RuPaul’s Drag Race–alumna Courtney Act has been partnering with MTV Australia (and MTV Pride) to promote the raucous event that takes over Sydney. Now that Act has a date to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, she’s busy preparing for this weekend’s festivities where thousands and thousands gather to watch the massive parade (complete with floats and celebrities) and all-night parties.

Act, though, wants us to remember that Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras hasn’t always been a celebration. It began in the late 70s as a way for the community to demand equal rights, and although things have changed drastically since then, there is still a lot of work to be done in Australia—it is currently the only English-speaking Western country without marriage equality.

Watch the three-minute video below, and have a happy, safe, and ridiculous good time Sydney!

Courtney Act’s Herstory of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 'It wasn’t always sequined hot pants, fake tan and glitter'Courtney Act explains why the world needs The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras now more than ever!#mtvpride Posted by MTV Australia on Tuesday, February 28, 2017