Sydney City Council have come to the party announcing that they will be doing more for the Annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The rainbow flag, recognised internationally as a symbol of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community, will fly over Sydney Town Hall during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, Pride Week and other significant GLBT community events.
The rainbow flag was created and designed by a San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, when it first appeared in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. The flag is often flown to mark GLBT events and identify gay friendly or gay safe areas.
Council’s unanimous endorsement to fly the Rainbow Flag continues the City’s strong support for Mardi Gras and the GLBT community, including the Mardi Gras Parade.
This week Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, opened the New Mardi Gras’ offices in the City-owned building at 94 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. The offices, which overlook the Parade route, will provide work spaces and meeting rooms for the staff and volunteers responsible for presenting the Festival, Parade and Party.
Last month Council renewed triennial funding for Mardi Gras as a Major Festival, agreeing to provide $150,000 per year for next three years, 2010 to 2012. Council also approved a Cultural Grant of $20,000 to support a Spencer Tunick Installation during the 2010 Mardi Gras Festival.
