Mardi Gras History: Part 1
Cyndi Lauper’s 2025 Farewell Tour
Peter Bonsall-Boone
What’s Your Favourite Oxford St Memory?
Free to Be: What’s In Store
The Best Events this Summer
WELCOME to the first ever bi-annual Pride of Sydney Magazine. We are here to celebrate all things LGBTQI!
In this issue, dig into Part 1 of our Mardi Gras History special - one of the most important festivals of the year since 1978. We celebrate the return, and mourn the farewell, of the phenomenal Cydi Lauper. Learn about Peter Bonsall-Boone, a hero and champion for LGBTQI rights and recognition.
We also catch up with some of Sydney’s LGBTQI community favourites and hear about their favourite Oxford St memories. Then it’s time to party - we learn about the Oxford St Pride Charter, there’s a Locals’ Guide to the Rainbow Precinct and a big What’s On Guide.
Read what’s in store for Mardi Gras 2025, and check out some of the best events that have been announced so far. In Community news, we learn more about The Men’s Table, and check out the best LGBTQI friendly sporting clubs around. After all that, can you complete the Pride of Sydney 1 Crossword?
Locals Guide to Rainbow Precinct
PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media
DESIGNER - Robert Everett
CONTRIBUTORS - Aaron Little, Rita Bratovich, Alec Smart, Rob Everett, Lisa Ferron
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Join Your Local LGBTQI Club! The Oxford St Pride Charter Do You Have The Answers?
The pop legend and queer icon is heading down under to say goodbye.
IIt’s the end of an era for Cyndi Lauper fans as the pop icon announces her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Australian Farewell Tour. After four decades of hits, groundbreaking advocacy, and unapologetic artistry, Lauper will grace Aussie arenas for one last time in April 2025.
With The Veronicas joining as special guests, it promises to be a celebration of music, legacy, and pure nostalgia.
The six-city tour kicks off on April 2nd in Melbourne before heading to Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. Tickets are already selling fast.
Lauper’s farewell announcement comes on the heels of her standout performance at Rock in Rio, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, her energy and charm remain unmatched. The tour is part of a global journey that sees her taking final bows across the U.S, U.K, and now, Australia.
For LGBTQ+ fans, Lauper is more than a pop legend. Songs like “True Colors” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” have become queer anthems, offering a soundtrack to love, defiance, and self-expression. Her unwavering advocacy, including founding True Colors United to combat LGBTQ youth homelessness, has cemented her as a hero beyond the stage.
Home grown queer idols, The Veronicas, shared their excitement about performing with Lauper: “We’re honoured to celebrate Cyndi’s final tour with her! Expect iconic fashion, unapologetic anthems, and a celebration of true colours.”
Lauper’s influence spans music, Broadway, and activism. With Grammy, Tony, and Emmy wins under her belt, a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, and the recent documentary, Let The Canary Sing, chronicling her life, Lauper leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of art, entertainment and hope.
This tour marks a final chapter in Lauper’s career; it’s a chance for fans to experience her brilliance live one last time.
Grab your tickets and join a farewell tour destined to leave Australia singing and dancing in the aisles.
KKNOWN as Bon, he and his life-long partner, Peter de Waal, were at the forefront of every significant moment in the fight for freedom and equality for the queer community in this country. They both helped establish CAMP (Campaign Against Moral Persecution) in 1971. CAMP was one of the first gay rights organisations in Australia and it broke a lot of ground.
Bon and de Waal featured in the 1972 ABC documentary series, Chequerboard, in which they shared a brief kiss — reputedly the first gay kiss ever seen on Australian TV. While it was a milestone for the gay movement, it also led to Bon’s being dismissed from an administrative role with his local Anglican Church.
Bon was brought up Anglican and always held onto his faith, despite the hostility many of the clergy had towards homosexuality. He knew he was not alone in being gay and wanting to remain a practising Christian and he established Cross-Section, a sub-group within CAMP for Christian gays.
In 1973, Bon and de Waal helped set up Phone-A-Friend, one of the first telephone support services for gay people. They even ran the service from their home in Balmain. Phone-A-Friend eventually morphed into the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, which continues to this day.
