Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 00:41:40 +1100 From: Paul Canning Subject: Mardi Gras build up + How to join the reconciliation float + how to watch it + Corroboree for Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Aboriginal people and our friends and lovers back from our first briefing for the black, white + pink (bwp) float for reconciliation in the mardi gras. went extremely well. now we're all praying, or whatever, that it doesn't rain. we had a great turn out and registrations are now almost 400. with friends and last minute turn ups we're expecting nearer 500 which would by my calculations make us the largest float. the remembrance HIV/AIDS float has 1200 but that's different groups. we are also getting media attention this year. ICAM and a documentary team were there. the documentary footage is being translated to the web so our website will have footage from the parade and four participants' stories. this should go up within two weeks of the parade thanks to the people doing the netcast. I'm hoping we're featured strongly in the sunday night replay. certainly we have the impression that they're making up for last year, when we were effectively ignored. the room tonight was welcomed to the land by sylvia scott, a wiradjuri elder who lives locally. she has supported bwp events in the past. four elders will be leading the float. sylvia spoke brilliantly and emphasized that we're struggling for the same thing, our right to our identity. we have many aboriginal gays and lesbians taking part in the float. a strong contingent of aboriginal gay men will be a big highlight, throughout and in a group of aboriginal and islander drag queens, who'll be accompanied by pauline pantsdown. the story of the participation of one of these guys, william, will be part of the website video. the diversity of people we've managed to attract really struck me as I watch people practising carrying the rainbow serpent (all 17m) in the street. couldn't have been more diverse: suits, black, hippies, white, lesbian, straight, gayboys, asian, older, younger. this whole thing is about more than just gay and lesbian, it's about celebrating diversity. we have 400 wonderfully over decorated hands from the sea of hands. we're asking all parade participants to not take them so they can go back into the 120,000 strong sea. should have an impact in some of those places those hands visit! there's photos of the hand making at mardi gras fair day on the website. remember: everyone who supports reconciliation and the gay and lesbian communities is welcome to come march with us. and have fun doing it! marching in mardi gras is a wonderful experience. how to get in we will be at the archibald fountain at the northern end of hyde park from 4pm. block B. to get in the entry point is at the corner of park and elizabeth. sylvia will be welcoming us at 6pm. the last time to get in is 7.15pm but if you can't walk quickly that'll be pushing it. there are 15,999 others squeezed into quite a small area. the build up is also a lot of fun itself. we set off at 8pm and it should be all over by 10pm. the route is 2.5km and half uphill. bring water. mardi gras marshalls are there to help with any emergencies or if you want to get out. wear black, white or pink, or all three if u can. the end is at the corner of cleveland st and southern cross drive, at moore park. if u can make a donation it would be really appreciated. for more info call us via the avp on 02 9360 6687 website http://reconciliation.queer.org.au/mg99.htm how to watch it the mardi gras is being netcast live, so you can watch it from anywhere. it starts at 8pm you need a good computer and to have the plug-in real player. the netcast site is http://netcast.mardigras.com.au/ they'll also have it on demand, i believe, a few hours after the netcast. Corroboree club night for Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Aboriginal people and our friends and lovers The Imperial Hotel 35 Erskineville Rd Erskineville, 2043 from 8pm - 12pm (open as normal after) $5 entry [MAP http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/E/V/SYDNE/0023/16/11/cs1.html] website http://blackout.queer.org.au/ if you're coming say hi. paul -- |: Paul Canning canning@rainbow.net.au ® http://www.rainbow.net.au/~canning >Queers for Reconciliation http://reconciliation.queer.org.au KLDF http://www.green.net.au/hindmarsh/ >QAnnounce http://announce.queer.org.au/