Confetti, glitter, and an abundance of rainbow flags painted the scene as Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras unfolded once again. Thousands gathered to celebrate and promote inclusion, diversity, and the vibrancy of queer culture.

Amid the dazzling display of leather, sequins, and sparkle, the parade also carried a strong message of protest. Participants donned keffiyehs and held pro-Palestinian signs, highlighting the spirit of activism.

The 78ers, who were part of the inaugural parade, proudly displayed a banner demanding, “Stop Police Attacks on Gays, Women, and Blacks.”

Their presence was met with enthusiastic cheers as they marched down streets that have recently been designated as part of Australia’s National Heritage List, honoring the legacy of queer history and culture.

The parade featured a kaleidoscope of 170 floats, including those representing rainbow families, transgender individuals, queer people with disabilities, unions, government bodies, health organizations, and LGBTQI choirs, each contributing vibrant colors, music, and choreography.

Although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chose not to march this year, notable political figures such as Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, NSW Independent Alex Greenwich, and Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek participated, joining the procession along the 1.3 km route through Darlinghurst.

Dykes on Bikes showed off their love of motorcycles with the crowd matching their revs with screams and roars as they drove past.

A special netball-themed tribute was held for actor Magda Szubanski, who recently announced she is in remission after receiving treatment for blood cancer.

The parade featured its signature elaborate and creative costumes, and a multitude of floats and groups marching along Oxford Street.

Amid the celebrations, the night was not without controversy, with an activist group told its float would be banned from the parade less than 24 hours before the event.

Mardi Gras organisers told the Pride in Protest group it could not participate due to its social media conduct.

Its members have previously marched alongside a float under the banner “No Pride in Genocide” in reference to the conflict in Gaza.

But recent posts on social media directed at a Jewish LGBTQI group were deemed to have breached the parade’s code of conduct.

Marchers in other floats carried signs from Pride in Protest that said, “We support protest. We oppose genocide.”

NSW police assistant commissioner Stephen Hegarty praised crowd behaviour and said there were no significant arrests made as part of the public safety operation.

“We were pleased to see people celebrating safely and respectfully,” he said in a statement.

“Most people were well-behaved, followed the directions of authorities, looked after each other and got home safely.”

Four people, who were previously removed from participating in the parade, were arrested for a breach of the peace on Liverpool Street, Sydney.

— With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

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