Mardi Gras Goes Global

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Christian Taylor

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Wed 8th Oct, 2008 in Local News

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Mardi Gras have announced that the theme for 2009 is United Nations. Through the theme they hope to shine a light on gay issues internationally.

David Imrie, Mardi Gras Chair said, “In 2009 we’ll be celebrating the diversity of gay culture around the world. We will be marching for the rights of gay people everywhere.”

Homosexuality is illegal in some 80 countries around the world. It’s amazing to think that some parts of the world have gay marriage, and some have the death penalty for gay conduct.

“We hope to bring a bit of global colour to Sydney next year and at the same time to show our concern for gays and lesbians in countries where their rights are not respected.”

What do you think of the theme? Tell us in the forums.

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5158

Braxn said on the 5th Oct, 2008

Just noticed this on the New Mardi Gras website...

At the end of Sleaze Ball 2009 New Mardi Gras announced the theme for the coming 31st Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In 2009 we will be marching for rights and freedoms for gay people everywhere.

We'll be celebrating the diversity of gay culture worldwide.

We'll be thinking global and celebrating local.

Get ready for United Nations!

[URL="http://www.mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=335&nav=Be%20Part%20Of%20It&sub=Be%20Part%20Of%20It"]http://www.mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=335&nav=Be%20Part%20Of%20It&sub=Be%20Part%20Of%20It

genkij

genkij said on the 5th Oct, 2008

What a brilliant Theme !!!

I love it esp. when we have friends from Sanfran & France coming for it next year !!!

I'm gettin' that tingle already !! [COLOR=Red]Bring it on !!

mesmerize88

mesmerize88 said on the 6th Oct, 2008

Its a very fitting theme, considering the inordinate response on behalf of governments across the world to gay rights + treatment.

Accolades to new Mardi Gras!

GenesisInVain

GenesisInVain said on the 7th Oct, 2008

YES UNITED NATIONS BRING IT ON! I get to wear my i love swedish boys shirt and bring my swedish flag. woohoo!

marly said on the 7th Oct, 2008

speak for yourself, i wont be setting foot anywhere near it.

zebra-stripes said on the 8th Oct, 2008

thanks for boring us with your tedious negativity

brodes13

brodes13 said on the 8th Oct, 2008

Sounds like a really positive theme - and very topical.

Hopefully it attracts as many internationals as it did last year...

I miss them! they lifted the talent level immensely!

danny corvini

danny corvini said on the 8th Oct, 2008

Let's hope they don't book The Potbelleez again! Representin' Ireland!

camanthony said on the 8th Oct, 2008

Seems fitting after 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

honest

honest said on the 8th Oct, 2008

I wonder how two men riding a giant penis, semi-naked "marching men..er..boys" and a couple of old men dressed as women will reflect this theme? Or like most MG parades will it be lost to the bemused public who often go to gawk and point?

GenesisInVain

GenesisInVain said on the 8th Oct, 2008

what a fitting theme!!!!!!!!!!!!! i will certainly enjoy this mg!

genkij

genkij said on the 9th Oct, 2008

I have visitors from USA & FRANCE coming for next years party - How fitting .... Now with extra $$$ lets hope it can become the international event it used to be ....remember when there were people from all over the worlf for weeks on Oxford st during MG in the 90's !!

honey-prawns

honey-prawns said on the 9th Oct, 2008

i like the theme,time to think of some costume ideas hehe

danny corvini

danny corvini said on the 9th Oct, 2008

With the incoming global recession? Not too sure 'bout that honey!

Hudson08

Hudson08 said on the 9th Oct, 2008

Sounds like fun, can't wait! Though I can just predict the party will be inundated with American flags over everything.

Ruffnut

Ruffnut said on the 9th Oct, 2008

Well if the aussie dollar remains low as is presently then they will get more value to holiday here. But then again they will need a job to support the holiday and job prospects aren't looking to good in the near future.

timbo84

timbo84 said on the 9th Oct, 2008

United Nations? Awesome!

I'm hoping I can score myself a tanned Brazllian, a blonde South African, A frat boy from the states, a romantic frenchman, a scotsman in a kilt, a hot harajuku boy, an gorgeous islander in a grass skirt, a german diver (hello Sascha Klien) & (of course) an Aussie surflifesaver or cowboy... Aren't I easy pleased??
;-)

GenesisInVain

GenesisInVain said on the 9th Oct, 2008

United Nations? Awesome!

