This weekend, as most of us continue to (mostly) quarantine, or seek out a vaccination appointment, some in Australia will be headed out to Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Because that country has kept its outbreaks under control, the massive annual event is going to return in a limited capacity which will include a debut of the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under queens. But some Australians are certainly thinking of freer times.
In a photo series being released here on Out, photographer Elvis Di Fazio revisits the 2019 iteration of the event. "I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to document the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras parade," they tell Out of the reportage-style series. "The exploration here is more focused on the LGBTQI+ communities from generations past and the colorful characters that -- in my opinion -- embody a more throwback charm."
"I love that you can capture someone in character, wearing full costume head-to-toe and for a moment the mask drops," the creative continues of the project, which sought to depict more intimate moments. "That's the instant you see that inner child that just wants to play, be seen, belong, and feel safe. "