CAMP was a precursor to Mardi Gras. Though it had effectively petered out by 1977, many of its members were involved in the unauthorised festival and march that occurred on June 24, 1978, now officially regarded as the first Mardi Gras. Bon and de Waal were among the crowd on that fateful night: they are part of an esteemed group
within the community called The 78ers.
When the AIDS pandemic began devastating Sydney’s gay community in the mid-‘80s, Bon committed himself to helping those affected. He remained dedicated to personally assisting PLWHAs (People Living with HIV/AIDS) as well as advocating for better healthcare and support.
In 2016, Bon and de Waal celebrated the incredible milestone of 50 years together in a loving relationship. It was a timely anniversary. That same year, then Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull announced that a survey would be held the following year to gauge public opinion on same-sex marriage.
Bon, who had been diagnosed with cancer in 2015, had hoped that before he died he could marry his soul-mate, de Waal. They both campaigned vigorously for the right to marry, and urged the Prime Minister to make a quick decision so that Bon’s wish could be fulfilled.
The long, tedious, unnecessary Marriage Equality campaign culminated in a non-compulsory postal survey in which the majority of Australians voted “Yes” to allowing same-sex couples to marry. It was made official on December 9, 2017.
Peter “Bon” Bonsall-Boone died on May 19, 2017.
In June 2017, Bonsall-Boone (posthumously) and de Waal were each made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community as an LGBTQI advocate and supporter, and through a range of volunteer roles.”
Bon is survived by de Waal who continues to be a muchloved and active member of the LGBTQI+ community.
LGBTQI+ community is unacceptable and will be subject to serious criminal penalties
It will be a serious criminal offence to threaten to use force or violence against a group, or a member of a group, where a reasonable member of the targeted group would fear that the threat will be carried out This will carry a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment
These offences will protect groups, or members of groups, distinguished by race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin or political opinion.
The Albanese Labor Government has just released an Australian-first roadmap to improve the health and wellbeing of the LGBTIQA+ community
This plan is the result of the largest national consultation into LGBTIQA+ wellbeing ever undertaken by any Australian government Guided by an expert advisory group, and chaired by Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, the Action Plan was co-designed with community members, health care providers and key LGBTIQA+ community organisations
We are also delivering on our commitment to eliminate HIV transmission in Australia
We’ve invested $43 9 million to put Australia on track to eliminate the transmission of HIV on our shores by 2030 This includes $26 million to provide subsidised access to PrEP for people living in Australia who are not eligible for Medicare
This year not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to cover insurance and communication purchases including internet and software
Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be returned to my office by 5pm Friday 15 January 2025
Please contact my office for any inquiries and to obtain an EOI form
Wishing you all a happy, safe summer and festive season and please remember to contact my electorate office should you need any assistance during this period
IIN every issue of the Pride of Sydney Magazine, we’re diving deep into the stories that matter most with our «Humans of Pride – Q&A» series. This is your backstage pass to the lesser-known, more personal experiences that have shaped some of the most inspiring voices in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community.
Each issue spotlights a new, thought-provoking question, inviting prominent community members to share their unique perspectives, heartfelt journeys, and defining moments. But it’s not just about them— it’s about you. What questions do you think need to be asked? Who are the local trailblazers or quiet achievers you want to hear from?
I have so many - but the best would be during Mardi Gras, it’s 6am and I’m on my way to Phoenix - when I found a loudspeaker. I took to the streets and blasted over the loudspeaker “Everyone get their butts into Phoenix! This is a roll call. I repeat this is a roll call”. I collected a huge crowd and even had friends that lived on Oxford St coming out onto their balconies and clapping!
One of my all-time favourite memories of Oxford Street is from the 1999 “Shop Yourself Stupid” event hosted by BGF. At the time, I was working as a drag performer, and we brought the street to life, performing on stages and trucks all along the way. The event was a spectacular mix of drag performers, DJs, and celebrities, all coming together to raise funds while everyone shopped to their heart’s content. It was part of Mardi Gras, turning Oxford Street into the ultimate fair day celebration. The energy was incredible as the community and allies celebrated together, flying the rainbow flag high. The party continued well into the night, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
I have been coming to Oxford St for as long as I can remember - and my favourite memory would have to be watching my first ever Mardi Gras Parade in the early ‘80s. The glamour, the excitement, and the energy running through the crowd was so infectious. I can still conjure up that feeling, the headiness of infinite possibilities and a good time stretching out in front of us.
