Homophobia in sport focus of Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade

Homophobia in sport is one of the major themes of this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras parade.

Initially held as a protest, the parade is now one of the biggest celebrations of sexuality in the world and has been held at the end of summer for the last 36 years.

Australian women’s cricketer Alex Blackwell said she was proud to be part of this year’s celebration.

“I’m really excited, this is my debut Mardis Gras parade and I’m right up the front so hopefully that means I can stay up the front for future years,” she said.

Oxford Street was alive with colour today, with early-birds arriving to get the best vantage points.

An additional 800 police will be on duty tonight, but not just in the crowd with many also marching in the parade.

Some of the major roads now closed include parts of Anzac Parade, Moore Park Road, South Dowling Street as well as Oxford Street, Flinders Street, Wentworth Avenue, Liverpool Street and College Street.

Traffic in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills is expected to be heavy for much of the evening.