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Talent Spotlight: Illuminating LGBTQIA+ Icons

Talent Spotlight: Illuminating LGBTQIA+ Icons

The 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is here set to surpass all expectations! To celebrate we highlight LGBTQIA+ icons Joel Creasey, Casey Donovan & Faustina ‘Fuzzy’ Agolley.

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5 min read

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the largest and most diverse Pride events on the planet, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate love, diversity, and equality.

It's time to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable LGBTQIA+ talents who are featuring in 2024 or have appeared at previous Mardi Gras celebrations.

Joel Creasey

Championing Diversity Through Humour

Joel Creasey is one of Australia’s most popular, acclaimed and charmingly controversial stand-up comedians and radio/television presenters. With his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humour, Creasey has cemented himself as a vibrant force within the LGBTQIA+ community and a cherished fixture in the entertainment world.

Joel is best known as co-host of Australia’s number #1 national drive show ‘Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel’ on Nova which has been recognised as Australia’s most listened-to Drive Show for 25 consecutive surveys. At the 2021 ACRA Awards, the show cleaned up winning Best Syndicated Australian Program and Best Networked Program, plus Joel was personally awarded for Best Newcomer on the airwaves.

Creasey has also made a name for himself as a television personality, appearing on various shows and hosting events related to the LGBTQIA+ community. His unwavering support for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility has earned him a dedicated following and cemented his status as a beloved icon within the community.

An LGBTQIA+ trailblazer – Joel is the first openly gay host on national FM radio, he and his mate Rhys were the first gay co-hosts on Australian television with their special ‘Rhys & Joel’s Family Christmas’ for Binge late last year and made history as the first openly “Versace-wearing” man to feature on the cover of Australia’s Men’s Health Magazine.

In a perfect role for one of Australia’s most beloved gay icons, Creasey's connection to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras runs deep. As a vocal advocate and participant in the festival for many years, Joel was announced as one of Sydney WorldPride’s 2023 Rainbow Champions, chosen for his contributions to the Australian LGBTQIA+ community and culture. Joel’s infectious energy and magnetic personality have made him a standout at Mardi Gras celebrations, where he continues to delight crowds with his humour and larger-than-life presence.

Make an Enquiry – JOEL CREASEY


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Casey Donovan

Inspiring Audiences with Authenticity

Casey Donovan is a highly acclaimed Australian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence. Born in Sydney on May 13th 1988, Donovan rose to prominence at the age of 16 when she won the second season of Australian Idol in 2004, becoming the youngest winner in the show's history.

Casey is a multi-Award winner & nominee, including an ARIA No #1 Award and Triple Platinum for ‘Listen With Your Heart’ from the Double Platinum Album ‘For You’ and Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. Over the last twenty years, Donovan has made her mark not only as a musician but also in the areas of stage, screen, presenting and writing.

Showing her performing prowess, Casey has fast become a must-see and hear at the annual New Year’s Eve gala on the foreshore of the Sydney Opera House with performances every year since 2019, as well as co-hosting the nationally televised program.

As a passionate advocate for self-acceptance and the LGBTQIA+ community, Donovan has been an active participant in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for many years. As a proud Rainbow Champion, Casey had the incredible opportunity to co-host and perform at Sydney World Pride 2023.

At this year's pride celebrations, find Casey on the stage starring in the international smash hit musical ‘& JULIET’ for a special Sydney Mardi Gras performance, an evening that will be sure to empower and celebrate the queer community.

With her remarkable talent, unwavering authenticity, and commitment to making a difference, Casey Donovan continues to inspire fans and audiences, leaving a legacy in the Aussie music industry and beyond.

Make an Enquiry – CASEY DONOVAN


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Faustina 'Fuzzy' Agolley

Vibrant Presence

Faustina Agolley, affectionally called Fuzzy, has enjoyed a career of over 15 years across Broadcast Television, Music, DJ’ing, Writing, and Theatre.

Fuzzy rose to prominence as the co-host of the popular Australian music television program, 'Video Hits,' where her infectious energy and vibrant personality endeared her to audiences nationwide. Interviewing her idols like Alicia Keys to then icons-in-the making like Adele, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, Agolley’s passion for music and culture shone through, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Beyond her television career, Fuzzy is also known for her advocacy work, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. As an openly gay woman of colour, Fuzzy has been a vocal supporter of diversity and representation in the media, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote inclusivity. Faustina is known to speak and write about queer matters, queer life and overcoming her own mental health struggles for Women of Letters, ABC, Netflix Pause, and Huffington Post.

Fuzzy is a regular feature at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival, with this year being no different as she is set to co-host the famous Oxford Street parade keeping the crowd entertained with her vibrant commentary, infectious energy and plenty of laughs.

Faustina’s practice in arts and culture, works in unison to imagine and transform new, sustainable and inclusive ways of working, promoting cultural safety and distancing a practice of grind culture.

Make an Enquiry – FUZZY


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As we look ahead to future Mardi Gras festivities and beyond, let us carry forward the spirit of inclusiveness and unity championed by Joel, Casey, Fuzzy, and countless others in the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we can continue to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of who they are or who they love.

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Australia's talent directory.

Copyright 2026 acta

by acta Australia Pty Ltd

acta® is a directory. We are not the talent’s agent, manager or representative, and our listings are not an endorsement.

Enquiries are sent directly to the talent’s representative(s). If you have any questions, email privacy@actadirect.com.