Mixed emotions ahead of Mardi Gras parade
The sorrow in Sydney's queer community is affecting the tone of this year's Mardi Gras. Around 12,000 people will march down oxford street in the parade celebrating queer life. Scaffolding and rainbow flags are popping up all over Darlinghurst as the city prepares for what is affectionately known as 'Gay Christmas'.
Transcript
00:00 Jesse and Luke were planning to enjoy the colour and celebration of Sydney's Mardi Gras
00:07 parade on Saturday night, but they'll never get that chance.
00:12 As final preparations for the event take place, the loss of the two young men looms large
00:17 for the queer community.
00:18 A lot of people in mourning.
00:20 I have close friends who are close to the couple.
00:23 It's been a really difficult festival.
00:25 I know the community is hurting and I sincerely hope tomorrow night provides a safe environment
00:31 to come together, to grieve together.
00:34 Some called for police to be banned from marching in the parade after a New South Wales police
00:39 constable was charged with the murder of Jesse and Luke.
00:43 Mardi Gras executives uninvited the force before backflipping, saying police could march,
00:49 but not in uniform.
00:51 We understand that there is a lot of opinions in community about this that range from one
00:56 end of the spectrum to the other.
00:57 While tinged with sadness this year, Mardi Gras will still be a celebration of all things
01:03 queer.
01:04 Happy Mardi Gras!
01:05 Look, it's the most amazing experience.
01:07 The marshalling area is just full of so much love and joy.
01:09 In the back of the hit Barbie film we decided to do lesbian Barbie, so we came up with lesbies.
01:14 Come on Barbie, let's go party!
01:18 This year's parade won't see the same mammoth turnout it had in 2023 when Sydney World Pride
01:26 coincided with Mardi Gras, but it will still pull in big crowds.
01:31 Around 250,000 people are expected to come here to Oxford Street to watch the march.
01:38 Many of the 200 floats in the parade will be advocating for important causes.
01:44 So let's get loud for our homeless.
01:47 A community marching together as they mourn those they've lost.
01:51 [laughter]
01:54 [BLANK_AUDIO]