Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2023

1  Creative Concept

The Mardi Gras float becomes an excellent opportunity for us all to, perhaps, regain some lost pride through more recent events, to celebrate that:  “We’re Alive!”

The adherence to all the values that represent equity and everything that LGBTQIA+ stands for, needs to be re-established and re-developed as some members of the community betray the hard-work done, especially since the nation voted for marriage equality.

One participant dressed in speedos will march with the Team Rainbow logo/banner at the front of our float.  The Theme of the float:  We’re Alive! will be visible above the cabin of the caged ute, on a fabric banner.

The 2T truck will have tinted lights with internally projected rainbow images + Team Rainbow swirl hubcaps.  A rainbow archway of lights will be projected over the top of the ute from one end to over the cabin.

Forty participants will be marching behind the truck wearing the Team Rainbow polo shirt; some will be carrying Team Rainbow Lolly Pops.  A free roaming fruity, Carmen Miranda Drag Host will be interacting with spectators/cruising the crowd, sending the message that:  Queensland is much more than just Fresh Fruit and Fresh Meat!!

At the rear of the float will be two, light-weight, LED inflated, 2-metre earth balls that will be used to interact with spectators on both sides of the Parade, ie each time they are touched, they will turn a different colour of the rainbow, to convey feelings to celebrate a WorldPride/Worldwide ethos that as a Greater Community:  “We’re Alive!”  The Earth Balls will represent both sides of society with equity and freedom for all; inside the float and outside the float; a reflection of who we are, and society, in general. The Earth Balls will reflect:  One World, One Freedom, One People, to be free and happy -- All of us have that basic human right!  The Earth Balls will provide a mirror of You and Me!!

2  Relevance to LGBTQIA+ Communities

Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral to every person’s dignity.  Team Rainbow has a record of hosting successful rainbow events, eg the first Pride House, in Australia, that also resolve critical issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community who experience multiple forms of oppression, eg suicide prevention, mental health support and other services, by enabling participants to feel safe being who they really are and where they are.  Many Team Rainbow members are geographically distant from life-saving resources and located in State and Federal National Party electorates with higher levels of intolerance and hostility toward LGBTQIA+ people.

3  Relevance to 2023 SGLMG Festival Theme

Gather:  Team Rainbow is ‘gathering’/grouping its members across Queensland, to celebrate its participation in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. 

Dream:  Team Rainbow’s ‘Dream’ is to foster acceptance worldwide with its 2m LED inflatable earth balls consuming the rear of the float and both sides of the Parade.

Amplify:  Team Rainbow’s chosen music:  “I’m Alive” is intended to ‘Amplify’ Team Rainbow’s Statement/Theme:  “We’re Alive!”  The song has been strategically chosen as a ‘gay anthem’, combining two Icons:  Celine Dion and Blondie.

4  Messaging for Marketing Copy

Team Rainbow promotes sport, fitness, tourism and business throughout Queensland’s diverse community. They help to connect and promote members and organisations who are non-discriminatory and welcome all people. Team Rainbow, a not-for-profit organisation, is Queensland’s only member of InterPride (Hosts WorldPride) and the Federation of Gay Games (Hosts Gay Games).

5  Costume/Outfits

Participants will be required to wear the Team Rainbow uniform -- polo shirt (white with Team Rainbow logo on the front chest and rear centre (large).

IF, sponsorship is confirmed, a cap will be included.

6  Choreography/Formation

A brief choreographed march/dance routine will match the theme song.  

7  Type of Music; Music Details

Team Rainbow’s chosen dance music:  “I’m Alive” is intended to ‘Amplify’ Team Rainbow’s Statement/Theme:  “We’re Alive!”  The song has been strategically chosen as a ‘gay anthem’, combining two Icons:  Celine Dion and Blondie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlXv263MWyw

Single track, remix.