Sydney Mardi Gras 2024: Eight charged after protest, parade pauses to remember Luke Davies and Jesse Baird
Eight people have been charged after the Mardi Gras parade was thrown into chaos when protesters let off flares metres from Premier Chris Minns. It was an ugly to end to a beautiful night of colour and pizzazz. See the parade pictures here.
NSW
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Eight people have been charged after a pro-Palestinian protest disrupted the 2024 Mardi Gras parade.
A 25-year-old man and seven women, aged 29, 31, 35, 38, 39, 41 and 42 - were all charged after entering the parade route near Taylor Square.
All were charged with using more than three people to use violence to cause fear.
The Concord man was also charged with possessing a bright light distress signal in a public place.
They were all granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, March 28.
The ninth person, a 29-year-old woman, was released pending further investigation.
A statement from NSW Police said there were no other major incidents.
Shortly after Chris Minns made history as the first Premier of NSW to march in the Mardi Gras parade, celebrations turned sour.
Wearing a plain button-up shirt and jeans, Mr Minns’ historic moment was upstaged just after 9.30pm as protesters stormed the barricade in front of the Rainbow Labor float.
The chaotic scenes erupted just as the march proceeded past the Oxford Tavern, with the premier rushed away through the crowd, escorted by close to a dozen police.
However the parade continued, with tens of thousands of revellers lining the streets to watch the 200 floats and thousands of marchers.
Dykes on Bikes kicked off Mardi Gras 2024, roaring down Oxford St.
Their second pass was marked by a moment of silence to remember Luke Davies and Jesse Baird, who tragically died in Paddington 12 days ago.
The couple’s loss will be central to the festivities, with drag performer Miss Nana Koori noting their loss during the welcome to country.
“I’d like to offer my condolences to the families of two brothers tragically taken from us,” she said. “I had the fortune of meeting the two boys 12 months ago at World Pride. Rest in dreaming.”
A mardi gras spokesman said the choice of Dykes on Bikes to lead the tribute was symbolic.
“The Dykes on Bikes have historically played a crucial role as protectors within the LGBTQIA+ community, embodying strength and resilience,” they said.
“Their leading procession of the Parade is not only a display of strength and pride but also a nod to their legacy as guardians.”
Although protesters marred Mr Minns’ appearance at the march, Police Commisioner Karen Webb shrugged off a tense week, receiving a warm welcome.
It comes in a week of strained relationship after the deaths of Mr Baird and Mr Davies, allegedly at the hands of a cop, almost derailed the force’s march.
Ms Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley marched among a throng of officers forced into abandoning their uniforms as a compromise to still take part this year.
“We’ve had a great reception and it’s been a great night,” the Commisioner said.
“(No uniforms) is a compromise, but we are here.
“It’s a great display of inclusion, we’re a part of this and we’re a part of the community.”
Thousands along the strip cheered as they made their way through, after a sombre start to the celebrations.
The Oxford St parade will feature an LGBTQ domestic violence awareness float, another first for the Sydney Mardi Gras parade.
The float, run by the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, is designed to “raise awareness about the prevalence and challenges of domestic family and intimate partner violence and abuse in LGBTQ communities.
NSW police officers will also march, despite initially being banned by the Mardi Gras board after the murders of Jesse and Luke, allegedly at the hands of police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon. The committee overturned the ban on Thursday however police will not wear uniforms or carry guns.
A protest broke out about 4pm, rallying against police presence in the parade and ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, said she did not support a police presence at the pride festival.
Protesters have gathered at Mardi Gras, Sydney, to protest police presence at the pride event and the war in Palestine. #MardiGras #Protests #MardiGrasSydney #BreakingNews #Australia pic.twitter.com/LQOndEHVPn
— Emily Kowal (@KowalEmily) March 2, 2024
“We are protesting against brutality against queer people which has been going on for many, many years,” she said.
“We are also protesting against the ongoing genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.”
However, not all parade marchers had issues with police, several on-duty officers could be seen taking pictures with revellers and those involved in the march.
Two senior officers took pictures with a crew of Qantas workers marching tonight.
The group is dedicating the night to the loss of Luke Davies, a dedicated Qantas flight attendant.
The loss of Mr Baird and Mr Davies was fresh on the mind of several punters ahead of the parade.
One, Sascha, said he had never been before, but after the tragedy almost fortnight ago felt “compelled to celebrate love”.
“Me and my friends decided that if we were going to make a point about what we believe in and to celebrate the lives of the two men we’d have to come,” he said.
Many said the mood felt different this year.
At 4.30pm, Hyde Park, normally heaving with Mardi Gras marchers, was empty in parts.
However, Natalie Dekker, 35, said support was more important than ever.
“It feels completely different because of what has happened,” she said, referencing the alleged double murder.
“We should all be here supporting the LGBTQI community, we need to be supporting them whether we are gay or not.”
Drag Kings Sydney
Other new floats this year include Drag Kings Sydney, the first united float for different Drag King groups across Sydney. According to mardi gras website the group “proudly champions a subculture often overlooked.”
“We unite under the mardi gras spotlight, promoting positive, non-toxic masculinity,” it reads.
Drag Storytime is Not a Crime
A float for drag kings and queens which aims to show the world that ‘Drag story time is not a crime.”
“Drag story time is about love, diversity, acceptance and being true to yourself. It shows kids and families from all corners of society that its OK to be who you are and that the world is rich with all types of people.”
Bears of Australasia
The bears represents the only community and float for hairy gay men. “This brotherhood of hirsute and big body beautiful is relevant to the LGBTIQA+ communities as it highlights the diversity in the community.”
Canva
The Australian graphic design website will have their own float this year with hopes to inspire the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fetish Australia
Fetish Australia describes itself as a predominantly online group which actively promotes kink and fetish events across Australia.
Free Mum Hugs Australia
Free Mum Hugs Australia aims to affirm people who attend LGBTQIA+ events by giving hugs, high fives and love to the community, who have been rejected by friends or family upon coming out.
Gay Tradies
According to Gay Tradies, “We are a group of gay tradies and their friends/supporters. We are helping to get the message out that there are gay people everywhere, including the trades and services industry, working on your homes and construction sites everywhere.”
Acceptance Sydney
This year Christian groups have come together representing a cross section of affirming Christian churches (e.g., Catholic; Uniting; MCC and others).
Australian Asexuals
Australian asexuals represent the “forgotten but very much alive ‘A’ in LGBTQIA.” The group aims to connect asexuals across Australia.
OzFurs
This float will represent the Australian furry community, a group of people who “come together with shared love of anthropomorphic characters, who express themselves with artwork, costumes and literature.”
Itty Bitty Titty Committee
The Itty Bitty Titty Committee works to increase lesbian visibility, serving as a role model for lesbians who are unconfident in their sexuality. This year the group’s theme is ‘lesbian barbie’.
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