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William Yang's Mardi Gras

Participants in the 1995 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade carry large, colourful, abstract posters, flags and sculptures. The scene is set at night with vibrant shapes, patterns, and faces on display.

William Yang, Abstract colour designs on parade float, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, 1985, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136925205

William Yang, Abstract colour designs on parade float, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, 1985, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136925205

Step into the world of William Yang, one of Australia’s most iconic photographers, whose work captures the vibrant heart of our cultural story. This special collection-in-focus display showcases 24 compelling images from Sydney Mardi Gras festivals between 1981 and 2003.

There was abstraction, colour and movement, and a certain innocent joie de vivre.

William Yang

Through themes of protest, community, art and remembrance, Yang’s lens brings to life the energy, creativity, and resilience of a movement. From dazzling parades to intimate moments, his photography is a vivid tribute to a festival that continues to inspire and unite.

Discover the power of Yang’s storytelling in this celebration of identity, artistry and collective memory.

A black-and-white portrait of William Yang standing alone on an empty road, holding a camera. The road stretches behind Yang as he gazes straight into the camera in a solemn pose.

Robert McFarlane, Photographer William Yang holding a camera with an image of a road being projected behind him, 1990s, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-152388612

Robert McFarlane, Photographer William Yang holding a camera with an image of a road being projected behind him, 1990s, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-152388612

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Exhibition highlights

A participant at the 1993 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras wears a white ball gown with silver detailing and holds a sign reading 'It Takes Balls to be a Fairy.' The participant, with a blonde wig and makeup, strikes a playful pose, contributing to the lively atmosphere.

William Yang, Fairy, [it takes balls to be a fairy], Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, 1983, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136859502

A black-and-white group photo of participants from the Asian Lesbian and Gay Pride Group at the 1994 Mardi Gras. The group wears theatrical costumes with fans and headpieces, posing together with smiling faces, showcasing cultural pride and creative expression.

William Yang, Asian Lesbian and Gay Pride Group at Mardi Gras, 1993, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-146597233

Two participants in elaborate costumes at the 1994 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The costume on the left resembles a large clock, with black and gold details. The right costume is yellow and black, with a feathered headdress and metallic elements.

William Yang, Ron Muncaster & Jacques Straetmans, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, 1994, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136859182

Browse more of Yang’s work online

More to see and do

Coffee with the Curator
Happy Mardi Gras: An evening with William Yang
Buy the book
Pink and Green Bans

More to explore

Over the shoulder of woman using laptop. On her screen she is using Trove to look at digitised handwritten notes from a lecture
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Two demonstrators stand on a structure at Parliament House, Canberra, raising their arms in the air beside an Australian Coat of Arms sculpture. A large peace flag is draped over the emblem. The black-and-white image captures the scene from below, with a cloudy sky in the background.

Sean Davey, Demonstrators drape a peace flag over the Coat of Arms, Iraq War protest, Great Verandah, Parliament House, Canberra, 2003, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147381669

Research guides
Use our gender and sexuality protests research guide as a gateway to collection items illustrating Australia’s LGBTQIA+ history.
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A group of four people who are very colourfully dressed, holding signs in a park. There are more groups of colourful people in the background.

Jiayuan (Tyr) Liang, The LGBTIQA+ Communities Assemble at Light Square Before at the Pride March, Adelaide, 5 November, 2022, nla.obj-3144558245

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Exhibition details
26 Jun - 01 Dec 2024
9:00am – 5:00pm
Free
Treasures Gallery
Gallery closed

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