcased the diverse representation of queer communities from across the state. Newcastle drag queens Chase Doll, Pink Ivvy, and Deirdre Doo traveled to Sydney to “represent regional queer people” and bring their unique energy to the event. As they waited in Hyde Park before entering the marshaling area, they battled the heat, with Pink Ivvy, a first-time participant, candidly admitting, “Anyone who says drag in the heat is glamorous is lying. Drag is a night-time gig.” Despite the discomfort, their determination to participate highlighted the importance of visibility and representation for regional LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Allies and Advocates: A Night of Inclusivity

The Mardi Gras Parade has long been a symbol of inclusivity, welcoming allies and advocates from all walks of life. Angela Korte, 68, and Daphne McDonald, 71, exemplified this spirit as they attended their ninth Mardi Gras together. Dressed in red and adorned with pearls, the pair celebrated the sense of community and camaraderie they’ve experienced over the years. “It’s such a fun community,” Korte remarked. “Everyone talks to everyone. We’ve never come across brawling and fighting. So many people come and talk to us and take our photos.” Their presence underscored the parade’s role as a unifying event, transcending boundaries and fostering connection.

A Parade of Pride and Protest

The 2025 parade began with a nod to history, as the original ’78ers, who sparked the modern Mardi Gras movement with their 1978 protest, led the procession. This year’s theme was a kaleidoscope of color and creativity, featuring rainbow flags, sequinned leotards, glittery headdresses, and even giant ice cream floats shaped like Bubble O’Bill and Golden Gaytime. Among the marchers was Senator Lidia Thorpe, who walked behind the First Nations Community Float and the LaPa Legends, a group of LGBTQ individuals and allies connected to the Aboriginal community of La Perouse. Thorpe, who faced censure last year for her disruptive actions during King Charles’s tour, carried a sign reading “Not My King” and raised a fist in defiance, blending her advocacy for Indigenous rights with her support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

A Call to Action: Celebrating Progress and Continuing the Fight

The parade was not just a celebration of identity and creativity but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. Gil Beckwith, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, emphasized the dual purpose of the event: “Our theme is a reminder that while we have made incredible strides, there is still much more work to be done. The parade is both a celebration, and a call to action, particularly as we watch from afar the rapidly shifting political climate across the world and, sadly, closer to home.” The City of Sydney Council contingent underscored this message with their banner, “Not a Fan of Book Bans,” referencing last year’s controversy over attempts to ban queer literature in libraries. As the parade concluded, it left behind a sense of hope and determination, inspiring attendees to continue fighting for a more inclusive and equitable future.