Sequins, sparkles and sex-positive energy are taking over Sydney from February 17 to March 5 for the 45th global LGBTQIA+ festival WorldPride.
“There is a lot to celebrate right now. However, around the world LGBTQIA+ communities are still fighting for basic human rights: for visibility, equality and in some cases for safety. WorldPride aims to increase visibility and encourage important conversations,” says Kate Wickett, Sydney WorldPride CEO.
WorldPride has never been hosted in the southern hemisphere before, so prepare yourself for a fabulous affair with headliners including Kylie Minogue, Charlie XCX and Jessica Mauboy taking over Sydney’s CBD.
If you’re overwhelmed by the brilliant showcase of events happening around town, we’ve rounded up our top picks from this years festivities.
Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert
Kicking off the party is pop royalty Kylie Minogue, who will headline the opening ceremony alongside Charli XCX and Jessica Mauboy. “For the first time ever, WorldPride is coming to the Southern Hemisphere. I’m so excited to announce that I will be performing,” said Minogue. Hosted by Casey Donovan and Courtney Act, and broadcast live nation-wide on ABC-TV, the opening concert will be held at The Domain on February 24.
Hubris & Humiliation – Sydney Theatre Company
What do you get when you combine Jane Austen with Sydney’s buzzy queer scene? An explosive two hours of comedy, sizzling romance and electric creativity. On now at Wharf 1 Theatre until March 4.
Queer Art After Hours – The Art Gallery of NSW
Take a journey through queer history at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in February. Showcasing an impressive breadth of contemporary queer art practice, the program will span two of the gallery’s buildings. Enjoy a fusion of new artworks and immersive performances by celebrated LGBTQIA+ artists. Must-see events include Queer Art After Hours, which promises a night of music, performances, installations, DJs, workshops and pop-up bars.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Hayes Theatre Co
Champagne. Diamonds. Sex. Scandal. The team at the Hayes Theatre Company are serving up all the ingredients for a dazzling high-femme camp performance. Join the voyage until March 18.
Absolutely Queer – Powerhouse Museum
Spotlighting Sydney’s leading queer artists, Absolutely Queer captures a diverse snapshot of LGBTQIA+ creativity and activism in Sydney. Through costume, design, art, fashion and multimedia, the exhibition amplifies the creatives who have helped shape attitudes towards the Australian queer community.
From drag king performer Sexy Galexy to multi-award-winning Mardi Gras costume designer Renè Rivas, celebrate the pioneers of Mardi Gras’ incredible creative scene. “The Powerhouse [Museum in Sydney] has had a long commitment to collecting and documenting queer histories,” said Lisa Havilah, CEO of the Powerhouse. “We are so excited to welcome the queer community to the Powerhouse.”
Absolutely Queer is on now.
CAMP – Seymour Centre
Chronicling everything from early queer activism to the first Mardi Gras march, CAMP peels back the curtain on the untold true stories of the women behind the gay rights movement. A new play by Elias Jamieson Brown, set in the 1970s the production explores the birth of Australia’s gay rights movement through true stories of murder, corruption, love and liberation. On until March 4.
The 45th Anniversary Mardi Gras Parade
This year’s parade returns to Oxford Street for its 45th anniversary and features 12,500 marchers and over 200 floats. The theme is “Gather, Dream, Amplify” and the parade route starts from Hyde Park to Moore Park with free and premium viewing areas along the route. The parade is on Saturday, February 25th from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Pride Villages
From Friday, February 24th to Sunday, March 5th, Oxford Street and surrounding areas will be turned into a fabulous and free festival hub filled with daily stalls, performances, dining, and a place to connect with friends and family. Crown Street will host a stage with nightly shows, special extended entertainment on weekends, and a street party from Liverpool Street to Flinders Street on the final weekend of WorldPride.
WorldPride Sports
A community program of over 17 different sports including football, hockey, basketball, wrestling swimming, ten-pin bowling and more. The program includes free events for people to participate in and watch.
Marri Madung Butbut: First Nations Gathering Space
Carriageworks will come alive with six days of free exhibits and much more! Honoring artists lost to HIV/AIDS in the 80s and 90s with the extraordinary performers “The Huxleys”, and a Koori Gras event celebrating the rich diversity of Queer performances by leading national and international First Nations artists.
Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic
End your pride festivities on a high with seven hours of live music and a megamix of international and local acts, including Kim Petras, G Flip, and marie claire’s 2022 Rising Star nominee Peach PRC (left). “I’m so unbelievably honoured to be included in [this] year’s Sydney WorldPride event, after being so welcomed into the queer community in the past year or so,” said Peach PRC. “I’m incredibly proud to be performing alongside some of my favourite people.” The Rainbow Republic closing concert will be held at The Domain on March 5.
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