For the first time in three years, Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade hit the road on Oxford Street on Saturday night. 

In a celebration of LGBTQIA+ love and equality, Anthony Albanese joined 12,000 on the Oxford Street pilgrimage, making history as Australia’s first sitting Prime Minister to march in the parade. 

“It’s unfortunate that I am the first, but this is a celebration of modern Australia … a diverse and inclusive Australia,” he told ABC’s Jeremy Fernandez. 

“We need to be a country that respects everyone for who they are.”

Marching in his 35th Mardi Gras, Albanese paid tribute to the 78ers – the protesters from the original march 45 years ago ″⁣who were thrown in jail” for expressing and celebrating their sexuality. 

“We need to continue to argue for equality,” he said.

The prime minister appeared alongside NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Recapping the night on Instagram, Albanese shared a photo of the Labor float as he walked with his colleagues, writing, “When the first Mardi Gras march was held in 1978, you could still be arrested for being gay.”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Anthony Albanese (@albomp)

“In the decades since, people dedicated their lives toward the campaign for equality. To be accepted as equal and recognised for who they are and who they love.”

“I’ve been proudly marching in @sydneymardigras since the 80s. This year I’m honoured to be the first Prime Minister to join the march.”

Aussies were quick to praise the Prime Minister’s actions, with one person commenting, “Never thought I would see this in my lifetime! Thank you 👏😘🙏🏻.”

Another supporter took aim at the previous government, saying “If ScoMo was the win for the “the quiet Australian”, you have to be the PM for those who can no longer be quiet, for those that want and deserve to be heard. Thanks for leading through listening and walking with, thanks for including and sharing. 🌈 🙌”

Another shared their gratitude for the PM, writing, “People can only be what they can see – to see our PM embracing equality, diversity and inclusiveness is a wonderful example to see. Bravo Albo 👏.”

Image credits: InstagramÂ