In a dazzling celebration of identity and pride, Trikone Australia once again brought vibrant South Asian LGBTQIA+ representation to Oxford Street at the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this past weekend. Their “Breaking Free: Pride Uncaged” float captured the essence of this year’s Mardi Gras theme, “Free to Be,” transforming a traditional ‘Pinjra’ (birdcage) into a powerful symbol of liberation and joy.
Established in 2007, Trikone Australia has been a cornerstone for LGBTQIA+ South Asians in Australia, creating a safe space where cultural and queer identities can coexist without compromise. For many participants, the parade represents a rare opportunity to openly celebrate all aspects of their identities at once.
“We’re fuelled by our strong belief that ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it,'” explains Zahra Babuji, Trikone Australia’s Chair. “So, we make sure thousands see us for who we are – LGBTQIA+ South Asians in Australia, unapologetically celebrating our identity without having to compartmentalise our queer and brown expressions.”
The significance of this visibility extends beyond the spectacle of colourful costumes, Bollywood dance, and dhol drums. As South Asians are projected to become Australia’s largest migrant group, Trikone’s advocacy work remains crucial in fostering acceptance and understanding both within the South Asian community and broader Australian society.
For many marchers, this year’s parade was a deeply personal milestone. Mohan Kumar, a 34-year-old participant of Tamil background, shared: “This is the first time ever I had the courage to express my true self unapologetically, breaking free from the cage I’d built in my mind to proudly walk in the parade with my head held high.”
The float featured participants from diverse South Asian backgrounds, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures within the community. Priya Gakhar, one of the few female dhol players in Australia, described the experience as “pure magic,” while Mahesh White-Radhakrishnan celebrated wearing a sari in public for the first time since childhood.
Despite significant legal advancements in some South Asian countries, such as the decriminalisation of same-sex relations in India and Nepal, LGBTQIA+ individuals still face discrimination and lack comprehensive legal protections across much of the region. This reality makes Trikone’s presence at events like Mardi Gras all the more impactful.
“Despite the few hateful comments, I chose all the love and support that I received and ignored the ignorant bunch,” Kumar noted, reflecting the resilience that characterises the community.
For younger members like Smriti Adhikari and Ishika Timsina, both 23 and of Nepali background, marching with Trikone since 2021 has provided a sense of belonging that sustains them throughout the year. “We get to be proud of being brown and queer in equal parts,” they said.
As Sydney’s streets returned to normal after the parade, the impact of Trikone’s presence continues to resonate. In the words of Gaurav Sen, who came out at 34: “Marching with Trikone allowed this opportunity to proudly merge my ethnic heritage with my rainbow coexistence.”
With each passing year, Trikone Australia’s participation in the Mardi Gras Parade serves as both a celebration of how far the community has come and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward full acceptance and equality – embodying their ethos that joy itself can be a form of rebellion.
