Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world's most iconic queer cultural institutions – a program of 145+ events, a global community, and for many, one of the most important moments of the year. Now in its 48th year, it represents far more than a festival. As queer rights are being stripped away across the world, Mardi Gras has never been more important as a visible, defiant act of community.