Mardi Gras takes its mark

The 2011 Mardi Gras season is nearly upon us, with the launch of three weeks of parties, events and activities taking over the Seymour Centre foyer on Saturday evening.

This year will be off to an introspective with Queer Thinking — academic and literary discussions, artist talks and presentations — on the first day of the festival from 12.30pm at the same venue.

It will bring together some of the community’s most creative and academic minds to discuss their work, explore ideas and reflect on current affairs. The line-up includes UK-based activist Peter Tatchell, academics Lauren Berlant and Judith ‘Jack’ Halberstam, and authors Fiona McGregor and Graeme Aitken.

It’s a deliberate start to tie in with Mardi Gras’ 2011 theme Say Something and will place emphasis on the issues the community is still fighting for.

If entries to this year’s parade — which are overwhelmingly associated with the fight for marriage equality — are anything to go by, it’s due to be one of the most political festivals in years.

The official launch will take place at 7pm followed by Peter Tatchell’s speech.

The entertainment line-up for Fair Day on Sunday has also been unveiled, with hosts Charlotte Dawson and Josh Flinn (Australia’s Next Top Model) and JOY FM ‘radio husbands’ Andy and Adrian among those taking to the stage at the family-friendly event.

Other highlights include performer Courtney Act, who will preview Maybe She’s Born With It. You can also see if you have what it takes to be Australia’s next top model in a special Fair Day ‘walk-off’ hosted by Charlotte Dawson.

Local queer boys Garcon Garcon will be on hand to perform new tracks from their debut electro EP.

Fair Day favourites including the Gaydar Garden Lounge and Doggywood will also be back. You can show off your best downward dog with morning yoga, watch the bitches of Doggywood battle it out for the title of best-dressed mutt, or chill out to some sweet tracks from a selection of DJs in the Garden Lounge.

The Mardi Gras 2011 Festival Launch is on Saturday, February 19 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale from 7pm. Fair Day is on February 20 at Victoria Park, Camperdown, from 10am-8pm.

info: Visit www.mardigras.org.au