The University of Wollongong's AllsortsQueer Collective has chosen to stick to the tried and true glitter and rainbows theme for their Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras float decorations.
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First-time marchers Hayley Jean and Meg Warren expect to be covered in glitter flecks for weeks with the shiny substance commonly known as "the herpes of craft supply" among veteran attendees of the world famous event.
"We're really excited to be represent UOW and to join regional LGBTQI communities spread across the state coming to the march," Ms Jean said.
UOW's collective will join more than 300,000 revellers at this weekend's annual parade, now in its 36th year.
The parade initially commemorated the 1969 Stonewall riot in New York, one of the first gay rights protests which ended in violence and 53 arrests at a time when homosexuality was criminalised.
Now Mardi Gras is a month-long event spanning family-friendly Fair Day and film festivals transforming into one of Australia's drawcard celebrations.
Ms Warren said Illawarra's LGBTQI community faced an additional set of issues to their metropolitan peers.
With the closure of Castros bar, no other visible LGBTQI-friendly venue has replaced the nightclub as a place for the community to rally around.
"We have to go to Sydney for a night out, there's nothing here," she said. "We need to be seen more in Wollongong, we need young people to see us and for people to know that we're here."
