The festival runs for two weeks and showcases performances, exhibitions and community activities, all culminating in the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade at Sydney Cricket Ground.
The theme of the year is 'RISE'.
"It’s no secret that the last 12 months have been difficult for communities across the globe, and it has been especially difficult for minority groups and those working in the arts and culture industries," Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger says.
“So while this year’s Mardi Gras Festival may look different than in seasons past, we’re incredibly proud to deliver a line-up of events that speak to the queer experience, entertain audiences, and support our incredible LGBTQIA+ creatives."
Nath Valvo is hosting 'Laugh Out Proud'
The 'Laugh Out Proud' comedy gala will be hosted by Nath Valvo and is featuring Geraldine Hickey, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Margot Tanjutco, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie, Nina Oyama and Jay Wymarra.
Talks throughout the event include 'My Trans Story' and 'My Drag Story', exploring the transgender experience and the history of drag respectively, as well as 'Queer Thinking' where audiences are invited to unpack a range of issues faced by the queer community both locally and abroad.
Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival features more than 90 films, with more than half being available to stream on-demand right across the country, boosting the festival's national appeal.
SKIN DEEP - Image © Waded
Meanwhile, the performing arts offering includes 'Queer Nu Werk: Werk Harder' lining up a bunch of Sydney's leading queer contemporary and experimental artists, and 'The Pass' dissecting toxic masculinity and prejudice in sport.
Visual arts comes alive with SKIN DEEP, an exhibition telling intimate stories from the queer community via their tattooed bodies, presented by NAS Queer Contemporary.
Oxtravaganza, now in its fifth year, will light up Oxford Street and surrounds as more than 100 local businesses come together to offer retail promotions, live music, viewing parties, performances and more.
