Australia observed a moment of silence at Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras Pride, a week following the tragic deaths of a gay couple, journalist Jesse Baird, 26, and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, 29, whose bodies were discovered at a rural property outside Sydney.
Beaumont Lamarre-Condon faces two counts of murder in connection with the incident.
While Mardi Gras organizers initially sought to exclude police presence from the event, negotiations led to the inclusion of plain-clothed officers.
During the parade, participants paused to honor the memory of Mr. Baird and Mr. Davies, described as an opportunity for collective reflection and solidarity.
Qantas, Mr. Davies’ former employer, paid tribute to him on its parade float, honoring his legacy as a former cabin crew member.
Gil Beckwith, the CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, announced that this year’s parade theme is “Our Future,” emphasizing reflection on the past and recognizing the community’s progress over the past few decades.
Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade has a multifaceted history, intertwining LGBT activism and instances of police brutality. The inaugural march in 1978 witnessed numerous participants being subjected to violence and arrest by local law enforcement.
Despite the adversity faced, this event is now regarded as a pivotal moment of resistance, laying the groundwork for Australia’s contemporary LGBT rights movement. It also prompted reforms addressing homophobic legislation and law enforcement practices.
Uniformed police have participated in Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade for the last two decades, but this year’s organisers said the decision to ban officers was essential to create a safe environment “to protest, celebrate” and “honour and grieve those we’ve lost”.
Police allege the killings were “of a domestic nature” and not a “gay-hate crime”.
On February 23rd, Mr. Lamarre-Condon, a senior constable with the New South Wales Police, faced charges of murdering Mr. Davies and Mr. Baird. Allegedly, he used his police-issued handgun in the incident.
The 28-year-old, who had a prior relationship with Mr. Baird, has not yet entered a plea.