1978: First gay Mardi Gras march, Sydney
Contents:
FIRST GAY MARDI GRAS
* when was the first gay mardi gras in sydney *
They asked for solidary activi on the Stonewall anniversary to ci wh their march agast the anti-gay Briggs Iniative on the California ballot. Ken and others lled a meetg of lbian and gay groups and dividuals, which beme the Gay Solidary Group.
Chants of “Out of the bars and to the streets” joed the sound of gay liberatn anthems ‘Glad to be Gay’ and ‘O to a Gym Teacher’. The Gay Solidary Group, other groups and dividuals and me together for a massive polil and legal effort – the Drop the Charg mpaign.
• 15 July – 2, 000 take part largt ever gay rights march wh 14 arrts.
SYDNEY GAY & LBIAN MARDI GRAS
On 24 June 1978 a small group of gay and lbian people, lled the Gay Solidary Group, anised a day of events Sydney. They wanted to promote gay and lbian culture and prott agast the discrimatn they experienced their daily liv. Even though the daytime march and night-time street para were peaceful, police rpond wh vlence and arrts. This brought natnal attentn and helped to make the para an annual Sydney event. * when was the first gay mardi gras in sydney *
• 27 Augt – 300 march down Oxford St om the 4th Natnal Homosexual Conference wh 104 arrts.
This was the thori’ attempt to keep the muny le, but Sydney’s gays and lbians would not get back le.