Sydney celebrates inclusion and diversity at #SydneyMardiGras

The world famous #SydneyMardiGras sent Twitter users into overdrive, and for the first time, @TwitterAU was an official partner of @sydneymardigras, to help spread the message of acceptance and diversity.

Our @TwitterAU team glittered up for the festivities to help support our passionate employee resource group, @TwitterOpen, that fosters a strong internal community and raises awareness of acceptance issues facing the LGBTI community.

And this year, we made the #SydneyMardiGras even bigger, by collaborating with Destination NSW (@sydney_sider) and Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb (@bridgeclimb) on a world-first, live Periscope karaoke session — from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Music artists Samantha Jade (@sjademusic), Reece Mastin (@reecemastin), and Bonnie Anderson (@BonnieAnderson_) climbed to the top of the bridge and belted out party tunes to get everyone in the spirit.

We also transformed the #BlueRoom into the #RainbowRoom, a colourful display of pride, as we hosted a range of special guests for live performances and Q&As.

Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst (@ConchitaWurst) shared advice on how to come out to your parents:

SBS Australia (@SBS) Mardi Gras hosts Tom Ballard (@tomcballard), Faustina Agolley (@faustinathefuzz), and Patrick Abboud (@patrickabboud) discussed how people can be good allies around Mardi Gras:

Marriage equality campaigner and Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich MP (@AlexGreenwich), shared how he would be celebrating Mardi Gras this year:

Courtney Act (@courtneyact) shared her hopes for the queer community:

Cyrus Villanueva (@cyrusvill) performed his latest single “Keep Talking”:

Bonnie Anderson (@BonnieAnderson_) gave tips to her fans on how to take the perfect selfie:

Hands Like Houses (@handslikehouses) showed their support by telling fans to be themselves no matter who they love:

See more of the fantastic Tweets from this year’s #SydneyMardiGras:

#SydneyMardiGras