I'm hoping I can score myself a tanned Brazllian, a blonde South African, A frat boy from the states, a romantic frenchman, a scotsman in a kilt, a hot harajuku boy, an gorgeous islander in a grass skirt, a german diver (hello Sascha Klien) & (of course) an Aussie surflifesaver or cowboy... Aren't I easy pleased??
;-)

MY MY MY! International cuisine is on the menu!

I'll stick to my frivolous Finn, my dreamy Dane, my naughty Norweigan, my idyllic Icelander and my sultry Swede!

it's a Scandinavian smorgasbord for me :)

David DC

David DC said on the 9th Oct, 2008

well if Barack Obama becomes president, I would have no problem with that!

David DC

David DC said on the 9th Oct, 2008

oh, and I think the theme is great!

not that it's ever going to happen (well not anytime soon), would have tied in perfectly with my idea (see my other thread)

http://www.samesame.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5171

shyish said on the 11th Oct, 2008

I am in total agreement with the theme for Mardi Gras,being a mature age gay this is the only way that we can really express ourselves and know that we are safe and can live fulfilling lives.

shyish said on the 11th Oct, 2008

I am in total agreement with the theme for Mardi Gras,being a mature age gay this is the only way that we can really express ourselves and know that we are safe and can live fulfilling lives.

gprice said on the 11th Oct, 2008

I can picture it now. Every other determined costume boy is tapping his chin thoughtfully: "how can I make hotpants and facepaint more international!?"

coast_boy

coast_boy said on the 13th Oct, 2008

This would be cool!

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24486828-5016681,00.html

Cameron M

Cameron M said on the 13th Oct, 2008

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 26th Oct, 2008

Just noticed this on the New Mardi Gras website...

At the end of Sleaze Ball 2009 New Mardi Gras announced the theme for the coming 31st Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In 2009 we will be marching for rights and freedoms for gay people everywhere.

We'll be celebrating the diversity of gay culture worldwide.

We'll be thinking global and celebrating local.

Get ready for United Nations!

[URL="http://www.mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=335&nav=Be%20Part%20Of%20It&sub=Be%20Part%20Of%20It"]http://www.mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=335&nav=Be%20Part%20Of%20It&sub=Be%20Part%20Of%20It
Diversity of gay culture? What 'culture' is that? What is 'gay culture'? Am I supposed to speak a different kind of Australian English than my straight friends? lol!

zebra-stripes said on the 26th Oct, 2008

Yeah right. There is absolutely no culture. No whatsoever. Zero.

Oh actually, there's heaps!

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 26th Oct, 2008

Yeah right. There is absolutely no culture. No whatsoever. Zero.

Oh actually, there's heaps!

How is same-sex sexual arousal a 'culture'?
My homosexuality is a bio-psycho-social phenomena, not a kind of sensibility or 'culture'.

honest

honest said on the 27th Oct, 2008

Well apparently Asherbelle unless you agree with everyone else's opinion you're not part of that culture or, also apparently, you're just trying to be difficult. :p

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

Is gay 'culture' a behaviour, a thought pattern, a belief system, an 'aesthetic vibe'; a kind of sensibility, a fixed ideal of community standard, a social clique, an artistic movement, an exclusive 'homo' mode of communication & expression??

What is gay culture?

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

Is gay 'culture' a behaviour, a thought pattern, a belief system, an 'aesthetic vibe'; a kind of sensibility, a fixed ideal of community standard, a social clique, an artistic movement, an exclusive 'homo' mode of communication & expression??

What is gay culture?

wow, me thinks you do contemplate WAY too much!

one could ask, what is Australian culture, what is youth culture, what is popular culture etc. clearly a culture doesn't necessarily define everyone within it but there is at the very least some common thread. and it's not just about sex (your sticking point, no pun), we share similar struggles, discrimination, experiences etc.

and I'm not just a man who has sex with men, which seems to be your very narrow definition of what it means to be gay (and sure, for some, that's all it is, but I wouldn't call them gay or even homosexual). just because you don't identify with any aspect of what may be considered gay culture (and I would argue there isn't one gay culture either, but many), doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

you also seem to think that the act of celebration or of finding joy and pride in things isn't worthy for its own sake, without having to justify it to death. life doesn't have to be the big burdening question you make it out to be. it's ok to be lighthearted sometimes and to find the pleasure in just being. and you'd be surprised at how empowering that can actually be.

I would also ask you that if you don't believe there is a gay culture or that there should be, or that if you don't appear to really identify as gay (you just happen to have sex with men apparently), then what even draws you to this website? and out of interest, if you don't feel part of a gay community, what community do you feel part of? what culture do you identify with? or don't you at all?

and in answer to all your questions, it's all those things. and then some. it's whatever it means to those that identify with their culture. whatever that culture is.

