Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marches in 2023 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade (photo: official Twitter)For the first time in its 45 year history, the sitting Prime Minister of Australia marched in Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
Anthony Albanese, the country’s 31st prime minister, joined over 12,500 attendees in Oxford Street for the annual LGBTQ event, which began in 1978.
On Twitter, Albanese noted that he had, in the past, marched in the Mardi Gras parade, but he wasn’t Prime Minister at the time.
When the first Mardi Gras march was held in 1978, you could still be arrested for being gay.
In the decades since, people dedicated their lives toward the campaign for equality. pic.twitter.com/o9NYh0JwLW
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 25, 2023
To be accepted as equal and recognised for who they are and who they love.
I’ve been proudly marching in Mardi Gras since the 80s. This year I’m honoured to be the first Prime Minister to join the march. pic.twitter.com/npDOyQJVzi
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 25, 2023
Speaking to The Guardian, Albanese said that it was “unfortunate” that it took so long for a sitting prime minister to march in the event, but viewed his participation as a sign of a “modern Australia.“
“People want to see that their government is inclusive and represents everyone, no matter who they love,” he said during the parade. “We need to continue to argue for equality.”
Related: 38th Annual Gay And Lesbian Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
It’s worth noting that in 2016, then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull attended the parade but sat in the audience.
This year’s Mardi Gras coincides with Sydney WorldPride – an event that aims to recognize LGBTQ rights globally by hosting a weeks-long Pride event in a different country each year.
In addition to a human rights conference and Mardi Gras, there was a spectacular opening ceremony featuring Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue.