Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual gay and lesbian festival that takes place each summer in Sydney, Australia.
Origins
In June 1978, a group of activists in Sydney convened to celebrate an 'International Day of Gay Solidarity' to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York -- a protest that is often considered to be the beginning of a modern gay rights movement.
The activists adopted a festive approach to encourage people to leave the gay bars of Sydney's Oxford Street to join their march westwards along Sydney's Oxford Street, then the heart of a burgeoning gay precinct.
Upon reaching the Whitlam Square area, the marchers were met by police urging them to disburse.
However the crowd thought otherwise and a decision was taken to march north along College Street, then east along William Street, to the heart of Sydney's nightlife area, Kings Cross.
There the demonstrators were met by force from police who, in violent confrontations, arrested many of the protestors.
Aftermath
Parade
In June 1978, a g
Party
In June 1978, a g
Controversies
In June 1978, a g