When Australia said 'Yes' to same-sex marriage in this year's postal survey, founder of James 'Breko' Brechney took the joyous opportunity to propose to his partner of 2 and a half years, Stuart Henshall.
Their engagement was covered all around the world (), and the couple have decided to follow up on their high-profile engagement with an even bigger wedding.
James confirmed on social media this morning that he and Stuart will be getting married at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2018, on top of one of the official event floats.
The couple will be saying 'I do' as the float passes over the rainbow crossing at Taylor Square on Oxford Street, which James explains is very symbolic to him.
"In 2013, when the government tore up the rainbow crossing [on Oxford Street], I chalked a rainbow crossing behind my terrace house. People started chalking rainbows all over the world, and it ended up going viral," he tells SBS Sexuality.
"So we'll be getting married right at the moment the float crosses over that rainbow crossing - so it's all come full circle!"
Their wedding venue choice means that James and Stuart will likely be the first same-sex couple ever to be legally wed at the annual Mardi Gras, and their wedding will fall on a particularly symbolic year.
2018 is the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and will remember , where a peaceful celebration and march for equal rights for the LGBTQI+ community - particularly the decriminalisation of homosexuality - turned into. Many were assaulted, and 53 people were arrested that evening. Their arrests were posted in the Sydney Morning Herald the following day, along with names and photographs, which resulted in LGBTQI+ people being forcibly outed to loved ones and colleagues, and consequently facing heavy persecution.
The milestone anniversary of the Mardi Gras will remember those who fought for equal rights then, and celebrate the progression of the LGBTQI+ community in the last 40 years - particularly, the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage.
The couple are thrilled to be marrying on such a special milestone for Australia's LGBTQI+ community.
"It's incredible," says James. "[Our wedding will] be part of a moment in history. I can't really describe it - it's going to be a really magical, really powerful moment. What a great way to start our life together as husband and husband!"
James says they may have a reception on another day for family and friends, seeing as their Mardi Gras float will only hold 80 people - the couple's "wedding party", he says. But James is very excited to be sharing his and Stuart's special day with thousands and thousands of fellow members of Australia's LGBTQI community.
"I'm not shy darling, so I'll love it!" he laughs. "We were saying that while we'll officially get married at Taylor Square, we might have to have some 'emulations' along the parade, just to share the love with everybody, so everyone gets to see it.
"We're happy to get married ten times on the parade, so everybody can share it with us."
