We will be heading back to Sydney in a few days but not in time to see the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras parade, which occurred this past weekend. Apparently it is quite the affair, attracting 300,000 revelers from around the world. More than 130 floats and 9,500 people participated in the procession, which began as a protest march for equal rights for gays in 1978. It has since grown into one of the world's largest and most flamboyant gay pride events. Spectators waited for up to six hours for prime viewing spots along the 2.4-km (1.5-mile) parade route. Lots of sequins, feathers, wigs and leather were on display. And of course the iconic Dykes on Bikes.
What’s remarkable is that this isn’t at all a fringe event. That is evident from the size of the crowd but also by the broad array of participants. According to the AP, “Lifeguards, cheerleaders, nurses and sports teams strutted and spun to their floats' music. Banks, schools and churches were represented, as were the Australian Federal Police, the Defense Department and state firefighters. All of the marchers, whether flamboyant in feathers and high heels or wearing their official work uniforms, were grinning ear-to-ear as they waved to the crowd.”
Gay rights have been gradually increasing in Australia since the 1970’s, particularly at the state/territory level. Progress at the federal level had been slower, particularly under John Howard’s administration, which constantly attempted to block recognition of same-sex couples. In November of 2007 John Howard’s coalition lost the election to Kevin Rudd’s Labor Party, which openly supported rights for same-sex couples. The new government followed through last year as lawmakers passed legislation giving homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexuals, though they have not legalized same-sex marriages. The progress in legislation coincides with changes in public opinion. A nationwide Galaxy poll in 2007 showed 71% of respondents agreed that same-sex partners should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, and 57% of respondents supported same-sex marriage.
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