Fridae

We're still a long way from 'normal' for this major queer event.

With photos by Hamid Mousa courtesy of SBS, we take you through the highlights of Sydney's epic Mardis Gras

Allegations of police brutality at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade last weekend have been reported as a video of a teen being handcuffed and thrown to the ground by a policeman after the parade has gone viral and from a second man who has come forward.

Malaysia-based AirAsia is an official sponsor of the Sydney Mardi Gras for the first time which is also a first for any mainstream Asia-based company.

While Mardi Gras marchers perfect their moves for the parade on Saturday, New Mardi Gras chair Marcus Bourget reflects on changes to the festival since 1978.

Doug Sanders reports on "Queer Asian Sites," the second International Conference of Asian Queer Studies, which was held back to back with "Queer Space: Centres and Peripheries" in the lead up to the Mardi Gras parade in Sydney last weekend.

With the shut down happening just days ahead of the big Mardi Gras parade and party weekend, last Sunday's drug bust has somewhat dampened moods in the Australian city as some fear similar action by the police.

The Sydney Mardi Gras organisers are accused of locking rival online groups out of the upcoming parade and Fair Day. The Australian federal government is considering a plan for a new A$10 million sexual health campaign targeting gay men. In Britain, Catholic adoption agencies will not be exempted from anti-discrimination laws.