Neighbourhood Media | Pride of Sydney Magazine | February 2026
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Mardi Gras History Part 3
Eternity Playhouse, Feb 26 - March 22
Lassoing Wonder Mama for a Chat
What Does Pride Mean to You?
A brand-new year of Mardi Gras is here, and we’re kicking it off with everything that makes our queer community shine!
Our cover star this issue is Afterglow, the hit play making its Australian premiere at Sydney’s Eternity Playhouse. This intimate, acclaimed drama explores love, trust, and polyamory, setting the tone for a Pride season. We’re also honoring Mardi Gras herstory and celebrating the city’s vibrant queer talent, including the fabulous Wonder Mama. Then it’s time for The Big Parade, feathers, sequins, and pure fierce energy everywhere, followed by the Mardi After Party. For extra drama and laughs, Pop Culture Meets Heated Rivalry delivers all the sass, and if you’re ready to serve, slay, and celebrate, our Pride Guide points you to the hottest spots and parties.
From jaw-dropping performances to parties you won’t stop talking about, and community moments that warm the heart, this issue has it all. So grab your glitter, rally your crew, and dive into a season packed with fun, flair, and all the fabulousness Sydney has to offer.
If you have any thoughts, feedback or questions about the 2000 Magazine, please reach out to info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au
to Serve, Slay, Celebrate Fair Day 2026
The Big Parade is Here!
New Fave Venues
Plan Your Mardi After Party
Pop Culture Meets Heated Rivalry
Nurse Jei
HISTORY
By Alec Smart
From the mid-1990s on, Mardi Gras would experience significant changes, some beneficial, some that threatened its very existence.
represent them.
Despite all the mainstream exposure and lucrative corporate deals, Mardi Gras suffered a series of financial losses and in 2002 it went into receivership. This has been blamed on a number of things including loss of international tourism after the 9/11 terror attacks, apparent falling interest in the two big parties (Sleaze and post-parade), and increased costs. It truly looked like the end for Mardi Gras. But it wasn’t. Stevie Clayton CEO of ACON, Pip Newling, president of Queer Screen, Michael Woodhouse, along with ACON, the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and Pride all rallied to form a phoenix organisation — the New Mardi Gras. Now forced to count pennies, the New Mardi Gras regained a sense of modesty, returning to its authentic roots. It relied on donations, volunteers, and community input, soon finding its footing again.
TTHE televised broadcast of the Mardi Gras parade in 1994 did not necessarily signify a universal acceptance of the LGBTQI+ community. A vocal minority was loud enough in its displeasure that it coaxed large companies like CadburySchweppes to withdraw its advertising with the TV network. In response, the LGBTQI+ community and its supporters boycotted the company, forcing it to reverse its decision. It didn’t take long for corporate organisations to start recognising the value of the “pink dollar”, and they saw Mardi Gras as a point of sale opportunity. During the 1990s, the level of conspicuous promotion during the festival rivalled that of any major sports event. Rainbow flags and red ribbons competed with company logos. This injection of cash boosted the size and scope of the Mardi Gras festival. It was most notable in the large, impressive corporate-sponsored floats in the Parade. Corporate involvement may have raised the profile of Mardi Gras, but it also moved it away from its core values. The community became disgruntled, with many people feeling that Mardi Gras was no longer accessible to them and didn’t
The organisation managed to boot-strap along for several years. Then in 2008, the NSW Government gave Mardi Gras a $400,00 injection — the first time it had provided any sort of funding.
In 2012, Mardi Gras adopted a new logo. The former logo was a stylised depiction of the Sydney Opera House that included an upside down triangle. The new logo is comprised of two touching hearts made to resemble butterfly wings. This year saw the introduction of the Laneway Party, which was really a formalisation of a popular existing recovery party at the Beresford Hotel which frequently spilled into the adjacent lane. Laneway became one of the first of a growing list of core events in the Mardi Gras program. Meanwhile, the Parade was growing larger and more diverse. The brash, commercial floats stayed away and were replaced by community groups and creative individuals. In 2013, the Australian armed forces marched for the first time in what were arguably the neatest, most synchronised floats.
To celebrate the 2019 Mardi Gras festival, the City of Sydney had a giant rainbow crossing painted across the corner of Bourke and Campbell Streets near Taylor Square. At the end of the festival, they blacked the rainbow out, causing a massive outcry. This ultimately led to the permanent rainbow crossing being painted back on.
Read part 4 of History of Mardi Gras in our next issue of Pride of Sydney
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COVER STAR
By Gerii Pleitez
The Climax Is Just the Beginning: AFTERGLOW Arrives in Australia.
TTHE heat is rising as S. Asher Gelman’s internationally acclaimed play AFTERGLOW prepares to make its longawaited Australian premiere. Following major success Off-Broadway and in productions around the world, the intimate and emotionally charged work now makes its way to Australian stages. Raw, funny, and deeply sensual, AFTERGLOW offers audiences a contemporary and honest exploration of love, desire, and connection.
Australian audiences will be able to experience the play first at Melbourne’s Chapel off Chapel from 30 January as part of the Midsumma Festival, before the production moves to Sydney’s Eternity Playhouse from 26 February. Set within an intimate theatrical setting, AFTERGLOW places the audience close to the action, heightening the emotional stakes and drawing viewers directly into the characters’ personal journeys.
