SYDNEY, Australia - British actor Rupert Everett and 250 men dressed as pop singer Kylie Minogue were among 8,000 revelers who marched through Sydney late Saturday for the 29th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The yearly parade began as a street demonstration in 1978, but has since morphed into one of the city's biggest outdoor parties, attracting thousands of spectators from around the world.
New South Wales state police said about 350,000 people packed the sidewalks of Oxford street - the center of Sydney's gay scene - to catch a glimpse of the colorful floats bearing messages both political and playful.
Everett, an openly gay actor who has often complained about Hollywood's homophobia, was the parade chief.
"I think it's time for us to give back, to care about each other, and to fight for others - gay and straight - who ... don't have a voice just when they most need to be heard," said Everett, who played Julia Roberts' gay friend in "My Best Friend's Wedding" and also starred in 2002's "The Importance of Being Earnest."
One of the largest displays featured some 250 Minogue impersonators dubbed the "Impossible Princesses," while another float titled the Unkultured Klub of Karma Kleaners honored the former Culture Club lead singer Boy George.
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