ADAM - Point of Difference LGBTQI Travel
One of my favourite Oxford Street memories was from Mardi Gras night in the early 2000s. I was working as a barman at the Barracks, Sydney’s Leather Men’s Bar, at the time. I was watching the parade from near Riley Street, wearing my work outfit: leather vest, harness, chaps, boots and leather jockstrap. A Japanese tourist group was enamoured by my outfit and wanted a group photo. So they all crowded around me, but they wanted me to face away from the camera! They were very appreciative of my dimples!
MARK AND DAVE’S Fostering Journey: Love, Support, and Inclusion
“Before starting our fostering journey we talked to our families and started to think about what we had to offer a child. Our lifestyles had gradually changed over time, a lot of our friends were having children and we were proud godfathers and uncles to nieces and nephews so it felt like a natural progression. We were aware that there were plenty of children who needed help and support and a loving family home. Our friends and family were very supportive and actively encouraged us throughout the process.”
We have always been appreciative of the support our social worker and their team manager have given us during any tricky situations.
We would advise any LGBTQIA+ single person or couple who are considering fostering to take each day as it comes and remember that you are matched carefully with the needs of the child or young person.
Sydney, get ready…Mardi Gras is coming to town!
IIf you’re starting to hear a buzz in the air, it’s likely the sound of sewing machines being gunned as frantic parade entrants and party-goers begin working on their costumes. With only a handful of weeks until February, feathers, sequins, leather and lace are being transformed into wearable works of art.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a celebration of pride for this city’s LGBTQI+ community, with a two-week long cultural festival culminating in the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade. In 2025, Mardi Gras will mark its 47th year. It’s a remarkable fete considering the very first event, in 1978, was a small protest march that ended in violence and arrests.
Male homosexuality was still a criminal offence that first year. So was sex work. Anything that deviated from conservative, heterosexual norms was considered intolerable. That didn’t stop a group of brave, queer advocates taking to the streets of Kings Cross to reclaim their freedom of expression.
This year’s Mardi Gras theme is Free To Be, a tenet that echoes the chants of those 1978 protestors. Yet, almost 50 years on, there are still many in our community who are not free to be. That’s why Mardi Gras is so important; it gives visibility and voice to those people who are struggling to be seen and heard.
What makes Mardi Gras special is that it delivers its politics in an explosion of colour and glitter — and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
The 2025 Mardi Gras festival kicks off with the return of Fair Day in Victoria Park. This iconic and much-loved event was sadly cancelled last year due to asbestos in the park. Fair Day is second only to the Parade in terms of bringing members of the queer community together for a day of free expression and celebration.
Then follows just over two weeks of music, theatre, comedy, art, sport, community, shopping and partying. The festival program is a mix of paid and free events, offering everything from family-friendly to pearlclutchingly decadent.
Oxford Street has always been the hub of the Mardi Gras festival and, of course, it makes up a significant part of the now heritage-listed parade route. It has undergone a lot of change during the past year and is still in a state of flux, with major developments across several blocks. But it remains the heart and home of Mardi Gras, happily hosting up to half a million spectators over 100 floats each year on a night like no other.
Mardi Gras is for LGBTQI+ people, allies, and for those who believe everyone should be free to be.
like nothing else on earth
It's like nothing else on earth
glass or fences to restrict the view of the Blue Mountains, Skyway exhilarating and completely serene.
With no glass or fences to restrict the 360-degree view of the Blue Mountains, Beyond Skyway is an immersive experience that is both exhilarating and completely serene.
Is Mardi Gras giving you choice paralysis? We can help!
So much to do and so little time. Mardi Gras can be very overwhelming, so we’ve selected a range of events that are diverse, a mix of free and paid, and include family-friendly and adult-only to give you a good cross-section of highlights.