The story centres on Josh and Alex, a married couple navigating life within an open relationship. When they invite Darius to join them for what is intended to be a single night of shared intimacy, the encounter becomes the catalyst for something far more complex. What begins as physical attraction quickly develops into emotional connection, forcing all three men to confront their own boundaries and vulnerabilities. As feelings deepen, questions around love, loyalty, trust, and commitment begin to surface, challenging the foundations of their relationships and reshaping their expectations of the future.
The Australian cast features three highly regarded performers. Julian Curtis, known for his work in Gaslight, Cock, and Dance Academy, brings emotional depth and nuance to the stage. Matthew Mitcham, an Olympic gold medal winning diver turned accomplished performer, has previously appeared in Strangers in Between, Jock Night, and The Pool, and brings both intensity and honesty to the role. Completing the trio is Matthew Predny, whose theatre credits include Titanique, Avenue Q, and Kinky Boots. Together, the cast delivers performances that are intimate, vulnerable, and powerfully engaging.
Since its premiere, AFTERGLOW has received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised the production for its emotional honesty and intimacy, with Queer Guru describing it as funny and sensual, Everything Theatre calling it achingly beautiful, and Revstan praising it as passionate and poignant. Theatre Reviews went further, declaring the show incredible and not to be missed.
Writer and director S. Asher Gelman has described AFTERGLOW as a deeply personal project. Drawing from his own experiences with loving more than one person, Gelman created the work as a way to explore emotions he found difficult to articulate elsewhere. “What began as an attempt to make sense of a painful chapter involving my own experience with loving more than one person has fundamentally altered the course of my life,” he says. Rather than presenting clear answers, the play poses questions about how individuals and communities define love, loyalty, and trust.
After an 18-month Off-Broadway run and successful productions across the globe, AFTERGLOW now brings its modern and thought-provoking exploration of desire, honesty, and connection to Australian audiences. By placing vulnerability at its centre, the play invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and assumptions, long after the final moment fades to black.
Eternity Playhouse
February 26 - March 22
Afterglowplay.com
Julian Curtis (Alex)
Matthew Predny (Darius)
Matthew Mitcham (Josh)
Will Lonsdale (Swing)
HUMANS OF PRIDE
By Gerii Pleitez
BBEHIND every dazzling rhinestone, towering wig, and playful wink is a story of passion, resilience, and an unapologetic dedication to joy - and no one embodies that more than The Fabulous Wonder Mama. Known affectionately by fans simply as Wonder Mama, she has become one of Sydney’s most beloved drag performers, community champions, and creative facilitators over the past decade. What started as a fun alter ego based loosely on a comic book heroine has blossomed into an iconic persona who brings people together through performance, art, laughter, and shared cultural experiences.
Wonder Mama first burst onto Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene over ten years ago, making her debut at the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 2014 - a platform she has returned to year after year, earning accolades along the way, including Best Small Parade Entry in 2017 with her unforgettable “invisible jet.” She even represented Australia on the world stage, joining Sydney’s bid for World Pride in New York City.
But drag for Wonder Mama is so much more than spectacle. Behind the feathers and sequins is Wilma Powers, an experienced artist, storyteller, and creative force who uses her talents to uplift and connect with others. Whether she’s performing at community events like Wear It Purple Day or supporting causes such as the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Wonder Mama’s presence radiates positivity, inclusiveness, and heart. Her creative workshops - especially her celebrated Drink and Draw with
An introduction to a drag legend spreading confidence, art, joy, and community wherever she goes.
a Drag Queen sessions - blend art instruction with plenty of laughter, encouragement, and shared discovery. These classes are designed to be welcoming for all skill levels and have earned glowing reviews from participants who praise her warmth, patience, and infectious energy.
Wonder Mama doesn’t just entertain - she educates. Her popular Oxford Street Walking Tour invites locals and visitors alike to explore Sydney’s iconic LGBT district, offering insider stories about historic venues, cultural milestones, and the evolution of the city’s vibrant queer scene. Along the way, she infuses the experience with humour, insight, and a palpable love for her community’s history.
Audiences also know her for unforgettable live performances, from retro-inspired cabaret shows to lively trivia nights and community festivals. Her Storytime Cabaret - a narrativedriven show charting her journey from Catholic schoolboy to larger-than-life drag persona - has sold out seasons and delighted audiences here in Sydney and beyond.
No matter the stage or setting, Wonder Mama’s message is beautifully simple: Have fun, be fabulous, and spread joy. With every laugh, every glittering costume change, and every art workshop that sparks a new friendship, she proves that drag is more than entertainment - it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and pride
Follow Wonder Mama for more: @thefabulouswondermama
HUMANS OF PRIDE
By Rita Bratovich
HAfter cresting the wave of literary success, gay author Holden Sheppard is riding high.
HIS acclaimed debut novel, Invisible Boys (2019), was adapted into a 10-episode Stan Original Series last year. His follow-up novels, The Brink (2022), and King of Dirt (2025) have received critical and popular praise. He is now adding finishing touches to the much anticipated sequel to Invisible Boys; titled Yeah The Boys, it is due for release in May this year.
