All around the world, Pride is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and all the vision, art, life and love they bring to the world. We’re so lucky to live in a time where celebrating being queer is something that we can do openly, and it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come.
2023 is the year that Sydney is hosting WorldPride — after winning rights to host, back in 2019 — and it’s just around the corner.
It’s not all about celebrations, glitter and lots of sweaty dancing — it’s also a time to recognise that there’s still a lot more to be done.
So, with Sydney WorldPride 2023 set to be one of the biggest events on the calendar for this year, here is everything you need to know about the event.
What Is Sydney WorldPride 2023?
WorldPride is a global LGBTQIA+ event that takes place in a city around the world every two years. Debuting in Rome in the year 2000, WorldPride is all about celebrating queer culture and promoting important issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities.
It’s been held in New York, Rome, London, Toronto and more — but this year, in 2023, WorldPride is heading Down Under. This will be the first time WorldPride will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why Sydney?
Well Mardi Gras, of course.
Sydney holds Australia’s biggest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ celebration, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, starting back in 1978.
This year, WorldPride is linking up with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, to create one epic festival. There will be all the most beloved Mardi Gras traditions — like the Parade, the Party, Fair Day and Sissy Ball — amongst some of the WorldPride classics, like their opening concert and WorldPride Human Rights Conference.
Basically, it will be a “Mega Mardi Gras”. A Mardi Gras on steroids.
Not only will there be an insane 200+ events, but this joining of forces marks the 50th anniversary of the first Australia Gay Pride Week, the 45th anniversary of the first ever Mardi Gras and the fifth anniversary of Marriage Equality in Australia.
Get your rainbows ready.
When Is Sydney WorldPride 2023?
Sydney WorldPride will run Friday February 17 to Sunday March 5, 2023.
Yep, that’s two solid weeks of back-to-back glitter and inspiration.
Who Is Performing?
The lineup is so iconic; we’re kind of intimidated.
Charli XCX, Kylie Minogue and Jessica Mauboy are set to perform at the official opening concert (which will also live broadcast on ABC if you can’t be there IRL).
Actually Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger will be slaying at the Bondi Beach Party, icon Kim Petras just joined the Rainbow Republic lineup and Kelly Rowland is set to be performing at the Domain Dance Party. That’s not even including our very own G Flip, who will be headline the Closing Party, alongside MUNA.
What Are the Main Events?
WorldPride is a festival, but it’s not just about music.
There’s something for everyone, with a huge number of drag performances, plays, comedy, dance performances, movie screenings, sports, exhibitions, balls, parties, lectures and more. It’s really like queer fringe, and we’re so here for that.
You can find all the main events (and book tickets) for Sydney WorldPride 2023 on their official website.
