Thousands of people attended Sydney's annual Lesbian and Gay
Mardi Gras, last weekend - despite an unexpected downpour of
rain.
Crowds of people, both local and from other Australian cities,
gathered for the Oxford Street celebration and stayed even when wet
weather drencned attendees an hour before the parade began.
This year's dominant theme was gay marriage, which remains a hot
topic in Australian politics.
The parade, which followed a 5km route from Whitlam Square at
Oxford St through to Flinders St, featured 134 floats and more than
9000 marchers, according to Sydney Central.
Kylie Minogue was guest of honour at the event and performed to
mark her 25th year in the music industry.
Minogue, 43, took part in the Mardi Gras parade on her own
'Kylie-themed' float among 9,000 other participants, as around
300,000 looked on.
The lesbian and gay icon later headed to Moore Park for the
after-show party on Saturday night.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Minogue, who was dressed
head-to-toe in Jean Paul Gautier, Pucci, Stephen Jones and
Christian Louboutin fashion creations, couldn't hide her delight at
taking part.
She wrote on twitter: "That was epic."
Before adding: "ThkU THANK YOU @SydneyMardiGras &
Mardigrasland... YOU were amazing... I am
#happytiredwiredrelievedamazedgrateful.
"Thank you to everyone who participated in the K25 Mardi Gras
floats....#incredible."
Speaking on the issue of gay marriage, Minogue said: "'Of course I
believe that it should be legalised. I always say, love is love is
love. Hopefully whatever hurdles or obstacles are in the way can
soon be banished, that would be great."
Speaking of her decision to join the parade, Minogue added: "It's
such a great way to celebrate the relationship between the gay
community and myself and everything we have been through
together."