Sheppard was born and grew up in Geraldton, Western Australia, a coastal town about 420km north of Perth. Though it’s a major port on the western coast, Geraldton has a large rural footprint. Its population of less than 40,000 gives it the feel of a large country town.
Though his stories are not necessarily autobiographical, Sheppard says they are informed by his experience growing up gay in the hyper masculine, heteronormative atmosphere choked with dust, sweat, and beer.
Invisible Boys, released in 2019 and instantly garnering critical acclaim, helped establish Sheppard as a writer of note. Set in Geraldton in 2017 against the backdrop of the national Marriage Equality survey, the story centres on a group of teenage boys who are coming to terms with their sexuality. Each boy is different in personality and has diverse family backgrounds and situations to deal with,
yet they are bonded by their common experience of being queer in a small, conservative town.
The novel focuses on three main characters, telling the narrative from each one’s perspective in turn. Charlie Roth opens the book with a statement that perfectly frames the theme:
“There are two ways out of this poxy sh*thole of a town: you leave in a blaze of glory and never look back, or you die. I don’t want to die. I’ve wanted the blaze of glory option since I was a little kid.”
The Stan series, which screened in 2025 to rave reviews, featured an impressive cast of familiar faces and newcomers. They include Joseph Zada (who plays Charlie), Pia Miranda, Joe Klocek, Aydan Calafiore, Zach Blampied, and Myles Pollard. Nicholas Verso directed the series.
The upcoming sequel, Yeah The Boys, is set seven years later and follows the now older Charlie, Zeke and Hammer living in Perth. In a Facebook post from May 2025, Sheppard describes the story as follows:
“the boys are lost and isolated, both from one another and from the hopes and dreams that first brought them to the city. Yeah the Boys is the story of three boys finding their way back to each other, and finding their own ways to
“There are two ways out of this poxy sh*thole of a town: you leave in a blaze of glory and never look back, or you die.”
become men.
True fans will enjoy the fact that Sheppard is featuring guest appearances by characters from The Brink and King of Dirt in the new novel.
Sheppard was the 2026 WA Local Hero nominee in this year’s Australian of the Year honours. On their website they said: “Holden Sheppard is one of Western Australia’s most distinctive literary voices.
Deploying raw, powerful storytelling, Holden’s debut novel, Invisible Boys, draws directly from his own experiences growing up gay in Geraldton. Through his generous mentorship, authentic LGBTQIA+ representation and fearless mental health advocacy, Holden is a voice for countless Australians, particularly gay and bisexual men from rural areas.”
Pre-order Yeah The Boys from: holdensheppard.com and other major book outlets.
MARDI GRAS
Pride is remembrance, gratitude, responsibility, and solidarity, and its history matters deeply to me. Pride honours the work done by our predecessors so we could live honest, safe, and authentic lives. Pride also means awarenessthere are so many people in our community who need support, protection, and advocacy. Pride reminds me that progress does not mean the work is finished. - Jack
IIN every issue of the Pride of Sydney Magazine, we’re diving deep into the stories that matter most with our “Humans of Pride – Q&A” series. This is your backstage pass to the lesser-known, more personal experiences that have shaped some of the most inspiring voices in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community.
Pride, to me, is deeply personal. It’s about honouring the 78ers who gave us a voice, and it’s about the community that’s carried me through my life and career. It’s creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated just as they are. Pride is joy, resilience, chosen family, and standing up for each other when it counts. After all these years, I’m still proud to walk beside this community. Pride means showing up, giving back, and making sure the next generation feels stronger and free - Glenn (Stonewall)
thanks to those who fought to be seen and heard, and how important it is to keep showing up for one another. Pride is celebration, but it’s also responsibility - to create safer spaces, amplify diverse voices, and ensure our community is represented with honesty, respect, and joy, not just during Pride, but every day - Aaron (LGBT Media & Marketing)
Pride, for me, is being fully myself and refusing to look away from people under the most pressure, especially trans and gender-diverse communities. It’s love with backbone: listening, making space, speaking up when it’s risky, and backing it with real support. It’s the promise nobody should have to earn their right to exist - and I’ll keep showing up until that’s truePatrick (Mardi Gras Arts)
(Nurse
Jack
Aaron
Patrick
Glenn
MARDI GRAS
By Rita Bratovich
Sydney’s most joy-filled day in the park is back — and Fair Day 2026 is dialling everything up.
VVICTORIA PARK will once again transform into a technicolour playground of pride, performance, and pure community spirit, sparking off the Mardi Gras season. Bigger, louder, and more dazzling than ever, this is a family picnic on steroids.
Festivities begin with a moment of grounding and respect at the First Nations Circle. A powerful Smoking Ceremony and a spellbinding performance by the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers honour Country and set an atmosphere of connection. It’s a cogent reminder that beyond the glitter and glamour, there is culture, history, and community. Not far away in Doggywood , both owners and pets will be wagging their tails gleefully. It’s Fair Day’s most beloved event. The camp canine pageant sees Sydney’s most fabulous pups strut their stuff in pursuit of three coveted titles: Best Dressed, Best Performance, and Best Personality. Expect couture-level costumes, dramatic stage presence, and more personality than a reality show wannabe — it’s Drag Race for dogs. Hosted by comedy icon Catherine Alcorn and judged by a panel of celebrity guests, the competition promises prizes, treats, and lots of panting.
