By Kat Frances

Fair Day is a highly anticipated event in the lead up to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Held in the community diverse hub of Newtown, people come from as near as down the street and as far as a flight or few hours drive, to attend. Crowds descend in their tens of thousands to stroll the stalls – learning about, supporting and purchasing from LGBTQI organisations and services. Friends and family set up picnic spots near the Main Stage to chill, chat, dance, eat and people watch. But, there’s so much more than that…

Supporting the #SydneyMardiGras 2017 theme – ‘Creating Equality’, Fair Day is an inclusive and family friendly event.  If you have any knowledge about the LGBTQI scene, or simply have not been living under a rock, you’ll be familiar with some of the more talked about, more photographed crowds. Drag Queens and Kings, Dykes on Bikes, Bears, Fetish and Furs to name a few. Whilst these subcultures are often perceived as the more visible people of the LGBTQI community, Fair Day can open your eyes to the broader picture.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, there’s so much more than that…

Through the lens, you saw us. You saw me. The LGBTQI community who amidst the sparkle and glitter of Mardi Gras, can seemingly go unseen. Without any fanfare, you captured us at our shining best. We are the ones enjoying a bevvy with our mates while watching the glam on stage. We are the families dancing with our children, our siblings, our parents to the untamed salsa beat booming across the grounds.

Beyond the glitz and glamour…we are there. Our faces are a part of the LGBTQI story. You just need to take a look.

Happy Mardi Gras!