Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Sydney
Gays and lesbians have migrated to Oz's Emerald City from all
over Australia, New Zealand and the world, adding to a commu-
nity that is visible, vibrant and an integral part of the city's so-
cial fabric. Locals will assure you that things aren't as exciting
as they once were, but Sydney is still indisputably one of the
world's great queer cities.
Social Acceptance
These days few Sydney dwellers even bat an eyelid at same-sex couples holding hands on
the street, but the battle for acceptance has been long and protracted. As recently as the
early 1990s, several murders were linked to hate crimes, and a stroll up Oxford St could
result in a chorus of abuse from car windows. Sydney is now relatively safe, but it still pays
to keep your wits about you, particularly at night.
The Birth of Mardi Gras
On 24 June 1978 a Sydney icon was violently born. There had been other gay-rights
marches - in 1973 activists were arrested in Martin Place - but this one was different. Two
thousand people followed a truck down Oxford St in a carnival-type atmosphere, encour-
aging punters to come out of the bars to join them.
After harassing the participants for much of the route, the police corralled the remaining
marchers in Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross, beating and arresting 53 of them. Worse still,
the names of all of the arrestees were published in the
Sydney Morning Herald
and many of
them lost their jobs.
The following year 3000 people joined the march, dubbed the 'Gay Mardi Gras', and in
1981 the decision was made to move the event to summer. The parade still has a serious
political edge; more than just a protest, the parade is considered by many to have helped
transform Australian society into a more accepting place for lesbians and gay men.