Trans Camp returns for its second year — a proudly transrun space filled with community groups, artists, and market stalls celebrating trans creativity and connection. It’s vibrant and welcoming.
Supposedly back by popular demand (maybe from the S&M community?) is Karaoke Cave: Disco Divas! This is a second-chance lottery for those who didn’t quite make the cut on Idol, The Voice or the the RSL talent quest. Come and watch the brave and vocal belt out pride anthems from across the decades. Pitch optional. Passion essential. If you prefer to watch physical spectacle (and Fair Day is definitely the right place for that), then come to the main
stage for the glorious Drag King Games. It’s Gladiator meets Monty Python; a fierce battle of brawn and bluster; a competition to see who can impress the judges with their ability to complete extraordinary feats without losing their glued-on whiskers.
And as afternoon light softens into golden hour, and the crowd settles into a day-drinking induced lull, the Queer Fashion Runway steps into the spotlight, showcasing boundary-pushing local designers redefining queer style for the next generation.
Musically, the 2026 lineup is stacked. International dance legend Janice Robinson (USA) leads the charge, joined by crowd favourites including Courtney Act, Blusher, GoJo, Kath Ebbs, and James Alexandr alongside Zoe Badwi, Tori Darke, and Nada Leigh. The program stretches across genres and communities, featuring performers such as Mila Jam (USA), Arisce (USA), Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Big Gay Piano Bar, Sissy Ball Showcase, and dozens more artists bringing everything from pop and cabaret to culture, comedy, and club beats.
As ever, there will be loads of stalls representing community groups from sports to support to business to kink. Lots of food, chill spaces, dance floors, bars, fun for the kids and more.
February 15, 10am —9pm, Victoria Park, Corner City Road and Parramatta Road, Camperdown
*Accessibility note: Due to uneven terrain in some areas of Victoria Park, parts of the event site may not be fully accessible for all patrons.
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MARDI GRAS
By Rita Bratovich
It’s loud, it’s shiny, it’s proud, and it’s one of Sydney’s
biggest open air events.
TTHE Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will snake up Oxford Street on February 28, marking a tradition of spectacle, light, music and glamour that has continued for some 48 odd (sometimes very odd) years.
At the heart of this year’s festivities is the official theme, “ECSTATICA”, a celebration of joy, movement, connection and queer identity.
Organisations, community groups, performers and allies take part in the parade, each bringing their own creative expression to the route. Long-standing elements like Dykes on Bikes, First Nations participants, and 78ers (activists from the early Mardi Gras era) help anchor the event in both celebration and history.
The parade itself begins in the queer heartland — the Oxford Street precinct in Darlinghurst — then flows through Flinders Street and Anzac Parade, coming to its end at Moore Park.
Scheduled to run from 6 pm to around 11 pm, the event is free for spectators along public viewing areas.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the streets to watch over 200 floats and more than 12,000 marchers.
If you’re planning to come and watch, be prepared. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, unless of course you’re happy to exchange comfort for fabulousness, in which case, try and be aware of other attendees. Avoid high head gear, sharp or abrasive accessories, loose glitter or
sequins or anything else that may cause damage or interfere with the viewing enjoyment of others.
Bring snacks and lots of water, you’re in for the long haul. While there may be outlets available to purchase food and drink, once you’re trackside it can be tricky to get out and back. Best to have everything you need with you. Check the weather. If it’s a hot day it’s going to be even hotter on the bitumen. If it’s cold, rainy or windy, Oxford Street can become a wind tunnel. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a cardi for the evening change, a poncho or rainjacket (no umbrellas, please).
Typically, you’ll want to arrive early; crowd control barriers are in place along the route from around 6am and people begin claiming their spots from mid-afternoon.
You can bring collapsible stools and chairs, however, crates or other items that provide elevated height are restricted. Public transport is the best way to get to the parade, but please note road closures that may restrict bus travel, taxis and Ubers. Check timetables and info regarding whatever form of travel you choose.
Pedestrian crossing points will be in place along the parade route from 5:30pm until 6:45pm. After 6:45pm, you will not be able to cross until the parade has finished. NSW Police Force may close these points earlier for public safety, so arrive early to secure a spot on your preferred side of the parade route.
Venues along the route may be holding special parade viewing events. If you’re interested, look them up, you’ll almost certainly need to book.
Mardi Gras Glitter Club is a ticketed premium viewing area featuring DJs, bar, food, toilets, and seating. Check the Mardi Gras website for details and bookings.
Please note: this article is intended as a guide only. For more information visit the website at: mardigras.org.au
MARDI GRAS
By Rita Bratovich
Sydney’s ultimate Mardi Gras closing party, Laneway, where queer joy and music rule the streets.
AAS the rainbow flags fade slightly from Oxford Street and the glitter settles into the gutters of Surry Hills, one final roar of celebration keeps Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras alive - and it goes by one unforgettable name: Laneway. What started as a spontaneous gathering around a couple of milk crates on Hill Street - has blossomed into one of
Mardi Gras’ most beloved and unmissable events. Today it’s a sprawling spectacle where house, disco and pop rhythms fill the air from late afternoon through to night, and thousands of sleep-deprived legends spill out onto the street to keep the celebration alive long after the Parade’s confetti has been swept away.