Wed, Feb 12
Following its impressive Sydney Mardi Gras program in 2024, National Art School is proud to announce the return of Queer Contemporary, an exciting visual arts program celebrating the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community. The National Art School is located in the beautiful heritage-listed sandstone building that was once Darlinghurst Gaol, and is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected art institutes.
Fri, Feb 14
Come and share a special love this Valentine’s Day. Stand with the community and watch as the Progress Pride Flag climbs the flag pole atop the iconic Sydney Town Hall. This traditional ceremony signals the beginning of the Mardi Gras festival.
Sat, Feb 15
Bubbles for breakfast? Wine not?! Come to any one of a selected range of venues in Darlinghurst on any weekend during the Mardi Gras festival and enjoy a hearty bottomless brunch with boisterous entertainment on the side. Hosted by local drag legends, Darlo Big Drag Brunch has become a firm favourite of the Mardi Gras program. Dozens of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from; enjoy a rooftop view or sunny courtyard; sip a mimosa and join in the lively singalong.
Sat, Feb 16
Fair Day is like a mini Mardi Gras festival in itself. A magical, colourful, family-and-fur-baby-friendly all-day carnival that is one of the most beloved events in the entire Sydney LGBTQI+ calendar. It was sadly cancelled last year (bloody asbestos!) so there’s a lot of excitement about its return this year. Held in Victoria Park, the event features over 200 stalls including retail, food, and booths for various community organisations. There are bars, chill-out areas and dancefloors, the ever popular Doggywood show arena, kid’s rides, and much more. Plus a huge centre stage where the stars come out until the stars come out.
Mon, Feb 24
Strip off and jump in. It’s the party with a Love Boat aesthetic. Cocktails by the pool, lots of fun games, great music, cheeky outfits and deliciously cool water for when things get too hot. Ivy Pool becomes a queer oasis for one day-into-night gloriously entertaining event. DJs, drag queens, performers and more.
Fri, Feb 28
It’s the biggest vogue ball in the southern hemisphere and, girl, you do not want to miss it. Now being presided over by Kianna Edisane “Oricci”, the Australian mother of the International House of Nina Oricci and the trailblazing mother of the Naarm Kiki Scene, Sissy Ball attracts vogue families from houses across the country. This is one electric, thrilling, head-spinning night of hands and duck-walking that is guaranteed to sell out.
Sat, March 1
Set yourself free at the biggest overnight LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia. The Mardi Gras Party has been the beating heart of the Festival for over 40 years. International, interstate and local artists, DJs and performers will keep you going for 8 hours, headlined by international icon Honey Dijon and Romy.
The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take over Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade on Saturday 1 March 2025. Set your true self free as the Mardi Gras magic makes its way down the heritage-listed Parade route for one of the largest LGBTQIA+ night time parades in the world.
The street party to send off the Festival returns in 2025 featuring Kito and Lady Shaka, taking over The Beresford and Hill Street on Sunday 2 March. As the only official Festival closing party, Laneway was born from a few milk crates on Hill Street to become the ultimate way to wrap up your Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations.
Sydney comes alive when the weather warms up and there’s no better time to soak up this harbourside city’s vibrant energy. Don’t be silly this season! Make sure you catch the fantastic events on offer in this big, glorious sunny city. It’s a packed calendar, but we’ve whittled it down to a short list of absolute must-dos, and there’s something here for all tastes and budgets. Let’s get festive!
Coopers Hotel | 221 King St, Newtown
Monday from 7:30pm
Join the team at Coopers every Monday night for Sydney’s most famous Bingo – often imitated but never duplicated.
Hosted by Fran Giapanni and Coco Jumbo, treat yourself to award winning entertainment, drinks, venue vouchers and a cash jackpot up for grabs every week. Gender Bender Bingo kicks off from 7:30pm with balls dropping at 8pm.
Universal Hotel | 85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Wednesday from 9pm
Slay 2 Stay is back for its fifth season! Watch 11 up and coming drag artists compete for their chance at Slay 2 Stay Champion to walk away with a grand prize of $10,000! Hosted by two of the sexiest short circuits in the business, Carmen Geddit & Charisma Belle. Slay 2 Stay will push these drag performers to their limits with challenges around comedy, design and performance promising some entertaining performances and showstopping DRAG!
