Sydney's most spectacular parade has begun, with booming tunes, larger-than-life outfits and a sea of dancing.
More than 40,000 attendees excitedly danced and sang as the floats rolled around the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the 44th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
The rain held off for the beginning of the show, as a host boomed: "We will not stop until our communities are seen and treated as equal", in recognition of this year's theme, United We Shine.
Organisers last year committed to the venue due to COVID-19 concerns, with the original and beloved Oxford St back on the cards for next year.
A Welcome to Country acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, which was followed by a spirited, traditional dance that got the crowd moving and shaking.
At one point before the parade, the audience erupted as two same-sex couples passionately embraced on the kiss cam, which started a chain reaction of affection among the crowd.
Fire sparked around the Dykes on Bikes, who were the first to roll onto the stadium, with lights flashing and ominous music blaring, before Pink's hit So What started playing.
Marchers held uplifting and political signs including, "Stop police attacks on gay women and blacks", "Promote trans youth equity" and "Rainbow families".
Children's band The Wiggles got one of the loudest cheers of all, after singing the Tame Impala cover of hit track Elephant which won them the number 1 spot on the Hottest 100 this year.
Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins, said the band wanted to "show we love all families and people for who they are".
Each year since 1978, marchers from all walks of life have rallied to support LGBTQ+ communities, and this year was no different with the crowd full of energetic chanting in support of the cause.
Jacob Smit, who came with friend Jessica Armstrong, was overjoyed to be out and about again after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
"The last two years has taught me not to take anything for granted," he said.
"I'm thankful we can all be together again like this, talking face-to-face, supporting inclusivity."
Pansexual Caitlin Kearney, who dressed as a sea creature, said she loved any event supporting queer communities.
"I'm excited to let my hair down and have fun with my friends," she said.
Stuart Scott said tonight was a final hoorah to mark the "almost-end" of his Mardi Gras celebrations.
"I think we've got a few days left but I've definitely been partying and making the most of it," Mr Scott said.
It's all about freedom of expression, he said.
Earlier today, excited audience members and performers were milling around in a flurry of colour and sparkles from as early as 5pm, ahead of the 6pm start time.
Melbourne couple Lizzy McLean and Christina Zigouras are "virgin" participants in the parade, joining Dykes on Bikes.
Ms Zigouras, who has struggled to be open about her sexuality, said the support shown for LGBTQI+ people at the parade was "amazing".
"I struggled to come out to my parents and society because it wasn't accepted," she said.
"I feel glad for the younger generation that it's not so hard now. Hopefully it keeps getting better and easier."
Lizzy said she was excited to finally be part of it, to "come together, be proud and celebrate everyone for who they are".
Hugh was proud to be walking with the Asian Marching Boys float, a group which strives to promote the visibility of Asian gay men in Australia.
"It's important to get together in such a visible way to show equality matters despite everything else going on in the world," he said.
Sorih Sis, dressed top-to-toe in a glam, edgy blue get-up was asked to be part of the Bisexual float at the last minute.
"I only got this sorted in two days and went to discount stores … I think it turned out pretty well."
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2022-03-05 09:56:15Z
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