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Home  bfeature 30 years strong
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Wednesday, 05 March 2008 |
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Celebrating its 30th birthday, this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade held a particularly historical and political significance amidst the usual thumping stereo systems, glitter and drag.
After the traditional Dykes on Bikes, the march was led by the 78ers, a collective of people who were part of the very first Mardi Gras march in protest against police violence. In a symbolic move, they were soon followed by Craig Gee and his partner Shane Brennan, who were physically assaulted in a homophobic attack which was then made public in a campaign by Sydney Star Observer.
The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby stepped up its 5808 campaign with huge glittery numbers leading their charge, joined by several members of the Victorian rights lobby. The 100Revs group of multi-denominational reverends marched to apologise to the gay community (and receiving a rousing applause) while the Gay Catholics paraded their own Rainbow Pope. Comedian Margaret Cho was a very popular Chief of Parade.
Melbourne’s marching groups were out in force. The Rainbow Band entertained the crowd through Foreplay (the pre-march entertainment) before joining the main march. The Melbourne Mardi Gras Group camped it up military style with their Mardi Gras We Salute You theme, while Vic Presence were positively angelic in their Valkyrie theme. Melbourne Marching Girls were resplendent in pink sequins and batons and the Italian contingent caused a stir with their cut-out of Michelangelo’s David with a salami strap-on.
JOY 94.9 regular presenters Tim Long, Beau Vishugan, Lauren Christoper and Ben McCormack were joined by the presenter of 2SER's Queer Noise program to be the only commentators broadcasting the 30th Sydney Mardi Gras parade live. This is the first time that JOY has been heard on radios across Sydney. The coverage was simulcast live from 7pm into both Sydney and Melbourne and wider via the web.
JOY 94.9 marketing manager, Dan Vo, led the JOY float which preceded the Vic Presence marchers. The float was received with enthusiasm by the recorded breaking crowd.
As usual there was plenty of tongue in cheek commentary in the parade. The theme of Brave New Worlds heralded probably the largest contingent of alien-inspired costumes and floats ever seen in Mardi Gras. Alongside that was the Fag Tags, the Gimme Gimme Britney float complete with a baby on the roof and a WA contingent sporting ‘such is life’ shirts with an obvious dig at fallen footballer Ben Cousins.
There was also some controversy. The Community Action Against Homophobia group told media after the event New Mardi Gras banned a "Free Ali Humayan" banner from being shown during the parade.
The banner was a large professionally produced colour picture of Ali Humayan, a queer Pakistani man who has been locked up in Villawood Detention Centre for over three years. The banner had the words "Free Ali Humayuan" emblazoned on it.
Apparently, a representative from the New Mardi Gras board told CAAH to take the banner down because it was "too political". CAAH complied, thinking the banner would be able to be presented while walking. This was not the case.
An ex-detainee of Villawood detention centre was holding the Ali banner high and five minutes into walking off into the parade, a New Mardi Gras representative grabbed the banner from his hands and told CAAH, "you will not come back to Mardi Gras if you show this banner".
CAAH said in a statement they tried to convince the NMG representative that showing the banner was a democratic right, only to be told "this comes from the head of the Mardi Gras board."
Sydney’s Fox Studio complex coped well with a heaving crown at the official after party. Across five venues, more than 18,500 revellers enjoyed shows from entertainment greats Carlotta and David Campbell (who did a fine rendition of I am What I am), ex-pat Olivia Newton-John (who sang Xanadu, of course) and Cyndi Lauper as well as a huge line-up of DJs.
Despite the threat of sniffer dogs, they were left at home in the kennel. Only four arrests were made through the night for minor offences.
by CATHY ANDERSON
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