First Nations people will lead the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday 3 March. The organisers of the First Nations float say their inclusion highlights a proud history and a present day fight for equality.

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Since Mardi Gras’ first year in 1978, members of the First Nations community have been involved and represented in Australia’s biggest LGBTI event. While 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the parade, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the group’s first official float, which served as a political statement about the nation’s 1988’s bicentennial celebrations, given it did not acknowledge over 40 thousand years of history.

The group’s float this year is called Revolution, and is created and led by First Nations people of diverse gender and sexuality, together with family, friends and supporters.

This year’s entry will include a bus carrying honoured guests including Elders who are role models and supporters of the LGTBQI community and families.

Music will be provided by Electric Fields, and a diverse number of community members from across Australia will be joining together to march.

This year will also have a nod to where it all began for the First Nations peoples LGTBQI community in the parade. The float will be led by an historical Aboriginal flag that was created by a group, as well as the Captain Cook costume that was worn by the late Malcolm Cole in the original 1988 float 30 years ago.

The entry is proudly supported by the Aboriginal Project at ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

The Mardi Gras Parade is on Saturday 3rd March, find out all the details about the festival at their website. 

Source: Media Release: Image: Jeffrey Feng