This year’s Laneway lineup blends international star power with local flavour: international pop icon Nadine Coyle will bring her infectious hits and Girls Aloud classics to the streets of Surry Hills, while Euro house legend DJ Paul Heron (UK) headlines the main stage with high-energy sets. Sydney favourites like Amanda Louise, Alex Dugan and Brad James will also be on decks, joined by rising local talents such as TOMGRAAAM, CHRS, Dingo Disco and Camp Minister.
Laneway isn’t just a party - it’s the Festival’s final embrace, a chance to dance, reconnect and celebrate everything that makes Mardi Gras more than a moment on the calendar: a community, a culture and a collective joy that refuses to quit. Don’t say goodbye until Monday.
Laneway Festival
The Beresford & Hill Street, 2010 Sunday, 1 March 2026 | 2pm - 10pm mardigras.org.au/event/laneway
The parade’s over, but the party isn’t - here’s where you can keep the celebration going.
WWHEN the last float rolls past and the glitter settles on Oxford Street and Surry Hills, the Mardi Gras energy still pulses through the streets, as the community comes alive to keep the party going. We’ve rounded up the best celebrations where parade-goers, performers, and friends converge to keep dancing, laughing, and celebrating all night long.
DIVA Party
The Oxford Hotel | Saturday, Feb 28 (From 11pm) DJs spinning the greatest diva anthems - from Whitney and Mariah to Madonna and Kylie - this is a high-energy tribute party where you’re encouraged to dress the part!
DéjàVU After Party
Universal Sydney | Saturday, Feb 28 (9pm - 7am)
Expect booming beats, surprise performances and a packed dance floor in the heart of Darlinghurst.
Dykes on Bikes® After Party
The Bank Hotel, Newtown | Saturday, Feb 28 (8pm - 2am)
Hosted by the legendary Dykes on Bikes crew, this community-centred after-party welcomes riders, supporters, allies and friends for an inclusive night of music and dancing.
Heaps Gay After Party
Manning Bar, Camperdown | Saturday, Feb 28th (9pm - Late)
Known for being unapologetically queer and wildly funmultiple dance floors and performers keep the Mardi Gras vibes thumping through to the early hours.
Mega-Morning Glory
Home The Venue, Surry Hills | Sunday, March 1 (3am - 10am)
For those who can’t stop dancing, this secretive sunrise rave is where the energy peaks again - a full-venue takeover and a final burst of Mardi Gras magic. These post-parade parties are a continuation of the festival’s heart. They let attendees connect, and celebrate together, proving that the spirit of Mardi Gras doesn’t end when the parade does - it lives on in music, dance, and the community. Stay safe, and happy Mardi Gras!
MARDI GRAS
By Rita Bratovich
IThe 2026 Mardi Gras post-parade Party has been cancelled and the community is shocked, disappointed and angry.
IN an announcement made only weeks before the scheduled event, Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matheson confirmed longcirculating rumours that the Mardi Gras Party would not be held this year.
The cancellation of one of Mardi Gras’ most popular signature events has left many in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community bewildered and saddened, while others are cynical and unimpressed.
Matheson made the announcement via a statement that was posted on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ various platforms and sent out as a media release.
“Last year, I was appointed CEO and tasked with renewing and reimagining the festival following two years of significant financial loss,” Matheson said in the statement. “A major contributor to that loss has been the Mardi Gras PARTY, which has run at a deficit every year since 2020 following the loss of the Royal Hall of Industries […]
“For those unfamiliar with its scale, the Mardi Gras PARTY is an approximately $2 million event - effectively a festival within a festival. At times, it has cost more to deliver than the Parade and Fair Day, while also being our most expensive ticketed event for the community. It has always been a significant undertaking.”
Matheson emphasised that he and the board anguished over the decision, ultimately deciding it was the only thing to do, citing what he called an “existential threat to the future of Mardi Gras”.
Sponsorship has steadily decreased and government grants have not made up the shortfall in the enormous cost of putting on the three-week long Mardi Gras festival, of which the Parade and Party are the climax.
In 2020, the Royal Hall of Industries (RHI), which had up until then been one of the two large venues utilised for the Party, was acquired by Sydney Swans as their HQ. This significantly reduced capacity and, therefore, gate takings.
Over the years, ticket prices for the Party have increased
to a point where they are prohibitive for many would-be attendees. Matheson noted this in his statement.
“As CEO, I could not continue to sell expensive tickets to an event I did not believe offered value for our community, honoured the Mardi Gras PARTY’s legacy, or protected the organisation’s financial future.”
The first post-parade party was held in 1980 as a modest BYO affair at Paddington Town Hall. In 1982, a large, ravestyle, dusk-to-dawn event was introduced to the Mardi Gras Festival programme. It was held at Moore Park and incorporated the RHI, the Hordern Pavilion, the Byron Kennedy Hall and various other buildings, and included the spaces and pathways between.
A-list DJs worked decks in each venue. A special feature of the early Parties was a surprise performance by one or more iconic pop stars. The identity of the guests was a fiercely guarded secret until the advent of social media made that impossible.
