THIS year's 40th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras promises a program bigger than ever, reflecting on four decades of evolution, achievements and extraordinary individuals.
The Mardi Gras kicks off this Friday, February 16, with the next 16 days jam-packed with parties, performances, exhibitions, family and community events, culminating in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on March 3.
Forty years on from the 1978 march-turned riot, this year's event has been carefully curated to reflect and celebrate four decades of love, protest, diversity, acceptance, activism, pride, family, passion, creativity, drama and satire.
The festival will celebrate the "78ers" who have fought tirelessly for the rights of gay and lesbian people.