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

my above post to Ash also applies to you honest.

and if either of you aren't part of that culture, that would be because you have both made it clear that you don't identify with any part of it. or even want to it would seem. and maybe neither of you are being "difficult" (or maybe you are), but you have both gone out of your way to remove yourselves from any common ground. if you're not included, it's because you have excluded yourselves. if your believe you're outcasts, it's because you believe you're outcasts. it's your schtick. apparently.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I am gay.

I just want to know the 'Mardi Gras' version of the definition of what 'gay culture' is, as if their definition defines the terms under how/what/why we celebrate it . From a historical aspect of Mardi Gras, I want to see to what degree 'gay culture' has been *celebrated* as a political device for enacting law reform; to which degree today 'gay culture' has become a marketing tool to tempt foreign tourists to Sydney so we may benefit from their 'pink dollar'.

How is studying the history/development/definition of
'gay culture' a 'burdening question'? Don't you want to know your cities homosexual past?

In asking what gay culture is, I'm not debasing anybody or distancing myself from the state of being gay.

There is a gay culture. I just want to know what it means to the organizers who proclaim to celebrate it each Mardi Gras and how that representation affects how we as a community interact/relates/ to each other & how we are perceived by mainstream society.

If being intellectually-inclined to research gay culture makes me 'less' gay than you are or somehow not worthy to be here on this website, sorry.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

my above post to Ash also applies to you honest.

and if either of you aren't part of that culture, that would be because you have both made it clear that you don't identify with any part of it. and maybe neither of you are being difficult, but you have both gone out of your way to remove yourselves. if you're not included, it's because you have excluded yourselves. if your believe you're outcasts, it's because you believe you're outcasts. it's your schtick. apparently.

Part of WHAT culture? You don't seem to understand what you think gay culture is. By 'culture' do you mean visibility? Do you mean 'community'?

If not attending Mardi Gras makes a gay man somehow 'removed' from 'gay culture' how does that affect the way in which you view his sexuality? Are gay men and lesbians NOT involved in Mardi Gras LESS gay than those who take part?

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

just because you ask "why" to everything like a 5 year old, doesn't make you intellectual it just makes you (over) inquisitive. and you seem to ignore the answers when they're actually in front of you or seem incapable of drawing your own conclusions (where's the intellect exactly?). I also love how passive aggressive you are.

I refer to your inability to allow people to just celebrate. case in point, your criticism of the samesame25 as well. it shows a lack of understanding of the importance of pride, and the positive effect it has politically and socially. and again I point out, that no one is saying you don't belong, you're saying that!

there is a fantastic documentary about the history of homosexuality in Australia (which name escapes me right now) that if you haven't seen, I think you need to see. you might find many of your questions answered, if you're willing to accept them. I know what gay culture, history, community means to me. do you?

I think you need to read all the forums you post in, and read all your posts. you will find that you talk yourself in circles. counter point to counter point, to the point that you actually counter your own points.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

just because you ask "why" to everything like a 5 year old, doesn't make you intellectual it just makes you (over) inquisitive. and you seem to ignore the answers when they're actually in front of you or seem incapable of drawing your own conclusions (where's the intellect exactly?). I also love how passive aggressive you are.

I refer to your inability to allow people to just celebrate. case in point, your criticism of the samesame25 as well. it shows a lack of understanding of the importance of pride, and the positive effect it has politically and socially. and again I point out, that no one is saying you don't belong, you're saying that!

there is a fantastic documentary about the history of homosexuality in Australia (which name escapes me right now) that if you haven't seen, I think you need to see. you might find many of your questions answered, if you're willing to accept them. I know what gay culture, history, community means to me. do you?

I think you need to read all the forums you post in, and read all your posts. you will find that you talk yourself in circles. counter point to counter point, to the point that you actually counter your own points.

'To just celebrate'.
Are you suggesting mindless celebration is a politically important social statement about how we as gay community see ourselves?

What does gay culture mean to you? You haven't told me yet.

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

'To just celebrate'.
Are you suggesting mindless celebration is a politically important social statement about how we as gay community see ourselves?

