Here’s Ya Glitter-Filled Rundown Of Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2017

The Sydney Stingers water polo club rolled through with some of the most objectively impressive rigs you’re liable to see at the Mardi Gras, or otherwise. The inclusive team was joined by the Brisbane Barracudas, too. 

Special mention goes to the Mature Age Gays (MAG), a not-for-profit social group for older gay and bi men. MAG boasts that some of its most esteemed members are over 90 years old. Diversity doesn’t diminish with age, folks.

DIY Rainbow’s George Michael tribute float was, obviously, one of the highlights of the eve. There’s quite simply no better place to recognise the fearless artistry and pride of Michael than at Mardi Gras – well, maybe a wall in St Peters is a close second – and the crowd ab-so-lutely recognised that fact. R.I.P, you ledge. 

Just hanging out with a couple of extremely ripped porn stars, it’s fine. pic.twitter.com/xSpHDPK2yk

— Chicken McNobody (@courtwhip) March 4, 2017

The #GeorgeMichael tribute float #MardisGras #MardiGras2017 pic.twitter.com/ETbcFKp8C3

— ??Heather Smith?? (@HeatherSmithAU) March 4, 2017

For the first time, members of the Tiwi Islands’ transgender community were represented at the Mardi Gras. The Sistagirls marched in front of Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council, going a huge way representing far-flung Aussie queer communities.

Warming up for #sydneymardigras ! #sistergirls #tiwisistergirls #humansofnewtown pic.twitter.com/i6nYOGpI0G

— Humans of Newtown (@HumansofNewtown) March 4, 2017

It’s a #MardiGras2017 party here on the #territorystars float!! pic.twitter.com/CTf3CNjKjK

— NITV (@NITV) March 4, 2017

Then, in quick succession: the chain-clad Sydney Leather Pride Association, the Liberal Friends Of The LGBTI Community, and the bagpipe-blaring Scotsboyz. Watching representatives of Australia’s premiere conservative party follow-up that kinky crew – to a traditional pipe-band soundtrack – was something to bloody behold.

The Liberal Friends of the LGBTI Community pic.twitter.com/JeqnFpA2kG

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 4, 2017

Ooh it’s the #Scotsboyz pic.twitter.com/LxH1i5jdEv

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 4, 2017

While Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull avoided the parade due to, uh, having other things to do (and being disinvited by the organising committee itself), Rainbow Labor marched, and were accompanied by leader Bill Shorten and second-in-command Tanya Plibersek. 

 
 

When Bill Shorten’s kid comes up to you and says “why are you just wearing underwear?” #MardiGras2017

— Kieran (@kjob85) March 4, 2017

Canada, of all places, also had official representation at the parade. The Consulate General of Canada stumped up a contingent; if they can give us hockey, poutine and k.d. lang,, we can probably let ’em into our parades, eh?

Oh, Canada! pic.twitter.com/pU93qRDHuG

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 4, 2017

Sydney’s trans community was also represented by the aptly-titled Trans Sydney Pride. Their message was simple, just “to say we are here: that the trans community is strong, diverse and beautiful.”

Hello to Trans Sydney Pride! pic.twitter.com/VmbP8CkW56

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 4, 2017

Until next time, friends.

 

A post shared by Sam Englund (@sam_englund_) on Mar 4, 2017 at 3:20am PST

A post shared by Design ?? Social Media ?? (@syddesignsocial) on Mar 4, 2017 at 2:51am PST

E Q U A L I T Y. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. ???????? #mardigras #sydney #gayandlesbianmardigras #equality #love #australia #loveislove

A post shared by ??????? (@alexialexandrou) on Mar 4, 2017 at 2:56am PST

Photo: Brook Mitchell / Getty.