Felicia Foxx responds to criticism over Mardi Gras outfit

Drag artist Felicia Foxx has responded to criticism of her Mardi Gras outfit following intense debate on social media.

The First Nations Artist’s interpretation of the Mardi Gras theme ‘Free To Be’ has caused controversy online this week.

With the Australian Christian Lobby calling for the defunding of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Felicia Foxx wore a cultural lore garment paired with high-heeled boots.

Mixed reactions to the outfit sparked controversy online.

Foxx posted a series of images online including one with a person dressed as Jesus Christ.

Pictured in the holding area of the parade, Christ had their arms outstretched against a tree.

Foxx in their Queer Blak Warrior look was holding up a spear to the figure.

The performer from the Gamilaraay tribe addressed the criticism on Facebook.

Saying they had faced accusations of disrespecting culture, not being a part of Aboriginal heritage, and misrepresenting traditional songlines.

Felicia Foxx’s statement read:

“You have probably read or heard the serious mistreatment I have been facing due to the phenomenal outfit I graced you with at this years Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.”

“I also played part in a photo opportunity with someone dressed up as Jesus.

“The theme of this year’s Mardi Gras 2025 was “Free To Be” and the interpretation of the First Nations Float was Blak Royalty.”

“I participated in the parade this year wearing a red lap lap, fishing spear, thigh-high red boots and a red g-string.

“The ochre that I adorned my body with and most importantly, I painted myself to a certain standard that followed cultural protocol that a Kamilaroi man would do as such.”

“I’ve been told that my outfit was disrespectful.”

Foxx responded to people saying they are not a part of the Aboriginal culture.

“My ancestors would be turning in their graves & I’ve even been told that Gay, two-spirited and Gender diverse people did not exist in our song lines.

“I decided wholeheartedly and genuinely that I was wearing the outfit I wore to align with the theme “Free To Be” and our First Nations float theme “Blak Royalty”.

“My interpretation of this year’s theme was that you as an individual were free of restraints from society, free of gender roles, free of bigotry and free to be whomever you choose to be.

“I am a Gay Aboriginal man who lives simultaneously with my Queerness and Culture 365 days a year,

“I can’t put my culture aside for my queerness nor put my queerness aside for my culture.

“I decided to put myself in all my glory being so proud of my everyday identity on display in this outfit,

“With the intent that I would be the visibility and representation that I never got to see growing up as a young queer, Aboriginal boy.

“We are living in a society where culture is constantly evolving and I Wendell French aka Felicia Foxx am a proud gay, Aboriginal man,

“Who is constantly evolving with society and I made a stand to showcase to the world that I am a Queer man who has Cultural ties.”

If you don’t like it then go Nik your Nanny

“We have one of the most progressive and rich cultures on this earth to allow colonial ways to deteriorate our amazing black strong minds.” the statement read.

“Pre-colonial times and back in the times before white man settled we had Gay, Trans, Two spirited people belonging to different Nations across this continent.

“There are numerous nations with dialect that translate, Transgender and two-spirited peoples that still exist.

“We have and always will exist in our culture and community as queer people.”

Foxx shared their thoughts and feelings on the controversial image of them holding a spear to Jesus.

“Everyone knows that colonialism brought the churches here onto Aboriginal land and forced Christianity, the bible and Jesus/God down my peoples throats.

“They were set up on missionaries and were taught the so called way that humanity should live, taking away the culture, language, traditional practices…etc.

“The image of myself holding that spear to someone dressed like Jesus was a stance for the truth telling when it comes to pre colonialism and what the churches, colonialists & genocidest did to our people.

“We talk about truth-telling in society today yet when myself someone who is apart of the race that the church tried to bred, wipe out it’s an outcry.

“This is my truth and if you don’t like it then you don’t like the truth!!

“WELCOME TO 2025 – Where I am FREE TO BE ME AND SPEAK MY TRUTH

“If you don’t like it then go Nik your Nanny”

Nothing in this photo is disrespectful

Guy James Whitworth, the photographer of the Foxx & Jesuss photo responded to the controversy on Facebook.

“Last Saturday myself and forty friends took part in the Mardi Gras parade under the marching group title of Queer Icons.”

“Walking through the Mardi Gras holding area before the parade I was with a friend, who happened to be dressed as Jesus, albeit a very Queer version.

Whitworth suggested they stand against a tree to have their photo taken and Foxx was nearby.

“Without prompting or any previous plan, they stepped forward and the image above spontaneously happened.”

“The bullying targeted at Felicia since the photo has gone out into the world has been horrible to see.

“The reason I’m explaining this is not to centralise myself in the dialogue that currently surrounds this image,

“But more so that I am never accused of stirring the pot and then hiding from the outcomes.

“I am happy to be involved in grown-up conversations around this photo.

I actually think the photo is rather beautiful, it is spontaneous and hectic, yet elegant and speaks of ancient beliefs and culture,

“Loaded with possible meanings, and how these entities adapt and appear within the modern world.

“Those that know my work know Queer Jesus is a recurring motif and an ongoing part of my extensive art practice as he is for many Queer artists.

“Also, I have nothing but absolute respect and reverence for the First Nations people of Australia.

“I wholeheartedly believe nothing in the photo is disrespectful, but I also understand like all art, that opinion, just like the image is open to interpretation.