Parade plans unfold
Applications have now closed for entry into the 2011 Mardi Gras Parade, with an overwhelming number of entries focusing on marriage equality.
Everything from cyber-punk cheerleaders and Gothic gridiron players are set to be part of this year’s feature event on March 5, but the theme of same-sex marriage is the strongest one to emerge.
In response to the ‘Say Something’ campaign underpinning this year’s Mardi Gras, at least 15 floats have chosen to voice their opposition to the fact that Australian law does not recognise same-sex marriage.
Against the backdrop of increased international pressure on Australia to change federal marriage laws, after the United Nations Human Rights Council last week urged Australia to recognise same-sex marriage, the GLBTIQ communities will be united in sending a clear message.
Brides and brides, grooms and grooms will feature prominently — and there will be a special same-sex marriage-themed spectacle to be revealed closer to the date.
“This year’s parade is starting to take shape, and what’s clear is that our communities have something to say, and 1001 creative and artistically exciting ways of saying it,” parade producer Vicktor Petroff said.
“Same-sex marriage is clearly the big issue that our community wants to say something about. We are planning something huge and spectacular that will send a loud and clear message to the world about how strongly our community feels about this issue — watch this space.”
info: For more on the 2011 Mardi Gras Parade, visit www.mardigras.org.au
