Approaching the crisp clear water of Sydney Harbour on this sultry late summer afternoon, a naked gay brethren cluster in groups on the sand behind me. A thunderstorm is brewing but the mood on the beach is relaxed and jovial. Mardi Gras is approaching and in a nod to imminent festivities, humidity is building like erotic tension and the sky is turning the colour of margaritas. I savour the afternoon’s easy sensuality as I swim a few brisk lengths of Obelisk Beach, Sydney’s pre-eminent gay beach. A phalanx of naked sunbathers, arranged in formations of friendship groups, makes me think of a heroic army, ready to defend the values of freedom, pleasure and pride.