Winter is Coming – to the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Image: A dragon which will feature in the Gay.me of Thrones Mardi Gras float. Photo: Supplied
IT was only a matter of time before the hit TV series Game of Thrones inspired a Mardi Gras parade float.
As one of the most watched shows of the past few years, Game of Thrones is the story of competing family houses vying to take over the Iron Throne in the fictional land of Westeros after the reigning King Baratheon dies unexpectedly.
Instead of fighting to take over the Iron Throne, the Gay.me of Thrones float called the Diverse Houses of Mardi Gras — which includes the House of Hedonism, Brotherhood of Cocks, and White Wankers — will lay down their swords and march in harmony to claim the “Iron Cock Throne” together instead.
The inspiration for the float came from Mardi Gras’ season theme, “Momentum: Stronger Together”.
“The Gay.me of Thrones float aims to illustrate that each House of Diversity has its own individual yet equally valuable set of strengths and sensualities,” said Dawn Inanli, operations manager of float design team HousewivesOnFire.
“By respecting, not rejecting, differences and by combining not competing forces we can drive momentum, be ‘stronger together’ and can share our great kingdom in harmony.”
The Gay.me of Thrones float will be joined by Dublin drag performer Davina Devine, who is flying into Sydney to breathe glitter into the float’s star role inspired by Cersei Lannister.
“Sydney’s Mardi Gras is admired and talked about internationally, it’s like the LGBT pride capital of the world and I know my mind will be blown,” Devine said.
“I’m beyond excited to take this role leading a House of Diversity to show we’re all fabulous in our own unique way. We should lay down our swords and pass around the hairspray.”
The design team also created the winning float at the 2014 Mardi Gras and was one of three 2015 Taylor Square showcase floats.
For the latest float, they have fashioned erotic period costumes from leather and fur, drawing inspiration from 11 different sub cultures within the TV show.
The Star Observer is a proud media partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
For all of Star Observer’s Mardi Gras coverage, click here
