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24th of June 1978, 10pm – a small, shivering crowd began to congregate in Taylor Square, Darlinghurst. Unbeknownst to them at the time this meagre gathering would set the stage for the ‘queer’ scene in Sydney for decades to come. A stand of defiance during a period where homosexuality was prohibited by law and met with violence, for the first time they were out of the closet and on the streets – celebrating love indiscriminately.
Towards the end of the 1960s, great transformation and extreme revolution was on the rise, lingering in the air, waiting for a match to light the rainbow flame. Prior to the 70s, same-sex relationships were largely taboo in western society, with lesbianism being vastly unrecognised and sex between men illegal, forcing individuals with alternate sexual proclivities to be highly secretive and fearful of their lives. This was all beginning to change in the late 60s, with the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York triggering an international uproar and rise in gay movements. Alongside international events, Sydney quickly became a hub for activism, however, this did not come without risk or consequences. ‘Coming out’, a metaphor describing a LGBTQIA+ individual’s self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation or gender identity, still placed one in danger of experiencing discrimination, rejection, abuse or even death. This did not stop the community as they braved these threats continuing to challenge the conservative majority of their time.
11pm was looming. Flocks of passionate individuals were beginning to march, dance and skip towards Hyde Park, chanting “out of the bars and onto the streets”. Sick of having to conceal themselves behind dark, inconspicuous doors to avoid confrontation they united in overt defiance
The police on the other hand, did not rejoice nor rally. With great resistance, 53 members of the march were eventually charged and taken back to Darlinghurst Police Station. According to Ken Davis, an Activist & Mardi Gras 78ers committee member, “you could hear them being beaten up and crying out from pain. The night had gone from nerve-wracking to exhilarating to traumatic, all in a space of a few hours. The police attack had made us more determined to run Mardi Gras the next year.”
Despite many of the charges getting dropped due to strong efforts from the community—such as 300 people protesting outside the closed court on Liverpool St—, The Sydney Morning Herald published the names, occupations, and addresses of all those arrested, and as a result, outed almost all of them. Many lost their jobs and accommodation and resulted in devastated family relationships. The authorities saw this as an effort to keep the community in line. Little did they know, this was not a community willing to conform or stay straight.
I feel very lucky to be born in a time where sexuality and understanding sexual differences is often mentioned positively in mainstream media and day-to-day life, rather than being made out to be sinful, as it has been for so long throughout history. The tireless work of thousands of people worldwide is finally beginning to pay off. Open conversations about sexuality are now considered common and often welcomed, however not everyone is so lucky. Around 62 countries have still criminalised homosexuality in their legal codes, which also outlaws forms of gender expression. Sydney, on the shoulders of those who have sacrificed so much, is considered a largely progressive and open-minded community compared to many parts of the world and Mardi Gras is a key opportunity to celebrate our beautiful community.
The Mardi Gras parade is renowned as one of Sydney’s most fun nights of the year for both people who identify as a part of the community, are a baby gay/queer, or are just allies, looking to support and have a ‘gay time’. That is why I present to you…a carefully curated guide to Sydney’s Mardi Gras:
The March – Oxford Street to Anzac Parade
Obviously, it’s essential to park up alongside the parade. The parade travels through Oxford and Flinders St, before finishing along ANZAC Parade, Moore Park. One of the most entertaining areas would be towards the end of Oxford Street so grab a few bevs and prepare yourself for an absolute spectacle.
Main Afterparty
Once you’ve marvelled at the march, it’s time for the real party to begin. Oxford St is known for its extravagant and wildly entertaining parties. Take your pick…Universal, Stonewall, Burdekin Hotel, Palms on Oxford, Kinselas Hotel or even The Beresford.
Alternative Locations
Mardi Gras can be really overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you are new to the community, so if you think Oxford Street isn’t for you and you’d rather stick to your neighbourhood, the Newtown, The Bank or Imperial Hotel are all great options too.
Most importantly, stay safe and have a blast.
Happy Mardi Gras !