Mardi Gras becoming a drag for gays with less to fight for

The torsos are tanned, the bodies buffed, and the sequinned costumes ready, but Australia's gay community says this year's Sydney Mardi Gras parade, which will be held tonight, has lost its sparkle.

Critics say the parade, the biggest gay and lesbian celebration in the world, has betrayed its origins as a protest against discrimination and has instead become a slick, sexy fashion parade run by a bloated, inefficient corporation.

The downturn in international tourism since September's terrorist attacks on the United States means there will be fewer overseas tourists, while other international visitors are delaying a visit to Australia until November, when the Gay Games will be held.

'Suddenly, it has become uncool,' said Sydney recruitment consultant Amanda, 33, who has been going to the Mardi Gras for the past five years. 'All my friends are saying, 'I'm over it, I'm not going to bother this year'.

'Normally you'd have lots of [good-looking Americans] wandering around town by now getting everyone excited and injecting a bit of fresh blood, but there's been none of that this year.'

Ticket sales for the post-parade party have been slow. Usually the event is attended by more than 20,000 people and sells out months in advance, but this year it is expected to attract about 17,000 revellers.