The Burdekin | 2-4 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Sundays, 1-3pm
Every Sunday from 1-3pm on the Burdekin Rooftop, enjoy Sydney’s best bottomless brunch and drag show, Spritz or Swallow! Mynx Moscato is your main host, providing entertainment, sass and glam along with a special guest each week. With two packages available at amazing value, this is sure to be your next Sunday funday with friends, awesome date, or afternoon to impress your mum. If the weather turns against us, we head inside and the show goes on! Guests are announced each week on the Burdekin Rooftop instagram.
Get fit, fabulous, and Mardi Grasready at the City of Sydney pools & gyms!
Hordern Pavilion, Feb 1
Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra, you are invited behind the velvet ropes of New York’s Studio 54, as the boundless hedonism and pulsating music of the glory days of disco is brought to life by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in this unique experience. For one night only, the Hordern Pavilion will become a disco wonderland, with the full power of the Sydney Symphony performing live with stars of the stage and screen Paulini, Lucy Maunder (Chicago), Nick Afoa (The Lion King) and Nathaniel Willemse (The X Factor) – all led by conductor Vanessa Scammell.
Hordern Pavilion, Feb 8
Secret Sounds is excited to reveal that Norwegian altpop singer, songwriter and producer AURORA is returning to Australia in February 2025, set to light up the Hordern Pavilion on Feb 8, 2025. AURORA’s anticipated Australian dates are part of her What Happened To The Earth? world tour, which will see her touch hearts across Europe, the UK and North America before bringing her ethereal tones down under.
Qudos Bank, March 1 - 3
Following the news of her highly anticipated third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, set for release on May 17, Billie Eilish has announced Australian arena dates, produced by Live Nation and Frontier Touring, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Starting in North America in September 2024, Eilish will embark on an Australian leg in February 2025. Catch her in Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena Feb 25th, 25th, 26th , 27th and 28th.
Qudos Bank, Feb 24 - 28
Kylie has announced her highly anticipated ‘Tension Tour’ for 2025, which will see the global icon perform in cities across the globe and is set to be Kylie’s biggest tour since 2011. Kylie said: “I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can’t wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It’s been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!”
Qudos Bank, Tues April 8
Legendary pop icon Cyndi Lauper is set to embark on a major 6 city Australian tour, and in what will be a bittersweet moment for fans, it will also serve as her Farewell Tour. After captivating audiences for decades with her timeless hits, Lauper will take the arena stages of Australia for one final time, bringing her world-renowned show to Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, and Perth. Alt-pop icons The Veronicas will join the tour as special guests.
Summer in Sydney is the ideal time to enjoy sunny days and party long into the night! Oxford St and the Rainbow Precinct has always been the place to visit for a fun time and a friendly, welcoming crowd.
VVENUES like Stonewall, Universal, The Oxford, Claire’s Kitchen and Burdekin scattered along the Pink Mile, have entertainment programmed every night of the week so you’re never too far from a drag show, a trivia night or a dj set. And there are plenty of other small bars, lively pubs, cafes and restaurants. Plus, in addition to glitter and sparkles, there’s a myriad of cool clothing and retail options to explore.
Here’s our ‘6 listicles’ to help you enjoy Rainbow Precinct this summer.
TOP SUMMER ESSENTIALS
Get your holiday reading from The Bookshop and all your bbq meats from Jim’s Butchery. If your job is to bring dessert, Christopher’s Cakes is your go-to. Grab a bunch of flowers from Adriatic Cove and the best, fresh juices from Simon Says Juice. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a party or the pub, if swimwear or Hawaiian shirts are required try Daly Male and get your Calvins at Aussie Boys. The new queer museum Qtopia has free admission every Sunday.
There’s a bunch of Darlo rooftops that have to be amongst the best-kept secrets in town! Head to the top at Columbian or climb the stairs to Chingalings’ tiny terrace. Burdekin has pub dining with unbeatable CBD views, whilst Taphouse offers tap beers and Chinese food.
