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Sydney ready for 30th Mardi Gras
01/03/2008 09:25 - (SA)
Sydney - Australia's gay and
lesbian community was preparing to kick up its heels on
Saturday, with around 10 000 expected to parade down the
streets of Sydney to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mardi
Gras.
A group known as the 78ers, participants in the first Mardi
Gras in 1978, will have pride of place at the head of 1.6km
parade route.
"By now people are starting to realise that being gay and
lesbian is not just a phase we're going through," said Graeme
Browning, the parade's director.
With a theme of "Brave New World", event organisers said
that while the 30-year anniversary was a cause for celebration,
the fight for acceptance and equality was ongoing.
Around 250 formidable "Dykes on bikes" will rev up for a
lap of the parade route before the main event gets under way,
in recognition of their 20-year participation in the event.
Ode to troubled Britney Spears
Members of the Australia's armed services will take part
for the first time, along with a group of ministers from
various religions calling themselves 100 Revs who are marching
to apologise for the exclusion of the gay community.
Among the other highlights for an expected crowd of up to
300 000 will be a float featuring an ode to troubled singer
Britney Spears.
Another float manned by workers from Swedish furniture
company and event sponsor Ikea will have ice maiden drag queens
and a disco-lit Swedish spa.
American comedian Margaret Cho is the honorary Chief of
Parade and said she was excited to be a part of this year's
events, along with singers Olivia Newton-John, who will perform
at a giant after-party, and Cyndi Lauper.
"It's like a fag-hag summit," said Cho.
- Reuters
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South Africa
