Rainbow Flag Set to Fly in Sydney

The GLBT Pride flag is set to fly above Sydney’s Town Hall during events of significance to the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities, the City of Sydney has announced.

In a first for Sydney, the pride flag – also known as the rainbow flag or the freedom flag – will be hoisted above Town Hall during queer community events such as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the annual Sydney Pride festival.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the decision, which was endorsed unanimously by Council last Tuesday (September 22), reflected the city’s ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting its many GLBT residents, workers and tourists.

According to Clover Moore, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and Pride Week are two of Sydney’s most important community events.

The rainbow flag, which was initially created by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, has become a universally-recognised symbol of pride for queer communities worldwide.

The flag colours represent the diversity of GLBT people and were designed to symbolise life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony (blue) and spirit (purple).

Glittery Golden Mile to be Uncovered in October

The gay golden mile of Oxford Street will be a centre of art, music and performance throughout the month of October as part of the City of Sydney’s ‘Art and About’ initiative.

The ‘Uncover Oxford Street’ festival will feature over 20 events and exhibitions in shopfronts, gardens, galleries and public spaces along Oxford Street, in a celebration of the area’s vibrant and diverse culture.

Highlights of the festival will include the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) Art Tours, a drag queen-led tour of the precinct’s art galleries; the Doppelganger Festival at the Oxford Art Factory, which will allow Sydneysiders to experience Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory, as well as art, design, music and performance from Sydney’s own underground scene; and the ‘Live Green House’ in Taylor Square North – an interactive urban home showcasing sustainable solutions for both house and apartment living.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said Uncover Oxford Street was part of the City’s commitment to revitalising the area under the banner of the Oxford Street Cultural Quarter.

“By working with communities, creative industries and businesses to establish the Oxford Street Cultural Quarter, we are committed to revitalising this area as one of Sydney’s most exciting cultural destinations,” she said.

The full program of Uncover Oxford Street and all Art and About events around Sydney is available at www.artandabout.com.au