Sydney Mardi Gras 2025: See the biggest Pride down under
| 03/13/25
cornbreadsays
The U.S. could learn a thing or two from Sydney's Pride celebrations.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 celebration in Australia took place on Saturday, March 1.
The nearly five-hour celebration began at 6 p.m. and progressed directly into a street party.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
And the people of Sydney certainly know how to party.
The parade is opened by three meaningful organizations.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The celebration makes sure to honor the local LGBTQ+ history.
1. The 78ers
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The 78ers are the participants of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on June 24, 1978.
1. The 78ers
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The remaining 78ers march every year.
2. Dykes on Bikes
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Australia's longest-running female-identified motorcycle club historically protected the local community from homophobia, hate crimes, and corrupt policing.
2. Dykes on Bikes
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Dykes on Bikes has has led the parade since 1988.
3. The First Nations
LGBTQIA+SB First Nations communities performed a ceremony to honor the space, the original owners of the land, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+ community.
Nearly 200 floats walked in the parade.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The Mardi Gras parade began around 6 p.m. and went on til nearly 11 p.m. It's one of the largest nighttime parades in the world.
This is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is a vibrant festival of Pride, inclusion, and activism.
Even Nuns joined the parade!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Nun of us left out!"
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence began attending LGBTQ+ events in 1978.
The festival captures the imagination of Australia’s LGBTQI and mainstream communities
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The festival takes over the city for weeks on end, culminating in the world-famous Parade: a colourful and dazzling night of pride, celebration and self-expression.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Thousands of visitors gather in Sydney to join in the celebrations.
This year's them was FREE TO BE
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The parade features 200 floats and 11,000 marchers from every corner of the LGBQTIA+ community.
The parade was just one part of the celebration.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Sydney Mardi Gras also features world-class performances, community events, and activations around the city, transforming Sydney into a colorful hub of love and self-expression.
People of all ages, sexualities, genders, and races participated.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
A truly unlimited celebration.
And America caught some well-deserved strays.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Donald Trump wanted for crimes against humanity," reads one sign.
Some took time to show support for Gaza
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"From Gadigal to Gaza."
The 2025 Festival stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The lineup is as rich and varied as ever, with a focus is on creating meaningful experiences for all festival-goers.
"No Pride in Genocide."
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Free Palestine," reads one person's stomach.
"Sex Workers Work!"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
So many causes were represented.
"Lesbian & Autistic"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Autistic and intersectional."
More than just an arts festival.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras provides a platform for their communities to share with the world.
"Fight With Us"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Protect trans kids."
"Fighting to be free."
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Stay fabulous!"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Local drag queen, activist, and author Wonder Mama's message was simple but effective!
"Free to be ME!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
HALC HIV/AIDS legal center knows that, "Our future is bright."
So many smiles.
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Join the fight!"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The Parents for Trans Youth Equality has a great message for allies around the world.
"Love, Sydney!"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Bursting at the sequinned seams, the expansive 2025 Festival program offered over 80 events that bring together the diverse elements of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ communities.
"I get horny too"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Preach!
Protect guide dogs at all costs!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The tulle bracelets complete the look.
"Not a Fan of a Book Ban"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
They get it.
"Love Makes A Family"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Love is love after all!
"Care"
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
We do!
"Pride is still one heck of a riot."
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Remember our history!
Paws up!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Pussy power!
Even the gaymers were out!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Obsessed with the elf ears.
A festival certainly worth your time!
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
And this was just the beginning of the party!
