When you hear ‘Mardi Gras’, you think of the spectacular Parade we Australian’s love to celebrate, but there is so much more to the festivities. Jayme Zimmermann highlights some of the lesser-known Mardi Gras events you might be missing out on.

Around the world people are celebrating Mardi Gras; an LGBTQIA+ safe event that celebrates the Queer community. Sydney is famous for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Many people from around the world come to celebrate and party through the night. However, Mardi Gras is much more than just the Parade. Mardi Gras celebrations in Australia started this year on the 14th of February and will run until the 1st of March, and includes a variety of amazing events that many people aren’t aware of.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras advertised and promoted amazing events throughout the past few weeks:

• According to Fringeworld ‘Yummy Unleashed’ is a drag and burlesque event that has developed a worldwide following. The Sydney show this year was very popular with individuals loving the absurd and outrageous style of the show.

• The world premiere of ‘Fuck Fabulous’, which was a queer protest party and a safe space for all. The event was hosted by Yana Alana, and included a fierce line up of dance, circus, drag, comedy and performance artists.

• As stated by The Seymour Centre ‘Laugh Out Proud’ highlighted the best and brightest queer comedy stand-up from Australia and abroad.

• ‘My Trans Story – Place and Belonging’ is an amazing event that highlights Trans stories and experiences in Australia. This event saw local and regional storytellers exploring place and belonging.

• ‘Minus18 Queer Formal’ is a formal event that allows young queer people to have a formal that is safe and fun for all.

• ‘Koori Kick on Club Night’ spotlighted artists from the First Nations community. This event was a huge hit and highlighted the amazing Indigenous Queer talent we have in Australia.

These are only some of the many events featured by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. There are so many other events within Sydney and surrounding areas, such as Newcastle, that highlight the fabulousness of the LGBTQIA+ community and allow people to celebrate being out, proud and loud.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events, that has a large following and brings lots of visitors to Sydney to join the celebrations. Mardi Gras ends with the spectacular, world-famous Parade, although people should be more aware of what other amazing events are on offer leading up to the Parade. These amazing events bring LGBTQIA+ and mainstream communities together to celebrate pride, self-expression, and the freedom to love who you want to love and be who you want to be.

Feature Image: Newcastle Pride