Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras paints Sydney in shades of diversity

The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has celebrated LGBTQ rights for the past 38 years (Photo: AP)

Participants turn up in large numbers as floats are dedicated to a specific cause (Photo: AP)

A woman spins a flashing hula hoop as she prepares for the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney (Photo: AP)

The parade was first held in 1979 and LGBTQ rights in Australia have come a long way (Photo: AP)

A Participant prepare for the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade by applying glitter to himself in Sydney (Photo: AP)

Participants dance before for the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney (Photo: AP)

The event is a push forward for the fight for LGBTQ across the world (Photo: AP)