Big names that have appeared at the Party include Marcia Hines, George Michael, Duo Lipa, Cyndi Lauper, Sam Smith, Boy George, Kylie Minogue and Cher, to name a very few.
Matheson concluded the announcement by expressing optimism about next year, stating confidently: “Mardi Gras PARTY will return.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Queer Hockey Romance That Became a Cultural Phenomenon. Masculinity, desire and queer love meet the cultural zeitgeist.
WWHEN Heated Rivalry premiered in late 2025, few expected it to resonate far beyond the usual rom‑drama crowd.
Adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels and developed by creator Jacob Tierney, this Canadian drama blends the intensity of professional hockey with an intimate queer romance between rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The result was more than a hit, it became a global talking point that challenged traditional narratives around sport, masculinity, and LGBTQ+ visibility.
The six‑episode first season debuted on Canada’s Crave platform and quickly found new life on HBO Max and other international services, climbing to the top of streaming charts and sparking a surge of social media enthusiasm. Fans shared reaction videos, edits and passionate threads that kept discussions alive throughout the holiday season and beyond, turning what might have been a modest adaptation into a full‑blown cultural moment.
Part of Heated Rivalry’s appeal lies in its setting, professional hockey, a sport historically steeped in hypermasculine tradition. Placing a queer love story at its centre disrupts longstanding expectations, prompting conversations about what inclusion in sport could look like. Critics and commentators in Canada noted how the series has “shaken up hockey culture,” encouraging fans to rethink assumptions about closeted athletes and emotional vulnerability in a sport where silence has long been the norm.
Reception has varied. Critics generally praised the chemistry between lead actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie and the show’s emotional resonance, even as some questioned aspects of storytelling and character development. On aggregate review platforms, Heated Rivalry received generally favorable coverage from critics and very strong enthusiasm from viewers who found its portrayal of queer love heartfelt and compelling. Viewers have embraced the series in unexpected ways. In Russia, where LGBTQ+ representation is heavily censored, Heated Rivalry became an underground success, quietly banned yet widely shared through unofficial channels, seen by many as a symbol of resistance to restrictive laws. The show has also sparked cultural engagement in everyday life. Fans in New York City held a lookalike contest celebrating the show’s characters, complete with jerseys and staged reenactments, and merchandise like the now‑iconic Shane Hollander fleece became fan favourites, with proceeds supporting LGBTQ+ causes. Heated Rivalry has undeniably tapped into audience desires for stories that combine emotional depth with representation rarely seen in mainstream television. Renewed for a second season, the series isn’t just a hit — it’s a phenomenon that continues to shape conversations about love, identity and queer visibility across cultures and screens.
PRIDE GUIDE
Your guide to the best theatre, food, entertainment, and live music happening right across Sydney.
Late Night Vice
The Grand Electric, Surry Hills | Feb 12 - March 15
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Strut & Fret’s Late Night Vice arrives in Sydney after sold-out seasons interstate. This adults-only, X-rated cabaret is a shadowy, cocktail-fuelled fever dream where glamour and chaos collide. Dress in black tie or all black and enter a no-phones, no-filter world of midnight mischief, led by global burlesque icon Jake DuPree and an international cast. A bold after-hours escape showing off Sydney’s wilder side.
Details: latenightviceshow.com/sydney
State Library of NSW, Sydney CBD | Thurs, Feb 19
Debating the theme, Heterosexuality is a Cult, sharp thinkers take the stage for a provocative live debate interrogating cultural norms and queer perspectives with wit, insight and spirited discussion - part of Mardi Gras’ intellectual program.
Sydney’s premier queer comedy showcase returns with an electrifying line-up of LGBTQIA+ comics delivering punchy jokes, bold perspectives and roaring laughter in celebration of queerness on stage.
Details: mardigras.org.au/event/laugh-out-proud
Sissy Ball: The Warm Up
Marrickville Town Hall | Fri, Feb 27
The biggest vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere soars to new heights as vogue families from across the country battle it out under the regency of the Ball’s continuing curator: Mother Kianna Louboutin Oricci.
Details: mardigras.org.au/event/sissy-ball
All Day Queer Dance
Red Rattler, Marrickville | Feb 28 (2pm) - March 1 (2am)
You’re invited to the first twirl of the year with All Day Queer Dance — a pop-up gay rave and full-venue takeover. Dance from sun-soaked afternoons into late-night magic with top queer DJs, in a space made for queers and their peers. Come as you are.
Step into the first queer dance party of the year, a pop-up gay rave and full-venue takeover. From sunlit afternoons to late-night beats, top DJs guide you through a spectrum of sounds in a vibrant, queer-run space. Come as you are, bring your friends, and dance from day into night.
The Loading Dock & The Substation, Qtopia Sydney (Darlinghurst) | Mon, June 1 - Tues, June 30
A month-long celebration of queer creativity featuring theatre, cabaret, drag, comedy, cabaret, performance art and storytelling that reflects the depth and diversity of LGBTQIA+ voices.
Details: qtopiasydney.com.au/pride-fest
NOW OPEN
By Gerii Pleitez
NNEWTOWN is preparing to welcome an exciting new addition to its nightlife with the upcoming opening of Stonewall Club. Set to become a fresh and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, Stonewall promises great music, welcoming energy and a strong sense of queer pride.
