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Oral History Thematic Snapshots

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SPACES

Spaces where LGBTIQ people have met in Sydney's past have been varied and spread across the city. They include Beats, some workplaces, 'known' pubs and coffee shops. Venues began in the early 60s and later pubs, discos and night spots run by homosexuals sprung up. These quickly diversified to meet the needs of the community.

Some suburbs became associated with the the community and clusters of venues fostered gay neighbourhoods. Community dances began with camp social clubs and went on to include fundraising events for activism. By the 80s, the venues and the parties had expanded.

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MARDI GRAS

The first parade was an attempt to get the bar goers involved in an open display and celebration of homosexuality and ended in a riot with police.

People involved with the next few parades feared impending police arrests but eventually changing social attitudes saw the Mardi Gras increasingly embraced by the wider population. Today it is a hugely popular display of LGBTIQ identity and struggle.

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ACTIVISM

Anti-homosexual laws, alongside broader homophobia and transphobia, ruined the lives of many men and women who were arrested, bashed or 'treated'. LGBTIQ people responded by creating an underground homosexual and transgender world.

A movement for lesbian and gay rights began with the founding of CAMP Inc and Sydney Gay Liberation. The straight world saw gays in demonstrations and protests as a result.

The movement branched into counselling, Women’s Health Centres, media, national conferences, law reform and Mardi Gras.

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DIVERSITY

Prior to the birth of the activism, many homosexuals and transgender people in Sydney called themselves ‘camp’. As it does today, language and ways of expressing sexuality and gender continued to evolve. The ‘Gay’ identity was adopted by many, with an emphasis on ‘coming out’ as a means to changing society and the law.

Sexism and racism were systemic in the broader society and even within the gay community. From the early 70s the identities of what was once ‘gay’ tumbled out – Lesbian, Lesbian feminist, Radical Faeries, Clones, S & M, Leather, Transgender, Intersex and Queer etc.

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FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES

From the early 60s to the mid 70s, camp social clubs provided events for homosexual women and men and transgender people from all walks of life to gather and be themselves.

Groups like the Chameleons organised drag nights while Pollys held a range of social events such as the Polympics. There were social clubs that organised trips away or motorbike clubs who went on bike runs.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

The LGBTIQ community has long used art and performance to express themselves and showcase their creativity. It has also been intertwined with political activism and advocacy. From drag to music and literature, art and culture provided a way for the community to come together and share their experiences and hope for a society free from discrimination.

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HIV AND AIDS

The arrival of HIV/AIDS in Australia presented the LGBTIQ community with enormous challenges, including the loss of friends and loved ones, difficulties involving life-saving medication and social prejudice.

Activists and community groups responded quickly and decisively to HIV/AIDS, providing care, support and remembrance for strangers, friends and comrades.

 

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Oral History Interview Collection

Visitors to this page should be aware that content presented in the oral histories could be distressing for some. The recordings may include description or discussion of homophobia, violence, (child sexual) abuse, suicide and self-harm, conversion therapy and other content that some may find triggering.

The following helplines and services can provide support and advice, as well as help guide you to other care options to support your mental health and wellbeing: QLife (1800 184 527), BeyondBlue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), 13YARN (13 92 76), Twenty10 (02 8594 9555), HERE, TransHub, The Gender Centre

*means that this interview is held by Pride History Group but is not publicly available.

We have over 100 oral histories in our collection with people from Sydney’s LGBTIQ past who generously shared their life story. We continue to record oral histories and the team is working to make them available online in accordance with interviewee permissions. Please visit us again to explore more stories that will be added on a regular basis. We are particularly keen to increase the diversity of our collection. If you have an interviewee recommendation please contact us.

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Pride History Group Oral History Collection

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