We ask Courtney Africa, “What matters?”

Inspired by the theme of Mardi Gras 2020.

Inspired by the theme of Mardi Gras 2020, we asked Sydneysiders how they mark the occasion and importantly, ‘What matters to you?’

I am... Courtney Africa, a 34 year old “not a girl not yet a woman” living in Sydney. I work in the TV industry as a floor manager and assistant director. At risk of sounding cliché, I love to travel and take the most pleasure in life from eating great food and drinking even greater wine. My father is South African and spending time in Africa with my family has been a magical and eye-opening part of my time here on planet Earth. I am a dreamer, a hopeless romantic and a laugh-worthy hypochondriac. I’m sure no one cares but my last meal would be a medley of anything you can make with potatoes.

This year’s Mardi Gras plans... are still in the works. In previous years it begins with pre drinks and getting ready with a bunch of friends, ranging from gay, bi to straight or curious. We then find a few milk crates to balance on whilst watching the parade, find a bar close to Oxford Street and then hit one of the parties. I think everyone needs to experience the official after party at least once – although it’s not for the faint hearted.

I love... to dress up in costume and express a different side of myself so I generally wear something a little out there. Latex has been a heavy theme over the years as has a good shoe for dancing.

Mardi Gras is... a celebration of sexuality. A celebration of love, equality, unity and self expression. A night that recognises the queer community in Sydney and all the joy and sparkle they bring to our wonderful city. It is absolutely important that Australia marks the occasion. The very start of the Sydney Mardi Gras stemmed from a global lack of rights and acceptance for cultural minorities. In 1978 a group of gay, lesbian and transgender people went out onto the street to march against discrimination and celebrate their culture. The outcome was sadly shocking police brutality and mass media coverage. The following year the March tripled in size with no police interference. How far this event has come is both inspiring and a wonderful representation of changed public attitudes in our country.

My first time… I was in Year 10 at school when I went into the city and watched my first parade. I remember being filled with emotion and an overwhelming sense of pride.

As for prep, I make sure I have my outfit sorted. Definitely more OTT than my usual get up. That generally involves a few trips to costume shops and the now closed ‘House of Fetish.’ RIP – that shop was the tits!

My most memorable... Mardi Gras was probably 7ish years ago. I was single at the time and many of my friends that I usually celebrate Mardi Gras with were living overseas. I ended up party hopping alone, at about party number three I met a straight girl from Bondi who was out to celebrate her gay friends, she had lost everyone so we joined forces and partied until the next day. She is still a friend now and that will always be one of our greatest nights out!

What matters most to me… The health and happiness of myself and my loved ones. I lost my Mum to cancer 4 years ago – she is my hero, my inspiration and my angel. So, yeah without a doubt, your health is your greatest wealth. Both physical and mental. Look after it and each other! Happy Mardi Gras Sydney!