Pride month is upon us and the 44th Mardi Gras festivities have begun. Rainbow flags have slowly decorated the city - you might have noticed a few more “BWYASSS” stores popping up on and around Oxford street. After two years of cancelled parades, limited capacity and no dancing, the LGBTQI+ community is finally able to celebrate freely. The agenda this year is packed - Sydney will be alive with energy this weekend and you’ll be able to celebrate pride through comedy, film, and performance. The theme for 2022 is ‘United We Shine’ - it will have a focus on community and acceptance, with a particular focus on the trans community. Here’s a guide of three attractions you must see in Sydney for Mardi Gras - if it's your first, tenth or thirtieth pride celebration there will be something for you to celebrate love this season.
MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL
The Mardi Gras Film Festival is showcasing over 110 films this year - from documentaries to shorts to feature films. Talented creatives, both emerging and established, use the medium of film to explore the nuances around being queer. Representation is a quintessential feature of equality and these films are ways to explore the reality of living as part of the LGBTQI+ community. The festival is a powerful showcase with each production honing in on a unique experience, with both online and in-person showings - there is something everyone can enjoy. If you missed a showing, some films are available for on-demand viewing. Here are some of the most sought after films this festival season:
Querencia - Directed by Mary Galloway: This year the festival has curated a collection of indigenous films. ‘Querencia’ is a female-led episodic production that explores two first nations Canadian women trying to navigate their sexuality and culture having come from different backgrounds.
B-Boy Blues - Directed by Jussie Smollett: B-Boy blues is a film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel of the same name. The story follows two African-Americans who are swept away by attraction, lust, and love.
The Perfect David - Directed by Felipe Gomez Aparicio: This one is for the horror lovers out there. With titillating cinematography and a gripping narrative, this film explores the consequences of vanity and trying to achieve the perfect physique.
SISSY BALL
3rd of April
Carriageworks will once again host the energy fuelled Sissy Ball. This event is one to attend if you love all things drag. The ball brings together the biggest drag houses in Sydney for the ultimate showdown - who will take home the crown? It is the ultimate showcase of talent, fashion, culture and dance. Paying homage to the Vogue Ballroom scene, the performers embrace self-expression to put on a show that you will not want to miss.
OXTRAVAGANZA
Until 6th of March
Oxford Street comes alive with festivities this pride month. Spend the weekend walking down the street and embrace all Oxtravaganza has to offer. You will find something for everyone - fashion, food, shopping, street stalls and more! It is the perfect way to celebrate queer initiatives without staying out too late and dancing into the early hours of the morning. For young families, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities such as drag for children and face painting.
However you decide to celebrate this weekend, Sydney has much to offer. It is a wonderful opportunity to educate yourself on the difficulties faced by the LGBTQI+ community whilst also embracing the celebrations. Whether it's attending a film or heading to the SCG for the parade, this weekend is set to be one full fun, entertainment and love!