Badpuppy Gay Today

Friday, 21 March, 1997

The month of March was ushered into Australia by the 1997 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Ltd., sponsor of a colorful ensemble of parade groups from every segment of the subculture spectrum. Gay men and lesbians from other parts of the Eastern hemisphere, and even from as far away as Florida's Space Coast, celebrated gay pride with cheerleaders, marching bands, and gym buffed bodies. Exquisitely attired drag queens received, as they passed, the applause and cat calls due from sidewalk admirers.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Ltd, according to those committed to its continuance, is an organization formed out of the diverse lesbian and gay communities of Sydney, enabling its members "to explore, express and promote the life of our combined community through a cultural focus."

The groups agree on the following purpose statement:

"We affirm the pride, joy, dignity, and identity of our community and its people through events of celebration.

"We are committed to serving our community.

"We seek to enable individuals and groups within our community to discover, express, and develop their artistic, cultural and political skills and potential. "We strive through our events of celebration to strengthen the lives and rights of gay and lesbian people both nationally and internationally."

For a month prior to the parade, according to Bev Lange, President of the organization, Sydney was in thrall to one of the biggest lesbian and gay festivals in the world. "Everybody in February saw a fresh example of the diversity, talent, and commitment of our community," she says, "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is without doubt one of the leading art festivals in Australia."

Primarily, say the organizers, the parade is a human rights demonstration. "It is important to remember this as you watch the parade," according to the president. She notes that there is still a disparity between the ages of consent for heterosexuals and homosexuals and that same-sex relationships are "still not recognized in the eyes of the law."

"It is a testament to the time, energy and enthusiasm of not only those in the Parade but the Parade Committee, Board, staff and volunteers of Mardi Gras who work so hard to make it all happen," insists Ms. Lange. Australia's first gay march took place in June, 1978 on International Gay Solidarity Day. On that day, marchers clashed violently with police. Since 1979's march there have been no arrests.