35 years of Mardi Gras and gay rights

The Sydney Mardi Gras will this year celebrate 35 years of campaigning for gay rights. Source: AAP

SYDNEY Mardi Gras organisers say the call for marriage equality will be loud and proud as the annual festival celebrates 35 years of gay pride.

This year's gay parade and festival will take the theme Generations of Love, a reference to the first Mardi Gras march in Sydney in 1978 and the ongoing struggle for equality.

"We reminisce about the turbulent beginnings of 1978 and the people who received a violent reception on that occasion," said City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore as she raised a rainbow flag over Sydney Town Hall on Friday to mark the start of the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras.

"It's honouring all those who have worked and stood up for respect, equality, and for acceptance," Ms Moore said.

"They started a momentum which has brought us to where we are now."

Peter Urmson, co-chair of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, said the anniversary was an important milestone for Australia's gay and lesbian community.

"We wouldn't be here where we are today if it wasn't for the 78ers," he said.

Mr Urmson said Australia's political leaders should emulate US president Barack Obama and British prime minister David Cameron's support for marriage equality.

"Political leaders from around the world are starting to acknowledge the need for change and to move to equality," he said.

"Our message will be very loud and strong, again and again, until the political leaders in Australia stand up."

Ms Moore said the Sydney Mardi Gras would continue to push for equality and gay rights as well as celebrate the gay community's achievements.

"It has a really important message beyond the glitz and glamour - it's about inclusion and acceptance," she said.

"It hasn't outgrown its relevance. It's more relevant than ever."

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