Mardi Gras Parade applications

Join us on Saturday 2 March 2024!

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is fast approaching and we invite Federation members to get involved. Our theme for this year is ‘Reading is Fundamental’.

We want to recognise and show support for those teachers and performers who have experienced opposition for integrating LGBTIQA+ themes into lessons or Storytime performances. We will be dressed as drag queens, carrying “big books” – ready for Drag Storytime! In doing this we seek to:

·highlight the importance of LGBTIQA+ storytelling,

·reflect on the need for young people to see themselves reflected in the content they learn,

·to show solidarity for drag performers who continue to participate in drag Storytime despite the threats and opposition, and

·to make a political comment regarding the unreasonable opposition of LGBTIQA+ content in educational resources

The float celebrates the beautifully fun aspect of glamour and glitz, but with a serious political undertone that speaks to LGBTIQA+ people’s right to exist, our right to see ourselves reflected in learning materials, and the need to support young LGBTIQA+ people and rainbow families.

To ensure that we are respectful to the art of drag we will be hosting a seminar with one of Australia’s most well known and visually striking drag artists - Etcetera Etcetera!

With a rich background in performance, makeup artistry, screen studies and fashion - they have appeared on stages from Australia to New York and back again. A visible non-binary artist, their activism has created a genuine and vocal fanbase - beyond the world of drag and into the mainstream. Etcetera creates memorable moments in theatre, nightclubs, television, film & online. Just as their name suggests, there’s only more to come.

Please note that number of places are limited. We will be giving LGBTIQA+ members and those who identify as LGBTIQA+ the first opportunity to secure a place.

Before you start your application, please read the below information about required commitment.

Required commitment

Compulsory Workshops

You will need to attend two online workshops in order to be part of the float:

1.Seminar with Etcetera Etcetera on Tuesday 12 December (4.30pm – 7pm)

2.Choreography workshop – date to be confirmed in February

Workshops details will be emailed to participants prior to the day.

Costumes

Members will be responsible for sourcing, creating and paying for their own outfits for the parade – within the specifications provided. This will include clothes, accessories, hair (wig) and make-up.

Entry fee

A $20 fee will payable for all EOIs – Please note that filling in the EOI does not constitute acceptance on to the float, and positions will be finalised with satisfaction of the entry criteria.

Those people who are unsuccessful with their EOI will be provided a full refund.

Refunds are not possible for those participants who pull out after their EOI has been accepted.

On the day

On Saturday 2 March, you’ll need to arrive at Hyde Park (time to be advised) to pick up float props and for a final rehearsal. We will be required to enter the marshalling area prior in the late afternoon, and there will be a consideration amount of marshalling time.

More information will be provided to participants prior to the day, once Mardi Gras finalises these arrangements and communicates them to us.