What does gay culture mean to you? You haven't told me yet.

and there it is... "mindless"! exactly how arrogant are you?

but yes, celebration, pride, visibility is important. what exactly is your problem with it? where is the shame coming from? and is anyone suggesting that this is our only social or political forum?

ok people, no more xmas, birthdays or anything else you might like to have a little party for.

for someone who is obsessed with gay history and culture, you really don't appear to have any grasp at all. stop asking questions and start being open to the answers. they're right there.

and I haven't told you because it isn't important you to. it's important to me. and that's what matters.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

and there it is... "mindless"! exactly how arrogant are you?

but yes, celebration, pride, visibility is important. what exactly is your problem with it? where is the shame coming from? and is anyone suggesting that this is our only social or political forum?

ok people, no more xmas, birthdays or anything else you might like to have a little party for.

for someone who is obsessed with gay history and culture, you really don't appear to have any grasp at all. stop asking questions and start being open to the answers. they're right there.

and I haven't told you because it isn't important you to. it's important to me. and that's what matters.

By 'mindless' I mean 'not mindful'.

That is to say: have we become oblivious to the MINDFUL celebration of gay pride?

Your definition of gay culture IS important to me because, after all, I can't very well march in Mardi Gras all by myself, now, can I? lol!

DeepBlueDreamer

DeepBlueDreamer said on the 27th Oct, 2008

OMG!!!

What happened to the thread that started with people getting excited about March 2009?

CeeJay

CeeJay said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I kind of agree with both of you... yes, I do think there's such a thing as gay culture/identity/community, but it's certainly not homogeneous.

That's one of the reasons I think the Mardi Gras festival (as distinct from the party, and to a certain extent the parade) is important - it recognises and celebrates the diversity of individuals that makes up this loose 'community' of GLBTQI, and how they choose to be part of that community - whether it be through theatre, camp cabaret, drag, 'serious' classical music, political forums, sport, contemporary music, parties and social 'outings', religious celebrations... There's certainly not one way of 'being gay'.

As someone who lived in the suburbs with a partner for around a decade, the Mardi Gras festival was one of the few ways I connected to a larger community. But I'd rarely go to a gay bar, and only once to the Mardi Gras party.

When that LTR was on the rocks, volunteering for NMG to help re-build the festival from the ashes of SGLMG was one of the few things that kept my sanity intact.

It taught me a lot about what 'community' means (and doesn't mean), that there is no uniform way of 'being gay' (or lesbian, bi, trans, queer or whatever else you want to identify as being), and you can never keep everyone happy all of the time - but that what makes it fun and challenging - you might not be into leather or bears or fetish or drag or queer performance or showtunes or whatever, but they're all valid expressions of the myriad ways people can be under the umbrella of 'gay culture'.

I also thinks its essential to ask the kind of questions that Asherbella is posing - it's easy to make assumptions and live in our own little world, and sometimes that needs to be challenged.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

OMG!!!

What happened to the thread that started with people getting excited about March 2009?

Yeah! United Nations theme.
Brings a whole new definition to the term 'Security Council' and 'Peace-keeping Forces'. lol! Great imagery right there!
I can just imagine it now....

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I kind of agree with both of you... yes, I do think there's such a thing as gay culture/identity/community, but it's certainly not homogeneous.

That's one of the reasons I think the Mardi Gras festival (as distinct from the party, and to a certain extent the parade) is important - it recognises and celebrates the diversity of individuals that makes up this loose 'community' of GLBTQI, and how they choose to be part of that community - whether it be through theatre, camp cabaret, drag, 'serious' classical music, political forums, sport, contemporary music, parties and social 'outings', religious celebrations... There's certainly not one way of 'being gay'.

As someone who lived in the suburbs with a partner for around a decade, the Mardi Gras festival was one of the few ways I connected to a larger community. But I'd rarely go to a gay bar, and only once to the Mardi Gras party.

When that LTR was on the rocks, volunteering for NMG to help re-build the festival from the ashes of SGLMG was one of the few things that kept my sanity intact.

It taught me a lot about what 'community' means (and doesn't mean), that there is no uniform way of 'being gay' (or lesbian, bi, trans, queer or whatever else you want to identify as being), and you can never keep everyone happy all of the time - but that what makes it fun and challenging - you might not be into leather or bears or fetish or drag or queer performance or showtunes or whatever, but they're all valid expressions of the myriad ways people can be under the umbrella of 'gay culture'.

I also thinks its essential to ask the kind of questions that Asherbella is posing - it's easy to make assumptions and live in our own little world, and sometimes that needs to be challenged.

Thank you. Very articulate, considered response...

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

OMG!!!