From the outset, Stonewall Club aims to be more than just another place to go out. It’s being created as a space where people can relax, connect and enjoy themselves without pressure. Whether you’re heading out with friends, meeting new people or simply looking for a fun night out, the venue is shaping up to offer an atmosphere that feels open, friendly and easy to enjoy.
Programming will span drag, cabaret, live music and queer performance, with a commitment to supporting both emerging and established artists. With creativity and representation at its core, Stonewall positions itself as a vibrant platform
AA new chapter is unfolding on Oxford Street with the launch of TRIBE @ 231, the rebranded nightclub formerly announced as Pink Pony. Located at 231 Oxford Street, the venue is positioning itself as an inclusive, high-energy space created by the LGBTQ+ community for the LGBTQ+ community — with a renewed focus on connection, diversity and shared celebration.
The venue’s rebrand follows early backlash to the original Pink Pony name and messaging, which many felt excluded parts of the queer community. In response, owners Kevin Du-Val and Michael Lewis publicly acknowledged the misstep, apologised, and committed to doing better. The result is TRIBE @ 231 — a name and concept designed to reflect the breadth of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene and the idea that everyone deserves a place where they belong. Set across multiple levels, TRIBE @ 231 promises a vibrant nightlife experience fuelled by music, movement
Sydney’s
favourite queer hotspot for music, dance, and celebration.
for self-expression. By giving performers room to shine and audiences something special to experience, the club aims to celebrate the diversity and talent of the queer community. At its heart, Stonewall is about connection. The venue has been designed with inclusivity front of mind, offering a place where people feel welcome and respected from the moment they walk through the door. For some, it will feel like a familiar queer space; for others, it may be their first experience in one. Either way, the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe, seen and comfortable being themselves.
The name Stonewall carries deep meaning in queer history, and the club embraces that legacy with pride. It nods to resilience and progress while celebrating the joy, creativity and community that define queer culture today. As opening night approaches, anticipation continues to build for what’s set to become a lively new fixture in Newtown’s nightlife.
TRIBE @ 231 Oxford St has swung open their doors and invited the LGTBQI community to find their tribe.
and community. DJs will spin a broad mix of sounds — from house and techno to pop and queer club classics — ensuring the atmosphere evolves organically with the crowd. Drag performances and live entertainment are also expected to feature as the venue finds its rhythm.
More than just another club opening, TRIBE @ 231 arrives at a time when conversations around inclusion and representation in queer nightlife feel more important than ever. The venue has made it clear that all LGBTQ+ identities and allies are welcome, with the understanding that the culture of the space will be shaped by the people who show up.
As Oxford Street continues to evolve, TRIBE @ 231 aims to honour its history while creating something new — a space to dance, connect and celebrate queer joy in all its forms. For those searching for their people, the message is simple: come as you are, and find your tribe.
Aesthetic care on your terms.
Yo u r f a c e a n d b o d y a r e p a r t o f y o u r
i d e n t i t y a n d f e e l i n g a t h o m e i n t h e m
m a t t e r s .
N u r s e J E I - o f f e r s i n c l u s i v e , R e g i s t e r e d
N u r s e - l e d a e s t h e t i c c o n s u l t a t i o n s t h a t
c a n s u p p o r t g e n d e r e x p r e s s i o n i n a w a y
t h a t f e e l s a u t h e n t i c , c o n s i d e r e d , a n d
r e s p e c t f u l .
PROUDLY
TRANS AND GENDE R-DIVE RSE INCLUSIVE
LGBTQIA+ SAFE SPACE
ETHICAL, HEALTH-L E D AESTHETIC CARE
Get in touch
COMMUNITY
By Gerii Pleitez
Jack Edwards, AKA Nurse Jei, helps Sydney locals align how they look with how they feel.
W
WHAT are your tips for those new to cosmetic treatments?
My first piece of advice is this: consultations first. For many people in the LGBTQIA plus community, appearance can be closely tied to identity, safety, and self expression. That deserves to be handled with care. Start with a consultation, not a commitment. A good practitioner will want to understand you, your story, your goals, and your boundaries before talking about any treatment Are there treatments that are especially ‘beginnerfriendly’?
Growing up as part of the LGBTQIA plus community, I have come to learn the value of uniqueness and individuality, and being the truest version of yourself. This always guides my practice in the clinic, as my approach is tailored to the individual client in front of me.
There is no universal first treatment or one size fits all, and that is especially important to say in a Pride context. Gender expression, facial structure, and personal identity are deeply individual. What feels affirming for one person may not feel right for another. The best starting point is always an honest conversation about what feels authentic to you. For beginners, I often encourage people to start with treatments that support skin health and confidence rather than dramatic change. I always tell my patients that low and slow is the way to go.
What are the key benefits beyond improving appearance?
For some people, cosmetic treatments can support confidence, but more importantly, they can support alignment. That feeling when how you look on the outside matches how you feel on the inside can be incredibly powerful, particularly for people who have spent years feeling unseen or misunderstood. Providing gender affirming care in the cosmetic space is the work I am most proud of.
