Australia's best and brightest queer comedians are back for another round, in this comedy gala guaranteed to split sides and provide a night of good times and laughter for audiences.
This year's line-up includes Geraldine Hickey, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Margot Tanjutco, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie, Nina Oyama and Jay Wymarra, and is hosted by the award-winning Nath Valvo.
In preparation for her 'Laugh Out Proud' set, Margot Tanjutco is listing the pros and cons of making the Mardi Gras more like the lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020), because why not?
Call me Kate Winslet in lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020) because I loved being a moody gay recluse!
In saying that, I’ve also missed being in queer spaces. A lot.
And whilst I am definitely looking forward to my first show back in front of an audience for 'Laugh Out Proud', Mardi Gras’ iconic queer comedy night, I also wish I could somehow still be in that solitary island of my own making.
When I saw 'Ammonite' (2020) recently, I really felt it.
'Ammonite' (2020) is, of course, that movie where Kate Winslet plays a reclusive fossil collector and Saoirse Ronan is the lady who walks into her depressing shop by the beach.
They don’t talk much and are just sitting at home most of the time which pretty much sounds like heaven to me.
There are many reasons as to why I would prefer the 'Ammonite' (2020) treatment over the glitterbomb of Sydney Mardi Gras. . .
But I thought I’d make a pros and cons list before trading in my boob tube for a bonnet.
Thus, this Virgo convolutedly presents to you:
The Pros And Cons of making Sydney Mardi Gras more like lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020):
PROS, or why it’s good that Mardi Gras is not like 'Ammonite' (2020):
1. I will be at Mardi Gras
2. Nath Valvo, Geraldine Hickey, Nina Oyama, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie and Jay Wymarra will also be there
3. The presence of lesbians born after 1799
4. More than three lesbians
5. Flushing toilets
6. The mere possibility, nay, guarantee, of gay laughter
7. Lesbians may speak openly instead of exchanging silent, longing looks (however whether they choose to take advantage of this freedom is up to each individual party)
8. People of colour
9. Less racism probs
10. Low likelihood of contracting tuberculosis
CONS, or why it’s bad that Mardi Gras is not like 'Ammonite' (2020):
1. I was not in 'Ammonite' (2020)
2. Nath Valvo, Geraldine Hickey, Nina Oyama, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie and Jay Wymarra were also not in it
3. The invention of electricity has made candle-lit hookups a rarity
4. Not enough fossils
5. Not enough rocks
6. Not enough bonnets
7. Grey colour palettes not used to their complete homoerotic advantage
8. The lack of Kate Winslets
9. The lack of Saoirse Ronans
10. Low likelihood of getting eaten out in a seaside cottage
What do you think?
Can I have my 'Ammonite' (2020) and eat Mardi Gras too?”
'Laugh Out Proud' is on at Enmore Theatre 26 February.
Albany Pride Festival Throws An Unbelievably Fabulous Tenth Birthday Party
Pack your glitter, grab your bestie and get all your best moves ready. . . Albany Pride Festival is turning ten and you're invited to celebrate with...
New Supernatural Drag-Comedy Webseries The Witchy Girls In Production
Iris Arc Pictures is currently in production on a new, supernatural drag-comedy series called ‘The Witchy Girls’, produced in partnership with...
Rainbow Precinct's Glittering Revival – Balancing Mardi Gras, Memory, And Hard-Won Queer History
FabALICE 2026 – Open Letter From Festival Host Marzi Panne
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival CEO Benson Wu On Sharpening His Perspective And Inviting Everyone In
Early in the conversation, Queer Screen CEO Benson Wu pauses for a moment before answering, already reflecting on the scale of what’s been built:...
ACON Health On How You Can Take PrEP On-Demand To Prevent HIV
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026 Party Cancelled
Cassie Workman Australia 2026 Tour
Perfect Arrangement Turns Laughter Into A Weapon Against Fear, Power And Conformity
First Listen: Melanie C’s New Single ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong?’
After getting us up on our feet with the euphoric ‘Sweat’ – the title track from her forthcoming ninth studio album – Melanie C is back with another...
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Prepares For A Hot Trans Mardi Gras In 2026
At a time when the rights, safety, and visibility of trans and gender-diverse communities are under increasing attack – through misinformation,...
Cannes Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Fest Showcase From All Sides To Screen In Melbourne
Fresh from its festival premiere at the Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne, ‘From All Sides’ will kick off a limited release with a Q&A screening at...
Mighty Hoopla Sydney 2026 Line-Up Additions
In less than a month, huge UK pop festival Mighty Hoopla will take over Bondi Beach for eight hours of dancing – and they’ve added some extra fun to...
Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Disco Never Dies – Kween Kong Lists 5 Iconic Disco Classics
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival 2026 Programme
The full programme for the 33rd Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival is here, taking place across Sydney venues including Event Cinemas George...


