What happened to the thread that started with people getting excited about March 2009?

well ask the poo poo-ers! they love rocking the boat. and don't get me wrong, so do I! but there is a time and a place (I tried to refrain myself from engaging them for as long as I could). they are entitled to their opinions, but the respectful thing to do is take one's argument to another thread. perhaps I should! lol. but I don't understand why people feel they are entitled to dump on people when clearly the consensus on a topic is in support of something (I don't just refer to this thread). if you don't support something, then don't support it. but please refrain from dishing out the attitude and negativity to those that do.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I question the social context of how the gay community defines the term 'gay culture' after we are all asked to 'celebrate' gay 'culture' each Mardi Gras and that makes ME negative?

Go back to your smoke-filled dance podium at ARQ. Celebrate gay culture while not even thinking of how it has evolved and how it has affected the gay community today.

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I kind of agree with both of you... yes, I do think there's such a thing as gay culture/identity/community, but it's certainly not homogeneous.

I also thinks its essential to ask the kind of questions that Asherbella is posing - it's easy to make assumptions and live in our own little world, and sometimes that needs to be challenged.

no one said gay culture was homogeneous. no one said it shouldn't be challenged. but perhaps some people could be a bit more MINDFUL if they're going to be antagonists.

and yes, nicely put post. :)

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

no one said gay culture was homogeneous. no one said it shouldn't be challenged. but perhaps some people could be a bit more MINDFUL if they're going to be antagonists.

and yes, nicely put post. :)

Why do you want me to be your 'antagonist'?

Too funny...

honest

honest said on the 27th Oct, 2008

my above post to Ash also applies to you honest.

and if either of you aren't part of that culture, that would be because you have both made it clear that you don't identify with any part of it. or even want to it would seem. and maybe neither of you are being "difficult" (or maybe you are), but you have both gone out of your way to remove yourselves from any common ground. if you're not included, it's because you have excluded yourselves. if your believe you're outcasts, it's because you believe you're outcasts. it's your schtick. apparently.

So you believe to be gay in Sydney is to identify with everyone else's view expressed here on this forum?

I'm not sure how I have gone out of my way to remove myself from common ground simply by expressing my own opinion. Or is that also my attempt at removing myself from the culture as you believe it to be?

I never said I don't allow anyone to celebrate, but you seem to disallow me the ability to an independent opinion. I never said I don't belong, what I said was ..."Well apparently Asherbelle unless you agree with everyone else's opinion you're not part of that culture or, also apparently, you're just trying to be difficult" ...and you seem to be proving that opinion with your responses.

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

I question the social context of how the gay community defines the term 'gay culture' after we are all asked to 'celebrate' gay 'culture' each Mardi Gras and that makes ME negative?

Go back to your smoke-filled dance podium at ARQ. Celebrate gay culture while not even thinking of how it has evolved and how it has affected the gay community today.

no, your negative statements (or questions) make you negative. read what you say. or perhaps you're not even aware of what you're saying as you seem to contradict yourself, or backtrack on what you say.

you're insulting, rude and arrogant. you don't know me, so don't make assumptions about me. for the record, you're way off. thanks.

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 27th Oct, 2008

no, your negative statements (or questions) make you negative. read what you say. or perhaps you're not even aware of what you're saying as you seem to contradict yourself, or backtrack on what you say.

you're insulting, rude and arrogant. you don't know me, so don't make assumptions about me. for the record, you're way off. thanks.

You're not open to even pondering the questions I pose, so you label them as 'negative'. You're not sure of what gay culture is, you tell me I 'think too much' and then you REFUSE to share with your thoughts on gay culture because of your infantile 'you don't understand or care so I'm not telling'.

Baby. Big fat gay baby.
Now I'm being *insulting*.

David DC

David DC said on the 27th Oct, 2008

So you believe to be gay in Sydney is to identify with everyone else's view expressed here? That is sex, drugs and parties for example?

I'm not sure how I have gone out of my way to remove myself from common ground simply by expressing my own opinion. Or is that also my attempt at removing myself from the culture as you believe it to be?

I never said I don't allow anyone to celebrate, but you seem to disallow me the ability to an independent opinion. I never said I don't belong, what I said was ..."Well apparently Asherbelle unless you agree with everyone else's opinion you're not part of that culture or, also apparently, you're just trying to be difficult" ...and you seem to be proving that opinion with your responses.

aren't you both so fantastic that you have such independent minds and the rest of us are clearly just mindless and misguided. thank you for showing me the error of my (our) ways. you should both get into politics as you are the masters of counter point for the sake of it, and you can both turn on a dime. seriously get over yourselves. anyway, the floor is yours. believe what you want to believe. whatever. I'm done with you.