That said, cosmetic treatments are not about chasing perfection or solving deeper issues. They are one small tool, not a requirement and not a measure of worth. My role as a nurse is to make sure treatments are approached
How do you help people that are feeling nervous or
I find that education is one of the most powerful tools we have. An informed client is usually a calmer client, because uncertainty is often what creates anxiety.
I spend (a lot) of time explaining what a treatment is for, what different options mean in real terms, and what someone can realistically expect, including what we will not do. When people understand the process, the risks, the limitations, and the alternatives, they feel more grounded and in control.
This is especially important in gender affirming care, where people may have had past healthcare experiences that felt dismissive or confusing. Clear and respectful education helps build trust. When someone feels informed and understood, confidence tends to follow. Not because they are being persuaded, but because they finally feel safe in the information.
Can you share your favourite beauty tip that doesn’t involve injections or procedures?
Gentle skincare, sun protection, rest, and hydration do more than any single treatment ever could, although those things can be a little tricky to maintain over the Mardi Gras season. Looking after yourself in consistent and non extreme ways is one of the most powerful ways of caring for your skin. What does being a cosmetic nurse mean to you?
Being a cosmetic nurse, for me, is about listening first, especially when I am caring for trans and gender diverse patients. Gender affirming cosmetic care is not about chasing trends or fitting into a mold. It is about helping someone soften, strengthen, balance, or refine features in a way that brings their outside closer to how they already feel inside. Sometimes that is subtle. Sometimes it is emotional. Often it is both. (I’m often the emotional one)
I have had patients sit in my consult room and cry because, for the first time, they did not have to explain themselves. No defending their identity. No educating their practitioner. Just being met with respect, warmth, and genuine care. That matters a lot to me.
I know the vulnerability it takes to trust someone with your face, especially if the world has not always been kind to you. I do not take that lightly. Ever.
Sydney,
happy Mardi Gras!
I’m proud to stand with our LGBTIQ+ community and will continue to fight for your rights and safety. That includes:
Stopping LGBTIQ+ students and teachers from being kicked out of religious schools because of their gender or sexuality.
Strengthening laws to prevent hatred from neo-Nazis and hate preachers.
Supporting community access to vital services from mental health to legal support.
Wentworth is a place where everyone is welcome. For more information on my policies, scan the QR code.
COMMUNITY
By Rita Bratovich
NAME: Tanya Plibersek
OCCUPATION: Member for Sydney, Minister for Social Services
ISOMETHING PEOPLE WOULDN’T EXPECT ABOUT YOUR ROLE: No two days are alike. Every day is interesting.
IT’S fair to assume Tanya Plibersek loves what she does, having done it for 27 years and counting. The popular politician is as much a Sydney icon as the Bridge or Opera House; testament to that is this year’s election result in which she achieved the highest primary Labor vote in the country.
Tanya’s legacy, however, will go beyond high polling scores. As a conscientious, empathetic MP, Tanya proudly notes among her achievements the introduction of Kids’ Dental; the building of 80 new homelessness services; and the additional 100 million hectares of land and ocean that have been conserved in Australia.
Motivated to make a difference, Tanya aims for significant systemic changes, yet she also feels great satisfaction in being able to help individual constituents, especially when she’s their last resort.
With cost of living and housing affordability being pressing issues in her constituency, Tanya knows there is still a lot of work for her to do.
Thankfully, she also knows where to re-fuel and find inspiration!
LOCAL FAVOURITES SURRY HILLS/ DARLINGHURST:
BEST COFFEE: Flour and Stone
BEST MEAL: Bastardo, or Fontana if you are prepared to leave Darlinghurst to go to Redfern.
MUST-SEE/DO IN 2025: Qtopia – with a quick visit to the National Art School thrown in for good measure.
6.00am – Take our dogs Frankie and Robbie for a walk. Stop at Mentmore and Morley for the first coffee of the day.
7.30 am – Drive my son to school because I’ve been away in Canberra all week and I want to spoil him a bit. Stop at Flour and Stone for a ham and cheese toastie for him and another strong coffee for me.
9.00am – It’s Women’s Health Week, so visit the Leichhardt Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic to talk to doctors and nurses about the difference new Commonwealth government funding for women’s health is making. Cheaper contraceptives, IUDs, endo medicines and menopause meds.
10.00am – Meet with constituents about a range of personal and local issues. Catch up on emails. Thank John, our volunteer accountant who has been helping low income constituents with their tax returns, as he does at “tax help” time every year.
12:00pm – Delicious lentil and cauliflower soup from Brickfields for lunch.
2:00pm – Visit the Older Women’s Network in Newtown to speak at their Women’s Health Week event. Wish I could stay and listen to the whole thing!!
4:00pm – Paperwork. Paperwork. Paperwork. Writing back to constituents who have emailed me. Putting the final touches on a Cabinet submission
6:00pm – Takeaway from Erciyes for dinner. My daughter is home from Broken Hill for the weekend, so her favourites are on high rotation.
8.00pm – Watch my younger son play basketball.
10:00pm – Generic moody British detective drama on Britbox and a cup of peppermint tea to unwind.
This is my real day today. The best thing about my job is the extraordinary variety. No two days are the same. My parents taught me to treat everyone I meet with respect, and one of the things I like best about my job is being able to help people at some of the most difficult times in their life.
