23 Best Moments From This Year's Mardi Gras Parade
Marching, twirling, protesting and sparkling with the whole world watching. Sydney's annual parade filled us with pride.
1. When this statuesque alien landed on Oxford Street.
Hot Kandi prowled around Oxford Street before the parade started, giving the waiting crowds a glimpse of what was to come.
2. When the Dykes on Bikes rolled into town.
The Dykes on Bikes have kicked off the Sydney Mardi Gras parade every year since 1988. As the roar or 100 motorcycles started to echo up Oxford St, the anticipation was electric.
3. Making new friends in the crowd.
With hundreds of thousands of people flocking to watch the parade, you couldn't help but get cosy with your new mates.
4. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides.
This was the lead float for the parade, complete with 100 performers and a double-decker bus hosting respected members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
5. When the crowd expressed their gratitude to the original Mardi Gras protesters.
Hey look it's the reason we're here. Thanks 78ers. #MardiGras
6. When these sport superstars made a stand against homophobia.
This float featured high-profile athletes from all codes. Sure, their moves might not have been as good as those dancing around them, but their presence sent out a very clear message to everyone watching at home.
7. When the Hoopaholics made our heads spin.
... And made our abs feel a bit lazy.
8. This cop belting out Beyonce.
View this video on YouTube
When this police officer busted out a flawless rendition of Who Run the World? (Girls) from atop the NSW Police float, accompanied by a policeman on electric guitar, everyone's jaws dropped.
9. When the ridiculously sexy lifesavers made budgie smugglers cool again.
Bronzed, fit Aussie icons dancing down the street proudly waving their club flags and showing off their best dance moves in their cheekiest red Speedos. It was enough to make Tony Abbott invest in board shorts.
10. When everyone went nuts for the firies.
And we're off! #FRNSW marching in #MardiGras2015. Have fun & be safe partygoers.
11. Seeing the massive smiles on the Rainbow Babies and Kids.
Over 200 children from LGBTI families marched with their mums and dads, hi-fiving the crowds, dancing and having the best night ever.
12. These proud parents.
Mums, dads, brothers and sisters of gay people marched to declare their love and fight for equal rights.
13. This powerful message of acceptance.
"LGBTIQ REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE" #MardiGras2015
14. This simple message for haters.
Ha! Love this from Bogan Australia float: "Homophobia's for poofs. Harden the fuck up Australia" #MardiGras2015
15. This man's parade comeback.
Ron Muncaster in a characteristically understated outfit. #MGJOY
The man who introduced fabulous costumes to the parade, Mardi Gras Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ron Muncaster made a magnificent return after an eight years absence.
16. Those Brazilian dancers.
Let's just say if Polaroid pictures could shake it like this, none of us would be taking pictures on our phones.
17. Whatever this was.
In the running for most provocative chastity belt ever.
18. The ear-to-ear grins on people marching for a cause they were passionate about.
19. The quiet pride on this navy officer's face as he marched.
20. When we all survived the gay zombie apocalypse.
These zombies came with one message for young LGBTQI people: When it comes to coming out, there is nothing to be afraid of.
21. Parade smooches!
Seeing happy couples marching together and proudly kissing was so beautiful.
22. This... unexpected...grand finale.
Kim Jong Un riding a golden, jizzing tank. Happy Mardi Gras everyone! #MardiGras2015 xoxo
23. And at the end of a huge night, someone had to clean up all the glitter.
Luckily, Sydney's best drag queens were there to sweep the streets.