PHOTOS: 2015 Sydney Mardi Gras

Big names in Australian sport were cheered by the crowds as they helped shine a spotlight on homophobia at Saturday's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Over a dozen elite professional athletes led this weekend's parade, including Aussie Rules, rugby, cricket, soccer and Olympic LGBTI athletes.

The Mardi Gras parade is one of the largest gay events in the world. Nearly 10,000 people took part in the parade, watched by hundreds of thousands of people in person and many more through a national TV broadcast.

The first three floats of the parade were dedicated to highlighting: the success of elite gay athletes; the commitment by the major Australian professional sports to promote a more diverse and inclusive sporting environment; and the international success of the Sydney Convicts, who last year won the Bingham Cup, the world cup of gay rugby.

Matthew Mitcham (far right) with three of Australia's well-known Aussie Rules football players: Sydney Swans' Mike Pyke, Nick Smith, and Heath Grundy.

The lead float in the parade.

Getting in the swim of the parade.

Matthew Mitcham and Ji Wallace.

Careful, that glitter gets in everything.

Ladies gone wild.

Elyse Villani and Alex-Blackwell.

The very arresting Sydney Convicts rugby players.

Go-go warm-ups.

Keeping an arm's length apart for safety.

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Cops and centurions: It's just another Sydney Mardi Gras.

Trampled by Pride.

Those gals don't stop, so don't get in the way.

The Human Bingham Cup.

The AFL boys pose with the trophy boys.

Trophy gals.

Taking flight.

Faces tell the truth: This is the most fun party of the year.

Onlookers worth looking at.

Snuggle break for the furries.

Help, I am feeling faint! Is there a nurse in the house?

Zombies, representing zombies.

Following the mating rituals of the bears.

The brigade rolls by.

Rainbow Dyke on a Bike.

Leather pride.

More glorious Dykes on Bikes.

The crowd was huge and very cute.

Check your blood pressure, ma'am?

Wearing their hearts on their signs.

Superheroines unite!

Hey, sailor.

Destiny performs onstage during the Mardi Gras Party at the Entertainment Quarter.

Jessica Mauboy performs during the Mardi Gras Party.

Jake Shears and Courtney Act perform during the Mardi Gras Party.

Jake Shears and Courtney Act onstage at the Mardi Gras Party.