Sydney WorldPride Gets Ready for Diversity to Take Center Stage
Who’s ready for some Sydney WorldPride diversity? Well, after Trans singer Kim Petras and Sam Smith’s big Grammy win for their song “Unholy” – becoming the first trans and non-binary duo to win the award – we’re ready to see Petras perform on stage for Sydney WorldPride’s Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic on March 5! However, in all honesty, diversity is the real “star” set to take center stage at the global Pride celebration.
From February 17- March 5, 2023, thousands of LGBTQ+ folks will flock to Australia to take part in the first WorldPride celebration in the Southern Hemisphere. Over more than two weeks of events, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will be transformed into a WorldPride event with the addition of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, First Nations Gathering Space, a Human Rights Conference, a Pride March across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and so much more!
From near and far, attendees will witness a kaleidoscope of LGBTIQ+ identities, diverse backgrounds, and people of all abilities at the forefront of the festival. Something already seen in the diverse selection of Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow Champions, a way to honor the achievements of the Australian LGBTQIA+ community. See six of the 45 Rainbow Champions below.
Even on its website, Sydney WorldPride (SWP) touts its commitment to inclusion and diversity in its values:
- We listen to a range of views
- We have the courage to challenge ourselves and our partners
- We are genuinely curious about the needs and desires of others
- We behave with respect and integrity
- We embrace diversity.
One thing we do know is that there are official SWP events that have sold out, but there are dozens of free events that have started already as a way to kick off more than a month to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community and its diversity. Vacationer Magazine is excited about the Marri Madung Butbut (pronounced: Mah-ree Mah-dung, Bootboot), the largest Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander & global First Nation LGBTQIA+SB program to take place in Australia, showcasing First Nations queer artists who will share their artistry and voices for the world to hear.
From free exhibits, theater, dining, and drag, Marri Madung Butbut: The First Nations Gathering Space will be the place where everyone is welcome to experience the rainbow heart of the oldest surviving culture on the planet as well as free exhibits, theater, dining, and drag! Just in case you’re curious, here’s a quick rundown of the diverse events scheduled for his unique space.
Bloodlines (FREE)
When: Now thru March 5
Created by The Huxleys, Bloodlines is a multi-art form exhibition that honors and worships legendary artists lost to HIV/AIDS.
Klub Village
When: February 23-27
The unstoppable Kween Kong is placing First Nation storytelling front and center, combining drag, circus, and dance in a cabaret experience like nothing you’ve experienced. Each night features Kings and Queens who will share their stories, culture, and talent.
Daddy
When: February 23-24
Created by Joel Bray, Daddy is hilarious, provocative, and heartfelt. Featuring conversation, dance, and all-you-can-eat audience participation, feast your senses with this immersive theatre piece.
Djarraba Disco (Bringer of Fire Disco) – Opening Night Party (FREE)
When: February @ 7:30 pm
The official opening party for Marri Madung Butbut, Djarraba Disco is a joyous evocation of dancefloors gone by, legends, icons, and glamour. Sparkling under the mirror ball of queer history. Curated by The Huxleys.
Watch Party – Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert (FREE)
When: February 24 @ 5:30 pm
Hosted by national treasure Elaine Crombie and BeeDazzled Shanks (Prince of Redfern) featuring DJ NAIAN and Drag Superstars to keep the Live and Proud energy rolling under the mirror ball.
Camp Culture
When: February 25-26
An interactive family circus show for campers of any age. Hosted by Dale Woodbridge Brown, he can’t use a compass but will show that no matter where you come from, there’s always a way to earn your badge for being your most authentic self.
Watch Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
When: February 25 @ 5:30 pm
Hosted by cabaret diva Constantina Bush and Rose Quartz, pop on your glad rags and watch the 45th Anniversary Parade and the glorious return to Oxford St with all your friends, from the rainbow heart of Marri Madung Butbut.
Chase
When: February 26-28
Experimental theatre and arthouse cinema collide with First Nation identity in this biting satire by Carly Sheppard and Kamarra Bell-Wykes.
Miss First Nation: Supreme Queen
When: February 26-28
Their Royal Highnesses are back to see who will reign supreme over all!
Deadly Deaf Queer Mob (FREE)
When: February 26 @ 12 pm
Join us in the discussion that will provide insights into the Deaf First Nations community, the barriers faced, and the determination to succeed, to empower the emerging leaders of tomorrow.
First Nations Australia LGBTQIA+SB Poetry (FREE)
When: February 26 @ 2 pm
A world-first, ground-breaking collection of First Nations Australia LGBTIQA+SB poets, writers, and storytellers shared publicly for the first time.
Ailan Songs Project
When: February 26 @ 4:30 pm
A collaborative work from Australian Indigenous singer Jessie Lloyd, Ailan Songs Project will explore popular historical songs from the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea with tropical island reggae grooves.
Ōvah Ōvah (FREE)
When: February 26 @ 8:30 pm
Reclaiming Pasifika queer cultural defining stories through song, pacific dance, vogue, fashion, drag, poetry & production, and a joyous celebration of Queer Pasifika indigenous communities living in Oceania.
Club Ōvah (FREE)
When: February 26 @ 9:30 pm
The world is Fem Queen and we’re just living in it! Join us and international DJ and activist Lady Shaka and Neesha Alexander. Wherever Lady Shaka goes she is leading with her Mana and the journey is always a good one!
Tidda Bingo (FREE)
When: February 27 @ 7:30 pm
Join Tyra Bankstown and friends for a game of bingo on steroids and take in some fabulous performances.
Queer Koori-oke (FREE)
When: February 27 @ 9:30 pm
Sing your little hearts out with Joocee (Thomas Bevan) at a deadly night of Koori-oke with ya mob.
Koori Gras (FREE)
When: February 29 @ 9 pm
Celebrate the final night of Marri Madung Butbut with a vibrant showcase of First Peoples culture and community, embracing international perspectives on queer performance.
New Gen Takeover – Closing Party (FREE)
When: February 28 @ 9 pm
Dance the closing night of Marri Madung Butbut away in with the celebration of new-gen mob talent.
