TikTok announces Mardi Gras parade float, with G Flip to perform

TikTok Australia will march in the forthcoming Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, with singer-songwriter G Flip at the helm.

The video platform has been announced as a Mardi Gras partner, which involves a month-long celebration of the festival on its app. TikTok’s Mardi Gras program includes a showcase of some of Australia’s rising LGBTQIA+ creators, as well as a new dance challenge by choreographer Leah Howard, set to a remix of G Flip’s recent collaboration with mxmtoon, ‘Queen’.

Remixed by producer Touch Sensitive, ‘Queen’ will be released exclusively on TikTok before arriving on streaming platforms. During the parade, TikTok will broadcast handpicked videos uploaded with the #JoinOurFloat hashtag on large screens. G Flip will also be performing the song in full on TikTok’s parade float.

“I attended Mardi Gras for the first time last year and it was one of the most invigorating, exhilarating and liberating experiences of my entire life,” G Flip said.

“Growing up, LGBTQIA+ content was never pushed to the front of media, so being a part of this campaign warms my heart and I know it will inspire our queer youth to be their authentic selves. I can’t wait to see everyone’s content.”

The 2021 Mardi Gras will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 6. Due to ongoing restrictions, capacity will be capped at 23,000 patrons, with CEO Albert Kruger saying the parade will move away from large floats and more towards “outlandish pageantry of costumes, puppetry and props”.

“Like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, we’re committed to elevating LGBTQIA+ voices and providing an open, inclusive platform where people can show up as their true selves,” TikTok Australia general manager, Lee Hunter, said.

“We’re excited to be marching in the official event, and in the spirit of inclusiveness, giving the wider Australian community the chance to #JoinOurFloat and become a part of Mardi Gras, wherever you are. To our LGBTQIA+ community, we see you, we hear you, and we celebrate you.”

2DayFM is also on board as the festival’s media partner.

@gflipmusic##JoinOurFloat I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO TELL ANYONE BUT NOW I CAN!! I’ll be performing on the TIKTOK float at Mardi Gras 2021!! ?????????♬ Queen {Pride Remix} – G Flip & Touch Sensitive