Controversial parade moment sparks outrage as debate over funding heats up

A long-celebrated event brings the city to life with a vibrant display of inclusivity and diversity. The festival fills the streets with colours in a grand celebration of community and culture.

However, this year's festivities have been overshadowed by a controversy that has ignited a fiery debate across the nation, with some Australians calling for the defunding of the iconic parade.


At the heart of the dispute is a provocative photo featuring prominent First Nations drag queen Felicia Foxx, also known as Wendell French, who participated in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras adorned in traditional war paint, a red cloth, and red leather thigh-high boots.

The image that sparked the outrage shows Foxx holding a spear to the chest of another performer, who is leaning against a tree in a pose reminiscent of Jesus on the cross.


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Felicia Foxx's stunt sparked controversy at Sydney Mardi Gras. Credit: Facebook


The photo, which was shared online by Foxx and others, has since become a lightning rod for criticism from various quarters, including Christian groups, First Nations people, and free-speech advocates.

The depiction has been labelled by some as a mockery of Christianity and Indigenous culture, raising questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the role of taxpayer funding in supporting such events.

Charlie Bakhos, a Christian podcaster, took to social media to express his dismay, questioning whether the image constituted hate speech and calling for accountability from national leaders.


Cumberland Council councillor and former mayor Steve Christou echoed these sentiments, condemning the act as disrespectful to religious beliefs and questioning the government's financial support for the festival.

'It is disgraceful that people's religion is being openly mocked with an individual dressed like an Aboriginal stripper pretending to spear Jesus,' he said.

'Any other religion this would be considered a hate crime. No Religion deserves to be mocked.'

'Why is Government taxpayer money funding these festivals.'

The debate has also stirred discussions about the limits of free speech, with some defending the right to provocative expression as a cornerstone of a free society.

In contrast, others argue that such displays cross the line into offensiveness and should not be publicly funded.


Other Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ activists have defended Foxx's performance following the backlash.

Bebe Oliver, a First Nations author and director of Indigenous press Magabala Books, shared an essay highlighting the homophobia and transphobia evident in the criticism and praised Foxx for their authentic representation of Black Queer identity.

'It is drenched in homophobia and transphobia, transmisogny. It breaks my heart, and I've been crying about people's responses. As a Black Queer showing up as their authentic selves for Mardi Gras, it should be celebrated that they are showing us what is possible for us.'

The controversy has opened up a broader conversation about the intersection of culture, religion, and sexuality and how marginalised communities navigate their identities in the public sphere.

'Speak against Felicia and her expression and embodiment of self, and use culture and lore as your argument, and I will remove you from my circle regardless of who you are,' Mr Oliver wrote.

'If in your book Felicia is unable to be whole, then in the same text neither am I.'

'Keep your misguided silo views to yourself and let (people) be exactly who they are.'


As the debate rages on, it's clear that the Mardi Gras photo has touched a nerve in Australian society, challenging us to consider the complexities of cultural representation and the values we hold dear.

It's a reminder that deep-seated issues require our attention and understanding, even in celebration.
Key Takeaways

  • A prominent First Nations drag queen, Felicia Foxx, has caused controversy with a stunt during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
  • The provocative photo of Foxx dressed in war paint and holding a spear elicited strong reactions online, with some accusing it of mocking Christianity and Indigenous culture.
  • Various individuals, including politicians and community members, have called for defunding the parade, citing the controversial imagery as a reason.
  • Backlash against Foxx's actions prompted a defence from other Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ activists, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and authentic self-expression during Mardi Gras.
How do you feel about the use of provocative imagery in public festivals? Should taxpayer money be used to fund events that may offend certain groups? And how do we balance the right to free expression with respect for diverse beliefs and cultures? Join the conversation and let us know where you stand on this contentious issue.
 

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The visual of inferred Violence by ANY individual against another is at once traumatic and intimidating, incites violence and ultimately , for me, in todays global grip of brutality, causes and results in palpable FEAR for personal AND community safety. There ARE no excuses!
 
I really don't care who people want to have sex with, or how, so Mardi Gras to me is just a bunch of narcissists who do nothing good for Australia. But each year, the 'look at me, look at me' gets me outrageous. Now they will be over the moon, they've got the churches involved, and acts of violence, and everyone is talking about them. It's so exciting for them, it will spice up their weird fetishes no end! I would prefer that everyone just ignored them and let them fade away into their nothingness, but the media will never do that, unfortunately.
 
