Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs While Premier Chris Minns became the first sitting premier to march in Mardi Gras in 2024, the NSW leader did not attend this year’s festivities.Despite the high temperatures – it was still 27 degrees in the CBD by 7pm, a challenging temperature for those in glitter and leather – many onlookers arrived in the heat of the day to get a prime spot on the parade route.Vantage points were at a premium, with one enterprising person selling milk crates for $10 to spectators wanting to secure their view.Tourists from Canada, Natalia Hall and Carmen Wong, arrived at Taylor Square at 12.30pm for many reasons, but primarily because “we’re short”, Hall said.“We wanted to get a really good viewing spot because we came from the other side of the world,” Wong said.Newcastle drag queens Chase Doll, Pink Ivvy and Deirdre Doo, who travelled to Sydney for the parade to “represent regional queer people”, were battling the heat in Hyde Park while waiting to enter the marshalling area.Deirdre Doo, Pink Ivvy and Chase Doll at Hyde Park before the parade.Credit: Dion GeorgopoulosFirst-time participant Pink Ivvy said she had a pool of sweat developing under her costume.“Anyone who says drag in the heat is glamorous is lying,” she said. “Drag is a night-time gig.”Near the start of the parade route on Oxford Street were Angela Korte, 68, and Daphne McDonald, 71, dressed in red and adorned with pearls to celebrate their ninth visit to Mardi Gras.While neither of the women are members of the LGBTQ community, Korte said they were always embraced at Mardi Gras.Senator Lidia Thorpe at the 2025 Mardi Gras parade.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos“It’s such a fun community,” Korte said. “Everyone talks to everyone. We’ve never come across brawling and fighting. So many people come and talk to us and take our photos.”Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade began, as is tradition, with the original ’78ers, whose protest in 1978 is the genesis of the night’s festivities.This year’s theme comprised a sea of rainbow flags, sequinned leotards, glittery headdresses, and even giant Bubble O’Bill and Golden Gaytime ice creams.Controversial senator Lidia Thorpe was among the first marchers. She walked behind the First Nations Community Float and the LaPa Legends, a first-time float of LGBTQ community members and their allies with links to the Aboriginal population of La Perouse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, carrying a sign that read “Not My King” and holding a raised fist.The City of Sydney Council contingent marched under the banner ‘Not a Fan of Book Bans’.Credit: Dion GeorgopoulosThorpe was censured by the senate after she disrupted a reception for King Charles on his tour of Australia last year.The City of Sydney float bore the banner “Not a Fan of Book Bans”, seemingly referencing last year’s attempt by Cumberland Council to ban queer books at its libraries. They were followed by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Sydney MP Alex Greenwich in a convertible.LoadingSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras chief executive Gil Beckwith said it was a night to celebrate “the strength, beauty and resilience of our LGBQIA+ communities”, but it was also a reminder of their journey towards equality.“Our theme is a reminder that while we have made incredible strides, there is still much more work to be done. The parade is both a celebration, and a call to action, particularly as we watch from afar the rapidly shifting political climate across the world and, sadly, closer to home.”Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter here.
