Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders have clasped hands in a public gesture aimed squarely at Russia's gay rights record.
Russian laws banning "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" sparked human rights concerns and even boycott calls as the country prepared to host the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Now, as Sydneysiders gear up for next month's Mardi Gras parade, thousands that gathered at a kick-off event in Camperdown have joined in protest against Russian treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people.
Drag queens stalked through the crowd on stilettos, dachshunds wore rainbow ties and one crowd member carried a sign that read, "Equal love, equal rights" as thousands of attendees raised their hands to the sky.
Olympian and gay activist Ji Wallace was among those urging on the crowds on Sunday afternoon.
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He told AAP Russia deserved the heavy scrutiny it had faced.
"The draconian and archaic laws that have been enacted in Russia wouldn't allow someone like me to represent my country - wouldn't allow me to live and breathe - the way that I want to," he said.
"It's a privilege to host these games.
"The countries need to be held accountable for basic, equal human rights."
He praised lesbian snowboarder Belle Brockhoff, who has vowed to use a hoped-for spot on the podium in 2014 to draw attention to Russia's record on anti-gay violence.
"But she's an athlete first," the gymnastics silver medallist said.
"You're there to compete and anything that you have to say can be said afterwards.
"If you're not successful in your own right, it's very hard to get an audience ... anybody who is in that situation is very close to my heart, because I was in that situation."
