What happens when the LGBTQ community celebrates? A 24-hour party and great photos.
The streets of Sydney ran rainbow with plenty of sequins and leather on show Saturday night as the city hosted the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The parade, which celebrates LGBTQ culture and activism, began as a march and protest in 1978. Met with police violence at the time, the annual event now draws crowds from around the world.
Getty Images has covered the event since 2000, and this year, photographer Brendon Thorne chose his top 10 images of the night for Mashable.
"Sydney's Mardi Gras is one of the most thrilling and enjoyable events to photograph," he said. "Everyone is ecstatic to be involved in the celebration, and the atmosphere is truly alive and buzzing. A highlight of the night is definitely seeing everyone express themselves, whether it be through the breathtaking wardrobe choices or an unforgettable drag queen look."
Photographer Annette Widitz was also at the festival capturing colourful portraits of parade-goers with her iPhone 7 Plus. Her images capture the sweeping diversity of the LGBTQ revellers and their allies.
Ariel Bogle was an associate editor with Mashable in Australia covering technology. Previously, Ariel was associate editor at Future Tense in Washington DC, an editorial initiative between Slate and New America.
