<
https://theconversation.com/homage-pilgrimage-and-protest-why-sydneys-mardi-gras-parade-should-go-back-to-the-streets-171820>
"In 1985, calls for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to be
cancelled in response to concerns about HIV/AIDS were successfully countered by
the organisers. The parade is now recognised as an important way of creating
awareness of safe-sex practices, reducing the social stigma of HIV/AIDS and
being a living memorial to those who died from it.
In 2020, like many other major events, the Mardi Gras parade became a victim of
another virus: COVID-19. In consultation with public health experts, the parade
moved to the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2021 and will again take place there in
2022.
This radical decision is a testament to the resilience and spirit of Mardi Gras
that, despite calls for its cancellation at various points within its 43-year
history, the show continues.
But at what cost? Taking it away from its homeland on Oxford street, and
containing it within the boundaries of the SCG challenges its status as a
protest, reducing its ability to disrupt."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