House Of Priscilla
Looking to linger over a long brunch? These venues offer drag and bottomless. Burdekin has rooftop drag brunch every Sunday, Lil Ms Piggy has a delicious middle-eastern spread and The Winery gardens inside or out are a fun destination for a lively crowd.
This stylish precinct has serious street cred styles available at Carhartt, Eastern Hill Supplies, Bandsome and Above the Clouds. Plus, some of the best vintage shopping in the city can be found here - start with SWOP, Zoo Emporium, Fabrique and Vinnies.
Sometimes all you need on a hot day is a cooling ale. Work your way through the craft beer selection at Bitter Phew or immerse yourself in the cool cowboy style of Shady Pines Saloon.
Sit outside and watch the world go by at Kinselas, the Courthouse or the Oxford all with a ringside view of Taylor Sq.
Whether it’s Parade night, club night or a night in, if you need to get glam, here’s the lowdown: House of Priscilla has all things sparkly any showgirl could want; Kryolan professional make-up stays on, has amazing colours and gives great advice; Sax Fetish is a treasure trove of locally made leather clothing, gear and toys. Something amazing is going to happen, so make sure to remember the summer of ‘25 with new ink from Thanks Tattoo.
Oxford Street has long been recognised as the home to Sydney’s LGBTIQA+ communities and an area that symbolises acceptance, diversity, and pride around the world. It’s important to protect this heritage and preserve its reputation as an iconic LGBTIQA+ precinct.
TTHE Oxford St Pride Charter has been created as a way for local businesses and groups to work alongside the City of Sydney and the Rainbow Precinct committee to protect the area’s identity and help shape the creative and cultural future of the place. Signatories to the Charter agree to a set of commitments* that will tackle local challenges and create opportunities to see the Oxford Street precinct thrive.
Shane Warren, Chair of the Rainbow Precinct, says having an Oxford St Pride Charter “reminds people where they are and what we represent”.
“Oxford St is undergoing a big shift at the moment, with a massive redevelopment and dozens of new businesses about to come into the area. We want to build on our legacy and also create a dialogue so that local businesses and people visiting Oxford St and the Rainbow Precinct understand and respect the unique character of the area and importance of our history”, says Warren.
Membership of the charter is diverse and made up of businesses large and small, property owners, community service providers and organisations, arts organisations, community and educational institutions and performers operating around the Oxford Street precinct.
Benefits include: regular precinct updates, access to member meetings, participating in the economic development of the area, collaborative marketing and access to free LGBTIQA+ inclusion and diversity training. A starter pack includes marketing collateral, a progress pride flag, access to historical information and resources to support LGBTIQA+ communities.
*Charter Members agree to:
Create welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTIQA+ people.
Increase employment and business opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people. Work together to ensure LGBTIQA+ communities are safe and supported. Honour and share LGBTIQA+ history and culture within the Oxford Street Precinct.
On launching the charter recently, Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said “this new charter will serve to safeguard the identity and culture of the precinct. Oxford Street is unique to Sydney and has long been recognised as the heart of Sydney’s LGBTIQA+ culture and communities.
“Australians are similar to the Americans in that they want the show to be good. Now, that might sound like an obvious thing to you, but you’d be amazed how many British people come to a comedy show, expecting, and almost wanting, to see a car crash”. In order to maintain this status, the charter has been developed as a united voice against homophobia and transphobia – a grassroots, community approach to keeping the precinct safe and inclusive. It outlines the expectations of the communities, to current and future operators, that Oxford Street should remain lively, diverse and inclusive.”
Rainbow Precinct is an Incorporated group of local businesses supporting the area with marketing and advocacy work. It is part of the NSW Government Uptown Program.
The Oxford St Pride Charter celebrates the historic importance of Oxford St and surrounds to LGBTQIA+ communities and allies. We commit to respecting and maintaining this connection, to ensure it remains a lively, diverse and inclusive place.
Sign the Charter and join the many businesses and organisations operating within Oxford St and the Rainbow Precinct; enjoy exclusive membership benefits, an opportunity to showcase your business and access to networking opportunities.
More information: rainbowprecinct.com.au
The NSW Police Force has always had a complex relationship with Mardi Gras and with the LGBTQI+ community.
