Australia has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism, beginning with the early years of colonial settlement through to modern day campaigns for marriage equality and beyond. This paper will explore how Australian queer activists have used different approaches and tactics throughout their history to achieve greater visibility and social acceptance. It will also consider what lessons from this activist history might be applied today to build stronger communities and advance LGBTQ+ rights.
It will examine some of the challenges that remain for contemporary queer activists seeking to make real progress towards equality.
Early Queer Activism in Australia
The earliest documented case of same-sex behavior in Australia occurred when Captain William Raven was tried in 1824 for sodomy on his ship while docked in Hobart.
Homosexuality remained illegal until 1960, when New South Wales became the first state to decriminalize it. In the following decades, there were isolated instances of gay activism, such as the 1969 protests against police raids on gay bars in Sydney's King's Cross district. The 70s saw more organized efforts, including the formation of the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) in Melbourne, which led to significant media coverage of the plight of LGBTQ+ people.
Gay Liberation Movement and AIDS Crisis
In the late 1970s, the Gay Liberation movement emerged, bringing together a range of individuals from across the country who wanted to fight for equal rights and recognition. One key figure was Peter Reidy, who helped establish the Homosexual Law Reform Coalition in New South Wales. This group worked with other states to lobby for changes to laws governing age of consent, adoption, and employment discrimination. At the same time, however, the AIDS crisis began to unfold, leading to widespread fear and stigma among both straight and queer communities. Despite this, activists continued to advocate for improved healthcare services and better public education about HIV/AIDS.
Marriage Equality and Contemporary Challenges
The marriage equality campaign in Australia has been one of the most successful in the world, culminating in a vote by Parliament in 2017 that made same-sex marriages legal nationwide.
Many issues remain unresolved, including transgender rights and access to IVF treatment.
There is growing concern over the impact of religious exemptions on LGBTQ+ people's ability to live their lives without discrimination or prejudice. It will be important for contemporary activists to draw on lessons from history and build coalitions that can address these challenges effectively.