What’s your favourite Mardi Gras memory?
We’re diving deep into the stories that matter most with our "Humans of Pride – Q&A" series. This is your backstage pass to the personal experiences that have shaped some of the most inspiring voices in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community.
An unforgettable memory was back in 2018 when Cher was the headline act, performing with generations of incredible Australian Drag artists. We were squished into the Hordern with 10,000 others in an area sectioned off for the Drag Queens and we cried, sweated and danced our make-up off to one of the most incredible shows Mardi Gras has put on! Fingers crossed we return to that iconic level again!
VYBE - Drag Race Down Under
My fave memories of Mardi Gras are marching in the Parade and hearing the crowd cheering! This year I’ll be with the ACON team in the Parade. Look out for ACON Rovers and Sexperts throughout the Mardi Gras festival – and at Fair Day we’ll have lots happening at our ACON Village!
Matt Akersten - ACON
My very favourite personal memory of MG is from a few years ago. My friend, Julie Bates (who is an icon of sex-work activism) stood on the back of a ute in the holding area before we marched, absolutely surrounded by a sea of rainbows, pounding music, glitter, Queerness and joy. It was a very special moment of feeling both pride and that anything is possible if we all come together with joy and acceptance in our hearts.
Guy James Whitworth - Artist
My favourite Mardi Gras memory was when I took part in early 2000 on the Twenty10 float. It was my first time being able to celebrate who I truly was for the very first time, and had the privilege to take part in the Mardi Gras parade. I remember just before our float started moving up the parade route, my emotions took over and I had tears flowing uncontrollably. They were triumph tears of all the struggles in my life that brought me to that moment and seeing everyone celebrating who we are. This memory I will always hold close to my heart.
Michael El-Bacha - Content Creator
Definitely my first Sydney Mardi Gras parade. I was in my early 20’s. I’d been out for a couple of years. We watched the parade from the roof of a pub. It was one of those magical nights in Sydney where it threatened rain with high imposing cloud cover with the occasional flash of lightning. Folks danced on the shop front awnings barely clothed, and at street level, the community came to watch and party. And milk crates were hot property!
Gil Beckwith - Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO
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