Lidia Thorpe says she’s ‘proud’ over halting the Mardi Gras parade
Controversial Senator Lidia Thorpe has spoken after she caused a stir and was dealt with by police at Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebrations. SEE THE VIDEO
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Lidia Thorpe has broken her silence after she caused a stir and was dealt with by police at Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebrations on Saturday night
The independent senator laid down in front of the Australian Federal Police float during the massive celebration, causing a short disruption to the parade.
Ms Thorpe took to Twitter on Sunday morning and said she was “proud to have joined the #PrideInProtest float”.
“Black and brown trans women started the first pride march as a protest against police violence,” she wrote.
“Today, we still face violence from police.
“Proud to have joined the #PrideInProtest float in Sydney to say #NoPrideInGenocide, #NoPrideInPrisons, and #NoCopsInPride.”
Black and brown trans women started the first pride march as a protest against police violence. Today, we still face violence from police. Proud to have joined the #PrideInProtest float in Sydney to say #NoPrideInGenocide, #NoPrideInPrisons, and #NoCopsInPride
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) February 25, 2023
In footage captured from the march, the politician can be seen lying on the ground while two officers speak to her.
The crowd can be heard telling police to “get rid of her” and “get her up” before what looked to be event organisers or marshals intervening.
During the footage she can be seen visibly swatting away the hand of a police officer.
When she did stand up, she points fingers at the two police officers.
#MardiGras2023#MardiGraspic.twitter.com/V6eRwmTKKT
— ADAY (@AlexDay96) February 25, 2023
One of the officers can be seen trying to put distance between them as the crowd grows louder and continues to boo the controversial politician.
“She was later removed from the parade at the request of organisers for breaching the terms of her participation,” a statement from NSW Police read.
MARDI GRAS 2023 AS IT HAPPENED
In a historic moment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the Mardi Gras parade, becoming the first sitting Australian PM to do so in history.
“How fantastic is this,” he said.
“The first one (I attended) was 1983 — I’m showing my age there,” he joked.
“It’s unfortunate that I am the first (prime minister to March). This is a celebration of modern Australia — we are a diverse and inclusive Australia and that’s a good thing.
“It’s a celebration about what Australia is, it’s about respect for everyone, no matter who they are and who they love, and that’s what this is about respect for every Australia.”
“It’s a great example of what an amazing country this is.”
Sydney’s 45th Mardi Gras celebration started with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony by Indigenous drag performance artist Nana Miss Koori.
First Nations queer artist Daniel McDonald also performed as the Mardi Gras returned to Oxford St with a crowd of up to 300,000 people expected to attend the celebrations.
Dykes on Bikes kicked off the parade, tearing down the street to the delight of the crowd.
Despite the huge crowds, police constable K Stephen said the public has been “amazing”.
“It’s my first Mardi Gras and I am so excited … Its so great to see so much colour, especially after three years of lockdowns. I love the energy, the crowd – it’s the best day to be a cop.
“It’s phenomenal and a really special time. I’m a GLOW, so a gay, lesbian liaison officer with the cops, and it’s amazing to see everyone come together and accept each other.”
However, NSW Police had to escort newly independent Senator Lidia Thorpe from the parade after an apparent protest in front of the AFP contingent.
A NSW Police spokeswoman said Ms Thorpe, who was wearing First Nations colours, reportedly lay in front of a float on Oxford St, “momentarily preventing the progress of the parade”.
“She was later removed from the parade at the request of organisers for breaching the terms of her participation,” the spokeswoman said.
“All further inquiries to Mardi Gras organisers,” she said.
No charges were laid and there was no arrest.
Garry McLaughlin marched in the original 1978 parade and said it was unbelievable to see how much has changed since the inaugural walk.
“It’s harder to march these days with (my) knees, but it’s beyond compare really.
“There’s so many people here now, it’s a totally different atmosphere altogether.”
Australian popettes The Veronicas performed atop the American Express float.
“It’s our first time marching and just to be on top of the float, hearing everyone sing “Untouched” back to us was incredible,” they said.
“For 18 years as the Veronicas we have been wanting to create a safe space and to be here for world pride is a huge honour.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told The Sunday Telegraph it was important to her to support officers participating in the parade.
“ I did it last year as well and had a wonderful night,” she said as she marched with a large contingent of officers.
“It’s a time when our police force is becoming more representative of the community we serve, which I think is vital in truly knowing and understanding the needs of the community.
“I respect there is a lot of history with Mardi Gras parades, and policing today is different.
“It is my expectation that all my officers are welcoming and supportive and the community reciprocates that respect.”
EARLIER: CROWDS START TO GATHER
Crowds are beginning to gather at Hyde Park as an expected 300,000 people make their way to Oxford St, Paddington for the 45th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
Attendees are welcoming the parade’s return to its traditional home ground after it was moved to Sydney Cricket Ground in 2021 and 2022 due to Covid restrictions.
“Last year was amazing, but it just felt different. It’s so good to be back to the traditional Mardi Gras”, said Chelsea Bawden, marching with the Coastal Twist float.
“The vibe is so much better this year and I think WorldPride helps with that.”
“We are so proud to be having this huge world wide celebration here in Sydney.”
This year’s celebration marks a historic march as Sydney hosts the first World Pride down under, with 12,500 people expected to march on Saturday night.
The consensus is clear among crowds — nothing compares to an Oxford St Mardi Gras.
“This is my 10th Mardi Gras and I’m super excited, especially to be back on Oxford St,” marcher Indi Pendant said.
“I really loved last year but it was so different. The community feel of being on Oxford St is unmatched.
The festivities kick off at 6.45pm with a smoking ceremony and the Dykes on Bikes, who lead the parade each year.
They will be joined by Boys on Bikes, the First Nations float and the 78ers float — the original founders of Mardi Gras.
More than 200 floats will travel the 1.2km parade route from Hyde Park at the corner of Oxford St and College St all the way to Moore Park, which also hosts the official after-party.
Key road closures include Oxford St, Flinders St, Liverpool St, College St, Anzac Parade, Wentworth Ave and South Dowling St.
"This is what I come for". Thousands descending on Oxford Street, as crowds celebrate the parade’s homecoming. https://t.co/zHviH0EU9W #MardiGras #MardiGras2023 pic.twitter.com/BTTRLIBSyl
— Emily Kowal (@KowalEmily) February 25, 2023
To help crowds safely leave the CBD, sections of Elizabeth St, Castlereagh St and Pitt St will close from 9pm until 1am.
Pedestrian crossings along the parade route will close at 7pm.
Revellers heading to the northern side of the parade can catch a train to Town Hall, St James, Martin Place or Kings Cross stations.
Spectators travelling to the southern side of the parade are advised to alight at Central Station and walk to their destination.
Museum Station will close from 5pm Saturday until 4am Sunday.
The parade will finish at 11pm once all the floats have cleared the route.
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