History of Sydney Mardi Gras
For most of us, when we think of Sydney Mardi Gras, we picture the annual grand parade down Sydney’s famous Oxford Street – full of colours and fun performances from each of our wonderful diverse groups in celebration of our Gay and Lesbian community and how far we’ve achieved for this open expression of love and LGBTQI rights within Australia.
But do you know how it all started?
Saturday 24th June, 1978. At around 10pm, a small crowd began to gather in Taylor Square rugged up against the cold – it had been a big day. A morning street march and public meeting had been held. Those gathered were now primed for the street festival that became the first Mardi Gras.
But how did this come about? Well, in March 1978, San Francisco activists wrote to Ken Davis and Annie Talve. They asked for solidarity activities on the Stonewall anniversary to coincide with their march against the anti-gay Briggs Initiative on the California ballot. Ken and others called a meeting of lesbian and gay groups and individuals, which became the Gay Solidarity Group.
Two weeks before 24 June, reps from CAMP Inc. suggested that a night-time, fun event for our community be added. The late Marg McMann, Co-President of CAMP Inc., dubbed it a Mardi Gras.
This would be the start of a long and arduous path for Gay and Lesbian groups and individuals continuing to stand up and march for their rights, it took a lot of brave people to pave the way in our history to get us to here now!
Read all about the extensive journey of Mardi Gras here
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