Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Barry O’Farrell and the Lord Mayor of Sydney have all released statements of support for the Sydney Mardi Gras at the start of its 2013 festival season.

‘I warmly welcome everyone who has come to share in Sydney Mardi Gras 2013,’ reads Gillard’s statement in the 2013 festival guide.

‘This parade and wider festival are a wonderful expression of [LGBTI] identity, and a sign of how far we have come in just one generation. The 35th Sydney Mardi Gras is truly a time for optimism, pride and celebration.

‘Music and passion!’ wrote Premier O’Farrell, ‘The Sydney Mardi Gras has become one of our city’s iconic events.’

‘It is also one of Sydney’s biggest attractions, drawing thousands here each year. The NSW Government is proud to again partner with the organizers to stage this 35th vibrant celebration of diversity and acceptance.’

Lord Mayor Clover Moore wrote, ‘Each year Sydney Mardi Gras celebrates Sydney’s diversity, vitality and tolerance, making a major contribution to Australia’s cultural life.’

‘I look forward to continuing my long association with Sydney Mardi Gras in 2013 by once again raising the Rainbow Flag over Sydney and joining my gay and lesbian friends in the Parade.

Moore will be presiding over a flag raising ceremony with the independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, that will hoist the Rainbow Flag over Sydney’s Town Hall for the Mardi Gras season this Friday.

Another politician taking part in this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras is Australian Greens leader Christine Milne who will be marching with her son in the Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) marching group.

Milne will also speak at Women Say Something: Generations of Women – a sell out event put on by the Mardi Gras Women’s Committee celebrating women.

Gay Star News is an Official Supporter of the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras and this year’s international media partner.