Gay rights in Russia and same-sex marriage in Australia will be key themes at next weekend's Mardi Gras Parade, SBS co-host Tom Ballard says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will find himself in the cross-hairs after the country's record on gay rights was highlighted during the Sochi Winter Olympics.
And Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be targeted for the government's refusal to recognise same-sex marriage.
"That's obviously a huge message (same-sex marriage) because we've had a few setbacks lately and there will be a big focus on Sochi," Ballard tells AAP.
Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns to free-to-air TV for the first time in 12 years with a 90-minute highlights package on SBS2 on Sunday, March 2.
The 36th Annual Mardi Gras Parade takes place on Oxford Street the day before.
Ballard intends to lighten up the SBS coverage by pointing out what's hot and what's just way over-the-top.
It may mildly offend some participants, but he reckons it will be done in a humorous way and one that cuts through for the viewer at home.
"My job is to do really bad innuendo and say silly stuff now and again and have a lot of fun," Ballard, who is openly gay, says with a chuckle.
"I hope through the comedy I celebrate gayness and, as all comedians do, point out the bullshit in the gay community.
"You have to let people know they are allowed to laugh."
Ballard, who has been a judge and twice taken part in the parade in recent years, admits there are some displays on the night that words can't explain.
"We hear so many horrible stories about homophobia and about some really sad experiences about what it's like to be gay, but I want people to realise there are lots of things about gay culture that are ridiculous," he says.
Joining Ballard for the coverage are journalist Patrick Abboud and actress and musician Heather Peace.
The trio will not only comment on the parade but will also present inspirational backstories to the event.
Ballard has the utmost respect for anyone who appears in the parade.
He says the entrants have an enormous sense of pride, whether they are standing on a float or dancing in the street.
"All my gay friends at the moment can't come out because they have got their Mardi Gras rehearsals and dance moves to learn," he says.
"They take it seriously because they do not want to be embarrassed in front of thousands of people and they throw themselves into it.
"There is a lot of love for anyone who goes in it ... anyone marching in it makes me so happy, even if they're wearing the shittiest costume."
* The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will screen on Sunday, March 2, at 8.30pm on SBS2
