Sydney came alive on March 1, 2025, with the exuberant celebration of Mardi Gras, marking the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ pride and community spirit. This year’s event saw thousands flock to the streets, drawn by the promise of glittering floats, performances from pop icons, and powerful messages of inclusivity and activism, under the unifying theme: "Free to Be."
The anticipation built as pop princess Kylie Minogue prepared for her first Sydney concert of her Tension tour, coinciding with Mardi Gras. The singer's setlist was sure to include fan favorites like "Padam Padam" and "Confide in Me," making her performance one of the highlights of the night. Over 70 tour dates across the globe, including stops at Madison Square Garden, signify her enduring popularity.
“I think it’s bigger than New Year’s Eve, but don’t tell anyone else,” remarked Gil Beckwith, Mardi Gras chief executive, setting the stage for what many anticipated to be the most spectacular Mardi Gras yet.
With 180 floats and approximately 11,000 marchers participating, the 47th Mardi Gras parade proceeded down the iconic Oxford Street from 7 PM, radiantly displaying the diversity within the community. One notable group marching was the 78ers, who participated in the very first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade back in 1978, helping to pave the way for the subsequent celebrations. “We march to remind people of what we were involved in,” said Karl Zlotwski from the 78ers. Their presence served as both homage and activism, reminding attendees of the struggle and progress made over the decades.
Among the performers, pop star Troye Sivan was set to dazzle the audiences during the official after-party, alongside singer-songwriter Leland and others. Sivan’s anticipated appearance had been the subject of rampant speculation, but it was confirmed just before the event. The festive atmosphere inspired excitement among attendees, eager for not just the performances but also for the shared sense of community pride.
Controversial senator Lidia Thorpe made headlines again as she returned to the march, dressed as a superhero and carrying the sign "Not My King," contrasting the celebration’s exuberance with sharper political edges. Her attendance and candid address to attendees showcased the intersection of celebration and activism inherent to Mardi Gras. She humorously referenced her previous year’s event, mentioning, “Take two, and yes, guess where I'm at... Mardi Gras!”
Despite the excitement on the ground, ABC Television faced backlash for its coverage of the event, which many viewers deemed underwhelming. Critiques were directed at the network for focusing on commentary over the parade itself, with one viewer pleading via social media, "Please ABC just show the parade I beg you." Many felt robbed of witnessing the colorful floats and marchers as they were relegated to small screens on the corner of the broadcast.
Dr. Bhushan Joshi, participating as part of the queer doctors and dentists’ group, emphasized the need for visibility within the community, stating, “We want to challenge the shame and guilt...,” highlighting the importance of the event for those within the queer health spaces.
While the parade visually dazzled with floats filled with performers flaunting vibrant costumes, there remained underlying calls for attention to issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community. Anna Brown, chief executive of Equality Australia, reflected on the importance of Mardi Gras amid rising violence and discrimination faced by queer individuals, particularly trans youth. “It’s a reminder...,” Brown remarked, echoing deep concerns entwined with the celebratory nature of the festivities.
The parade showcased stories of resilience and pride, with participants from diverse backgrounds, including the Peacock Mormons, demonstrating their shared history and advocacy against harmful church policies. William Weller, leading his regional group, noted, "It's about the visibility and just being able to show Tamworth has a pride community," evoking the sense of belonging felt throughout the night.
From the “Dykes on Bikes” launching the parade with roaring enthusiasm to floats portraying First Nations communities, attendees got to witness the breadth of expression within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Each float told its own story, embracing themes of acceptance, love, and protest.
The party extended beyond the parade, with crowds spilling over to various venues across Sydney, embracing the energetic nightlife the city has to offer during Mardi Gras. For many revelers, this was not just another evening out but a chance to celebrate identity and community spirit.
Overall, the Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 was more than just a parade; it was a collection of tales woven together by threads of color, heartbreak, and joy, symbolizing the continuous fight for acceptance and equality. The night ended with thousands dancing, diverse voices intertwining, ceaselessly saying: We are here, we are proud, and we will continue to celebrate our right to be free.
With events like the Mardi Gras, Sydney not only celebrates the past of the LGBTQIA+ community but also looks toward the future, filled with hope and solidarity.