The World Is Coming To Sydney In February
Image: Image: Supplied
By Kate Wickett
We are absolutely thrilled to finally have the world coming to Sydney this year for Sydney WorldPride, a culmination of almost four years of work initially by a small group of volunteers, and now by a dedicated, larger team!
We have a diverse range of programming across the festival with the aim being that anyone can look at the program and see themselves in at least one event, whether that be dance parties, performing arts, visual arts, the Human Rights Conference or gallery exhibitions.
Through A First Nations Lens
We are very proud to have a First Nations lens to everything that we do at Sydney WorldPride, acknowledging and elevating the voices of contributors and performers.
There is something for everyone because Sydney WorldPride is for everyone.
We invite all of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as our allies and we encourage you to invite your mum, your dad, your brothers, and your sisters. This is an event for people to come together, unite, and celebrate.
During the festival, we will also look at what still needs to be achieved for our community – what still needs to be changed, in order to achieve full equality.
Human Rights Conference
As to what to check out, it’s only natural that my first recommendation is the Human Rights Conference; the largest LGBTQIA+ event of its kind ever held in the world.
Three days at the ICC with almost 1500 people a day – politicians, activists, civil society, celebrities, all parts of the community.
My view has always been that if we want to change the law, we need to have the lawmakers in the room and so we’ll be discussing, debating and listening to stories from all around the world, particularly the Asia Pacific region.
Ultra Violet
Another event I’m very excited about is Ultra Violet, at the Sydney Town Hall.
It’s the first event of its kind at a WorldPride, and I’m not aware of another party like it in the world. I’ve travelled to many Prides around the globe, and LGBTQIA+ women are always forgotten, or scheduled events are an afterthought.
We wanted to create an event curated by LGBTQIA+ women, with all female performers that invite everyone.
We’ve put a lot of effort into the production values of the event, and we’re really excited about the diversity of programming within that one event.
First Nations Gathering Space
Another event that is going to be incredible is the First Nations Gathering Space or Marri Madung Butbut at Carriageworks, which takes place over six days.
There’s going to be a raft of different performances over that period.
Anything from visual arts, to performing arts, to the theatre, to nightclubs. We’re really looking forward to sharing our First Nations culture with the world.
The Only Nighttime Curated Parade In The World
Finally, the Mardi Gras Parade is the only nighttime curated parade in the world and we are incredibly proud of our 45-year history. After two COVID-safe years in a stadium, it’s back out on the street where it belongs; the spiritual home of Mardi Gras and Sydney couldn’t be more excited.
So, have fun, be safe, and Happy WorldPride 2023!
Kate Wickett, CEO – Sydney WorldPride
