3 mins
The Weddings of Oz
The Marriage Referendum anniversary is being celebrated in every corner of the world, with one of the most extravagant examples being Sydney Queer Irish’s participation in the Mardi Gras parade. Relive the fun with Alan Fitzgerald’s report. Photos by Theo Seremetidis.
Sydney — Parade — Photography
Mardi Gras is a summer highlight for many Sydneysiders, as well as those who have claimed the ‘Emerald City’ as their home. On March 1, the 47th year came to another extravagant close, with over 11,000 marchers parading along Oxford Street in front of 200,000 spectators. The annual festival’s theme for 2025 was ‘Free to Be’—a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, progress, and freedom of expression.
For Sydney Queer Irish (SQI), 2025 is a particularly important year. It marks 15 years of its resurgence within the Sydney scene, from the spark of an original ‘90s crew, along with the 10th anniversary of Marriage Equality in Ireland, a notable moment of reflection for all Irish people.
The group celebrated these milestones by throwing a fabulous wedding with a queer-inclusive twist. In a choreographed march to a medley of Sigala, Gaga and Kylie, 80 brides, grooms, flower boys and everyone in between brought the joy of an authentic Irish wedding to the streets of a city enraptured by Mardi Gras fever. The cherry on top of the wedding cake: they were joined by legendary drag queen, activist and national treasure, Panti Bliss!
SQI’s dedicated committee had six weeks to help participants source and create the dresses and costumes that would best represent them on the night. When parade day arrived, the group assembled to get glam and glittered by Amy Ashby and her fantastic team of makeup artists. After months of preparation, participants donned their costumes with full hair and makeup, and the spectacle could finally begin!
Rosie Keane, Consul General of Ireland in Sydney and a steadfast supporter of SQI, spoke of her fondness for the group, having marched alongside them on several occasions. Rosie delivered a heartfelt speech about Ireland’s journey towards embracing its LGBTQ+ population. In what she described as a “Gay Reeling in the Years,” Rosie recounted the key moments in Irish history that paved the road to Marriage Equality.
With veils adjusted and garters rolled, the wedding party left for Hyde Park, stealing glances from spectators on their way to watch the parade take off.
The group posed for a photo at the Anzac Monument before meeting other communities taking part. The atmosphere within the holding area can often be as electric as the parade route itself, while groups of marchers wait in line for their moment to shine.
The chief wedding celebrant was SQI Founder Loretta Cosgrove, whose costume took influence from Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose. Loretta spoke about SQI’s participation as a source of pride and visibility for those within the Irish community, who may be coming to terms with their identity.
Following behind, a drag tricolour led all remaining marchers, featuring Peaches Queen in green, Virgo in white and of course, Panti Bliss in Orange. Virgo recalled hearing the results of the referendum over their parents’ car radio. While listening to the empowering words from speakers such as Panti and David Norris at Dublin Castle, there was still a way to go before they could imagine a future where they fully embraced their own identity. “This really is a full circle moment for me, to be marching with Peaches and Panti Bliss,” Virgo said.
Tipperary’s Rob Wallace and his partner Jon Finemore marched in their own personally designed gowns. The pair own Rain Bridalwear and donated 90 dresses to the group. As a result of their generosity, SQI could bring this extravaganza to life.
Kristy Pinna choreographed dance moves to a medley of hits, including Kylie Minogue’s ‘Love at First Sight’. Executing choreo uphill while wearing a wedding dress is no mean feat, but marchers nailed every beat thanks to Kristy’s expert tutorials.
Rick Gill proudly marched to the crowd’s applause. Over the years, Rick has made many of SQI’s incredible costumes, including this year’s ‘60s-inspired flower boy dresses.
For Home and Away actor and first-time marcher, Emily Weir, Mardi Gras is “a celebration of life, love, authenticity and community.”
Tyrone native, David Kelly, was living in England when Ireland voted in favour of Marriage Equality: “I remember going out to celebrate. It was really special. I shed a tear.”
Stephen Byrne, a frequent DJ for SQI events, summarised that “in an ever-changing and more openly hostile world, being able to come together like this and celebrate through protest and visibility is more important than ever.”
Sydney Queer Irish is an LGBTQ+ expat community group based in Sydney, Australia. It hosts monthly meet-ups, parties, and social events to foster friendship and belonging among the LGBTQ+ Irish community in Sydney. Find out more at @sqirish on Instagram.