It'll be a bright celebration of self-expression. This year's Mardi Gras theme, 'RISE', is a call to action to rise through love, compassion, respect and understanding – a poignant message following the challenges and hardships of 2020.
Some of the highlights of this year's Parade are. . .
First Nations
ACON's Aboriginal Project and BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation present the community-led First Nations entry, which will once again lead the opening of the Parade.
Haka For Life
Haka for Life is a Perth-based suicide prevention organisation, in collaboration with Corroboree for Life, that empowers Maori and Aboriginal people through dance, including those that identify as LGBTQI+, to connect with culture through dance.
The Neurodiversity Rainbow (Au)
The Neurodiversity Rainbow (Au) represents the Autistic LGBTQI+ community. Their Mardi Gras entry for 2021 celebrates all that the Autistic LGBTQI+ community have overcome not just this year, but throughout their lives.
Chinese LGBTQIA Community Float
Founded in 2016, the Chinese LGBTQI+ Community Float, aims to increase the visibility of the Chinese LGBTQI+ community, advocate love, freedom and equality for the wider LGBTQI+ community and serve as a cultural bridge between the East and the West.
Harbour City Bears
Harbour City Bears are Australia's largest membership organisation for hairy gay men, their friends, family and admirers. A proud, all-inclusive social club who welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender, orientation, size, race, religion or political leanings.
Use Me Up, Wear Me Out
Use Me Up, Wear Me Out are a group of friends who are committed to keeping Mardi Gras creative, artistic, progressive, and politically and culturally relevant.
Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a global and politically non-partisan movement that use direct action to persuade governments to act justly on the climate and ecological emergency.
The Fabulous Wonder Mama
Wonder Mama is a community drag character who’s been in the Parade for many years, appeared at countless events and even joined Mardi Gras at World Pride in NYC.
P.I.N.K. F.L.A.M.I.N.G.O.S.
With an exhaustively long name, The Politically Inspired, Non-violent, Kind & Fabulous LGBTQ+ & Allies Marching In Notorious Group of Satirists (aka Pink Flamingos), are bringing back their rainbow army to celebrate the removal of one-term President Trump, marching him out of the oval office on Parade night.
Trikone Australia
Founded in 2007, Trikone Australia is a non-profit, volunteer-led social-support organisation for LGBTQI+ people of South Asian descent living in Australia.
Emerald City Kickball
Emerald City Kickball is Sydney’s newest LGBTQI+ inclusive community sports league and first-time Parade entrant. Their Parade entry will be celebrating Sydney’s unique and underappreciated bird life – the bin chicken and bush turkey!
Trans Pride Australia
Trans Pride Australia’s aim is to foster a sense of belonging and empower trans and gender diverse people across Australia.
KathnJen
KathnJen are a self-described “couple of grumpy old lesbians” who always deliver stand out Parade floats.
If you can't make it to the Parade at Sydney Cricket Ground, it will be shown live on SBS from 6pm.
