It is a truth universally acknowledged that once something gets mainstream it loses some of its edge.
That’s what homosexuality is like in 2016.
Last weekend, for the first time both a sitting Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition attended Mardi Gras.
While Malcolm Turnbull just showed up with his wife Lucy to watch the parade through his very own electorate, Bill Shorten went along and marched with his wife.
The irony was not lost on anyone that both men brought their wives to a party full of people who can’t get legally married.
Moreover after his appearance at Mardi Gras, Turnbull went to work the next Monday and continued to refuse to ditch the pointless plebiscite policy and allow a free vote.
Bill Shorten meanwhile proudly marched in favour of Rainbow Labor’s pro marriage equality platform but let’s be honest he is pretty much the definition of Johnny Come Lately to this particular fight as one of the Labor power brokers who opposed it for years until it became politically opportune to suddenly be seen waving a rainbow flag.
Even worse, a float for LGBT refugees was allegedly sidelined and threatened to be prevented from marching in the parade if they dared to say a word to Shorten.
If that’s not against the spirit of anti authoritarian rat-baggery that started all this I don’t know what is.
I’m all for our politicians getting behind the gays but let’s not forget Mardi Gras isn’t about opportunities for Qantas and ANZ to show off, it’s about the spirit of the 78ers fighting for their rights. That and having a big street party covered in glitter.
This weekend in Victoria you are spoiled for choice if you want your own big gay party to come covered in glitter.
In Daylesford, the annual country queer festival Chill Out Festival is on with its street parade and nightly parties. For details visit http://chilloutfestival.com.au
And the first ever Gaytimes Festival is happening at Lake Mountain in Marysville. Join hundreds of your fellow queers for this boutique BYO camping music festival with a huge lineup of live acts, yoga, workshops, food trucks and more.
Final release tickets are on sale now from gaytimes.iwannaticket.com.au.
