Oxford Street parade set to host thousands; road closures, public transport changes across city
When Richard Davies attended Mardi Gras for the first time, the parade ended with him being beaten by the police. While Davies said the LGBTQ+ community had come a long way since the first march in 1978, he said there was still a way to go.
“We started with 300-400 people coming down and we ended up being beaten by the police. Today there are now 1,200 people and hundreds of thousands of people are watching.”
Davies came out in 1974 and said that if he could go back in time and give himself one message, it would be to forgive himself. “I wouldn’t hide myself that much,” he said.
“The trans community is probably suffering the most right now. They’re struggling with different governments deciding not to implement puberty-blocking measures, there’s transphobia everywhere, it’s really hard,” she said.
While many Mardi Gras veterans like Davies will be marching tonight, this will also be the first march for some. 17-year-old Raine Osbourne, who walked for the first time, said she had never felt so free.
“Everyone here is being themselves, everyone is very open about who they are, their sexuality, their expression, just themselves as a person, and no one is afraid,” she said.
The teenager said it was nice to have a day where he could be himself and be present.
“We can put glitter on our face and when we walk down that street we know people are staring, staring, which we’re used to, but we’re not used to this much admiration,” she said.
Taylor Davis is also proud to be at her first Mardi Gras, surrounded by friends and representing video gamers.
“It’s a great representation of the community in Sydney; no matter your age, shape, size or whatever creature you’re dressed as, there’s a place for everyone,” he said.
