Celebrating our community at Mardi Gras
Large crown marching through the streets at night holding fans with the pride progress flag
Being at Mardi Gras was a magical and empowering experience as it was my first one. I found myself not only in awe of the amazing and creative people around me but fulfilled on my journey to finding myself within the community which was an important highlight.
On Saturday 2 March 2024, over eighty students and staff partook in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community. This marked the ninth year that the University has taken part.
Inspired by the theme ‘the future is interwoven’, participants danced their way down Oxford St with fans in hand, featuring the progress pride flag. They wore matching t-shirts and bandanas, featuring the intricately-illustrated artwork Queer Sydney: A History by Jeremy William Smith, which was commissioned by the Library in 2023 in celebration of WorldPride. The artwork, which is on display on level 3 of Fisher Library, chronicles historic moments and figures from local queer history.
Daniele Gianotti, Chair of the University Pride Network, said: “'The future is interwoven' to me means to recognise and celebrate the intersectionality of our identities, to acknowledge that we embody multiple aspects of our self simultaneously. This perspective promotes inclusivity and understanding, and also recognises and respects the diverse and intertwined tapestry of identities and experiences within the community.”
The Library is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ students, staff and community members. Find out more about LGBTQIA+ community and resources.
The wider University 2032 Strategy sets out our continuing commitment to equity and inclusion across all campuses. Participation in Mardi Gras is just part of the year-round support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, including the Pride Network; LGBTQIA+ contacts, support and resources; LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship; safer communities; Student Support Liaison Officers (SSLOs); participation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI); and gender affirmation leave for staff.
Large group of people smiling and holding pride progress flags. Colourful and sparkly streamers in the background.
Two people with matching colourful t-shirts stand together, one with their arm around the other.
Madri Gras marchers walk down Oxford st behind a rainbow banner with the University of Sydney logo
Mardi Gras marchers walking through Taylor Square
Two people smile enthusiastically at the camera, whilst standing on the street.
Mardi Gras marchers walk down Oxford st waving pride progress flags. Busy crowds watch on.
A group of people smiling at the camera. They are wearing matching outfits, with colourful decorations and are holding pride progress flags
Three people with their backs turned, wearing matching t-shirts with a colourful illustration
A person holding a fan with the pride progress flag in one hand and a 'The University of Sydney' sign in the other
Three people sitting in a park. One is applying gemstone decorations to other's face.
Two people sitting in a park in matching outfits. One is painting the face of the other.
All photos by Maja Baska