Brisbane Tritons met Xena at their first Mardi Gras

The Brisbane Tritons LGBTI water polo team marched in their first Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on the weekend.

And on the parade route, they made a friend: Xena: Warrior Princess, actress and gay icon Lucy Lawless.

Lucy posted selfies to her Instagram posing with speedo-clad and glitter-covered Brisbane Tritons.

Brisbane Tritons president Jeremy Archer described Mardi Gras as a highlight of the team’s year.

“It’s been such a massive year with so many highlights for the Brisbane Tritons and travelling to Mardi Gras is another one.

“For me, it was great to see the team get into the Mardi Gras spirit and help spread the message of equality and really demonstrate that sport is for everyone.”

The Tritons were among the 12,000 participants who took part in the 39th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday night. Organisers estimated 250,000 spectators lined the streets to cheer them on.

A post shared by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Mar 4, 2017 at 1:35am PST

A post shared by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Mar 4, 2017 at 1:36am PST

That sweet, sweet lovin’ ! #tritonsMG17

A post shared by Brisbane Tritons Water Polo (@brisbanetritons) on Mar 5, 2017 at 2:13am PST

You know it’s been a good weekend when it’s Monday and you’re still finding glitter everywhere. #tritonsMG17

A post shared by Brisbane Tritons Water Polo (@brisbanetritons) on Mar 5, 2017 at 1:08pm PST

HAPPY MARDI GRAS! #tritonsMG17 The Tritons are ready to strut their stuff down Oxford Street and show you how we do it in Brisbane! Keep an eye out for our float at 7:55 (6:55 Brisbane time) ft. @doughnut_time #sydneymardigras

A post shared by Brisbane Tritons Water Polo (@brisbanetritons) on Mar 3, 2017 at 11:56pm PST

Mardi Gras CEO Teresa Casu described this year’s parade as a showstopper.

“The efforts of everyone involved in this year’s Parade helped in creating a sparkling spectacle of self-expression.

“The passion and enthusiasm of the Parade participants and spectators made for a truly show-stopping experience.

“While we celebrated our wonderfully colourful community, we also had a number of floats dedicated to important issues.

“Marriage equality, refugees, mental health and the recognition of transgender rights were all represented widely in this year’s Parade.

“We were thrilled to have the First Nations people, who worked together with the original 1978 Mardi Gras marchers to begin the Parade.”

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