Nothing cultural about this photo - it is an insult of the first order to both indigenous Australians and Australian Catholics. If it was a Moslem depicted there would be an almighty uproar.
As for the Mardi-Gras - I don't have a problem with it but why is the government tipping money into it? A lot more needy causes that need govt assistance (pensions, col, housing etc etc)
 
Tax payers should definitely not fund Mardi gras and Clover Moore should fund it as she waste so much on tax payers money.

I worked on a Saturday in Sydney cbd for many years and hated travelling home during sat night at Mardi gras, it was anything goes and really disgusting.

If people want to be with the same sex then I don't judge but just don't put it on show and make it normal.

Definitely do not use Jesus or anyone else in this evil parade. Very disrespectful
 
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1. WAR PAINT???? Seriously, who did they gonto war with?
2. FIRST NATIONS?????? Please. They were just nomadic mobs who wandered around making sure they didn’t go hungry, and were keeping up with the Joness in the mobs next door.
3. These aboriginal names????? Please don't use them. Many places never had a name. They were just places. For instance, do you really believe they paddled their bark canoes out into the ocean to go to FRASER Island. Don't think so.
This Woke garbage needs to stop.
If you don't like my opinion, then go and have a cup of hot harden the ₩¥£€ up. Or just ring 1800 I don't give a £☆♡₩.
And yes I do see it as a very rude and uncaring parody of the Crucifixion of Christ. They will be judged.
 
Tax payers should definitely fund Mardi gras and Clover Moore should fund it as she waste so much on tax payers money.

I worked on a Saturday in Sydney cbd for many years and hated travelling home during sat night at Mardi gras, it was anything goes and really disgusting.

If people want to be with the same sex then I don't judge but just don't put it on show and make it normal.

Definitely do not use Jesus or anyone else in this evil parade. Very disrespectful
:mad: NO! We the tax payers should not be funding this rubbish. The government already gives aboriginals billions of dollars in tax payers money every year.
 
Why is this event taxpayer funded?
Why do we pander to these minority groups,especially these deluded idiots with mental issues?
Why should the public be exposed to their sick, depraved behaviour?
Is it any wonder the world is fucked, when shit like this is considered normal.
 
The opening sentence states, "A long-celebrated event brings the city to life with a vibrant display of inclusivity and diversity."

Well clearly it is NOT inclusive of everyone. Christ is unwelcome. Why would that be do you reckon?

With such rank hypocrisy, why should they expect, yet alone receive, public financial support?
 
1. WAR PAINT???? Seriously, who did they gonto war with?
2. FIRST NATIONS?????? Please. They were just nomadic mobs who wandered around making sure they didn’t go hungry, and were keeping up with the Joness in the mobs next door.
3. These aboriginal names????? Please don't use them. Many places never had a name. They were just places. For instance, do you really believe they paddled their bark canoes out into the ocean to go to FRASER Island. Don't think so.
This Woke garbage needs to stop.
If you don't like my opinion, then go and have a cup of hot harden the ₩¥£€ up. Or just ring 1800 I don't give a £☆♡₩.
And yes I do see it as a very rude and uncaring parody of the Crucifixion of Christ. They will be judged.
Well put opinion Kman. Remember someone asking my very conservative husband many years ago, what do you think of the gays? His answer, I don’t care as long as I don’t have to do it. Nuff said.
 
I don’t think much shocks us any more, we’ve become accustomed to very one doing exactly what they want, when they want. It’s a sad world where no one gives a stuff if people are offended or upset by their actions as long as they are getting the attention they crave so much.
 
Nothing cultural about this photo - it is an insult of the first order to both indigenous Australians and Australian Catholics. If it was a Moslem depicted there would be an almighty uproar.
As for the Mardi-Gras - I don't have a problem with it but why is the government tipping money into it? A lot more needy causes that need govt assistance (pensions, col, housing etc etc)
I think the jesus man is meant to represent Christianity as a whole, not just Catholics.
 
My first and probably last thought about it when I saw it - seeing as it’s a parade and continually moving imagine how hilarious the pair of them looked running down the road to get to another tree so they could present the tableau to a new section of the audience!! I doubt this would’ve actually happened because once they had a photo of the first that was all they needed and then they got on enjoying the night with the rest of the crowd.
 
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They will have to face Jesus one day. Then they will see how much fun it is to mock Him. God help them. As a Christian I am absolutely disgusted that this is allowed to happen, and the government including Albo who walks in the front of the parade, are expecting tax payers to fund it. UNBELIEVABLE.
 
Nothing cultural about this photo - it is an insult of the first order to both indigenous Australians and Australian Catholics. If it was a Moslem depicted there would be an almighty uproar.
As for the Mardi-Gras - I don't have a problem with it but why is the government tipping money into it? A lot more needy causes that need govt assistance (pensions, col, housing etc etc)
Can you imagine!!
 

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