Australia's Mardi Gras Returns to Gay Roots?

 After nearly a decade branded as the New Mardi Gras, organisers have announced Mardi Gras 2012will return to its roots by going back to its old name of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The lycra and glitter-filled parade, to be held in March, was relaunched last Thursday after organisers were told they were losing their way.

Organisers say participants next year are likely to be calling for the right to be married.

“I would absolutely say that marriage equality will be right up there,’’ Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Graschairman Pete Urmson said.

“We would like to think we might be celebrating.’

While Urmson is hopeful the GLBT community will be celebrating the legalisation of gay marriage in Australia by February 2012, he’s not so confident.

``With (Prime Minister) Julia’s letter to The Age this week, we think the festival will be more of a demonstration than a celebration,’’ he said.

While Labor fights over the proposal for a conscience vote in Parliament on gay marriage, Gillard’s stance has been clear from the onset.

“I think that there are some important things from our past that need to continue to be part of our present and part of our future,” the Prime Minister told the Daily Telegraph earlier this year:

“If I was in a different walk of life, if I’d continued in the law and was partner of a law firm now, I would express the same view, that I think for our culture, for our heritage, the Marriage Act and marriage being between a man and a woman has a special status.

“Now, I know people might look at me and think that’s something that they wouldn’t necessarily expect me to say, but that is what I believe.

“I’m on the record as saying things like I think it’s important for people to understand their Bible stories, not because I’m an advocate of religion - clearly, I’m not - but once again, what comes from the Bible has formed such an important part of our culture.”

According to Urmson, Marriage equality, youth suicide and bullying in aged care facilities will be the key issues at the 2012 Mardi Gras.

A ``gayed-up Disneyland’’ will be set up in the Entertainment Quarter of Moore Park for the Mardi Gras party, with performers including RuPaul, Jonather Hellyer, D.E Experience, Sneaky Sound System, Deee-Liteand Horse Meat Disco booked for the festivities.

“The Sydney Mardi Gras will always have its thumping gay heart that celebrates the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities, but Mardi Gras is now inviting those who share our positive message about the power and beauty of diversity to be part of our celebration,” said Urmson.

“We would love to see people who share our values, but who never thought they would be in the Parade to approach us and share their ideas. There will always be room for a great float which will both entertain and bring people together.”

“Our hope with this change is to turn Sydney Mardi Gras into an even bigger civic event – right up there with Rio and the world’s other great carnivals – to be enjoyed by everyone, but always remembered as being a gift to the city from its gay & lesbian community and a demonstration of our pride.

They also unveiled the parade’s new logo - two hearts, on their sides, attached at the points.

 
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“The logo is a universal symbol that connects with everyone in a different way,” creative director of the advertising agency Moon, Greg Logan said.

“It symbolises all types of genders coming together and does not discriminate. Its symmetry indicates equality and people coming together to celebrate love.

“Some people see lips, some people see arses, some people see tits, some people see butterflies. I think that’s the power of it: it’s all embracing.’‘

“If you love, you fall under that symbol.’‘

The new logo has resonated so strongly with the organisation’s Communications Director, Damien Eames, that he decided to get it tattooed on his shoulder.

“It’s my first tattoo,’’ the 42-year-old said.

“The second I saw it I knew I wanted to get it.’‘

Mardi Gras Communications Director Damien Eames sporting his new tatts. Pics: John Appleyard.

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is a unique Australian story, with a journey from being a Parade that was met with police brutality to being a Parade in which the NSW Police march alongside the LGBTQI community.

It has become Australia’s most iconic street carnival in Australia and a must-see for global travellers, gay or straight. Up to $30m a year is generated for the NSW economy and approximately 20,0000 visitors fly in each and every year to take part.