The ABC is proud to announce a diverse and talented family of presenters will host the 44th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in an unforgettable evening celebrating community and pride, live from the Sydney Cricket Ground.
TV journalist and presenter Hamish Macdonald (he/him) will be joined by ABCQueer's Mon Schafter (they/them) and comedian Steven Oliver (he/him) in anchoring the parade. They will be supported by incredible on-the-ground hosts including drag icon and TV personality Courtney Act (she/her), Australian Idol winner and performer Casey Donovan (she/her) and ABC NEWS' Jeremy Fernandez (he/him).
To ensure every minute of the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is available to as many Australians as possible, it will be live and exclusive on Saturday 5 March across these ABC channels;
- ABC iview and third-party streaming platforms from 6:30pm AEDT
- ABC TV from 7:30pm AEDT
- triple j, including the triple j and ABC listen apps
- ABC Local Radio Evenings from 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Hamish Macdonald said, "What better excuse for us all to get together and have a big ol' party!? I'm thrilled and honoured to be hosting the Mardi Gras for the ABC. It is an event that brings the whole community together to celebrate, to laugh, and (hopefully, Covid notwithstanding) hug friends enthusiastically. I can't wait to join Mon, Steven, Courtney, Casey & Jez to help share this event with the whole nation."
Mon Schafter said, "I'm really looking forward to being able to celebrate my community who I love so much, with the whole of Australia. I feel like on this night all my worlds come together. It's 'Queer Christmas' and everyone's invited!"
Steven Oliver said, "I've been in Mardi Gras quite a few times, I've been a roving reporter, I've opened Mardi Gras with the spoken word, but this is the first time actually hosting so I'm really looking forward to making the ABC the GayBC!"
The ABC has a long history of supporting LGBTQIA+ Australians and was the first media organisation to televise Mardi Gras in 1994. This year, as the ABC turns 90, it reaffirms its role in connecting queer communities across Australia and as the home of Australia's premier live events. Mardi Gras' return to the ABC is part of a three-year deal which also includes Sydney WorldPride in 2023 and offers exclusive broadcast rights across TV, triple j and ABC Radio.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world's largest and most loved LGBTQIA+ celebrations. This year's theme, United We Shine, signifies that LGBTQIA+ communities shine brighter together, and by standing up against hate and inequality as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.
In his first live performance in Australia in a decade, singer-songwriter Darren Hayes returns home to head up a superstar line-up for this year's Parade.
Fresh off the back of the release of his new track: 'Let's Try Being In Love', Hayes' Mardi Gras performance will mark his 20th year as a solo recording artist, as well the 25th anniversary of Savage Garden's acclaimed debut, self-titled album.
The Parade will also feature a special performance from Australian music legend, Vanessa Amorosi and ARIA-nominated singer songwriter Mo'Ju, as well as a performance that rainbow families everywhere will enjoy by the globally iconic children's entertainers, The Wiggles.
In addition to the live broadcasts, ABC will also present LGBTQIA+ programs across the network including:
- A collection of LGBTQIA+ Interest programs on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/collection/lgbtqia
- On ABC listen, Innies & Outies presented by Mon Schafter: https://abclisten.page.link/innies-and-outies