EEVEN during the early colonial years in this country, those endowed with the responsibility of enforcing the law chose to do so with physical and verbal aggression when it came to gay men (lesbians, like all women, were virtually invisible).
Sodomy was considered a crime punishable by death until 1836 when the death penalty was revoked in the UK. After that date, those arrested for sodomy were still at the whim of law enforcers, and that often meant a brutal beating or worse.
Beats arose around Sydney during the late 1800s in pretty much the same locations that became known as gay haunts in modern times: Bourke St, Hyde Park, and areas around Darlinghurst. Even back then, police often lured and entrapped gay men at these beats.
In 1958, a particularly homophobic NSW Police Commissioner ordered an aggressive crackdown on homosexual behaviour. This galvanised the queer community to band together and begin advocating for freedom against discrimination.
Throughout the 1960s, the queer community became more emboldened. Dozens of venues were established in Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, and the CBD, and though they were not advertised as queer, it was an open
BSeventeen years after NSW’s only pride centre closed its doors, a new hub for the LGBTQI+ community has finally opened up: the Inner West Pride Centre.
BANG in the middle of one of Sydney’s most diverse, eclectic, and queer suburbs, is the historic Newtown Town Hall building. Built in the early 1860s, it first served as the Newtown School of Arts before being purchased by local council in 1868 and becoming the municipal offices up until 1948.
From then on it had a steady turnover of tenants and a variety of purposes, mostly community based.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Pride Centre, which was established in 1995, operated Erskineville Town Hall as shared venue for LGBTQI+ organisations and events. When it closed in 2007, Sydney — and NSW — were left with a gaping hole where a thriving community hub had been. It wasn’t until 2018 that any suggestion was made about opening a new pride centre.
The impetus came from Inner West Council, who consulted with local and the LGBTQI+ communities. With a very high positive response providing the mandate, the council set about finding a suitable location; Newtown Town Hall perfectly fit all the criteria.
The interior was given a $2.6 million make-over,
secret. By the early 1970s, groups like CAMP were publicly advocating for homosexual rights.
Police hostility persisted, culminating on the historic night of June 24, 1978, when a 53 people were arrested, dozens were injured, and a movement began in earnest.
A tense relationship began between organisers of what became an annual Mardi Gras parade and the police who were required to keep order for the event. That relationship deteriorated during the mid to late 1980s when the community was rocked by gay hate crimes, including murders, to which the police seemed, at best, indifferent, at worst, complicit.
In 1990, the LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer Program was established by NSW Police in an effort to improve relations with the community. Then, in 1998, a contingent from the NSW Police Force marched in the Mardi Gras parade for the very first time.
They have participated in the parade ever since, although from that first time until now, their presence has been highly contentious.
Most recently, a call by certain community groups to ban the police from the parade was voted down, and a NSW Police float will be in the 2025 parade.
with contractors, CCG Architects bringing the beautiful heritage building back to its former glory.
The Inner West Pride Centre opened its stunningly restored front doors on September 9 this year. Following an Expression of Interest process, much respected organisation, Twenty10, was selected to manage and operate the Pride Centre.
Twenty10’s vision for the Centre is a safe, accessible hub for connection, care, creativity, and collaboration for LGBTQI+ communities. In addition to running their own core programs, Twenty10 will bring the Pride Centre to life through partnerships with other grassroots LGBTQI+ organisations, groups and communities.
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Peter Bonsall-Boone and his partner, Peter de Waal appeared on which 1972 ABC Documentary series?
The Sydney Hookers are Australia’s first and only LGBTQI friendly club for which sport?
This venue’s rooftop is home to one of Sydney’s best Drag Brunches?
5. Peter Bonsall-Boone and his partner, Peter de Waal appeared on which 1972 ABC Documentary series?
The new Inner West Pride Centre is located in the Town Hall of which queer-friendly Sydney suburb?
1. What is the 2025 Mardi Gras theme?
7. The Sydney Hookers are Australia's first and only LGBTQI friendly club for which sport?
9. This venue ' s rooftop is home to one of Sydney's best Drag Brunches?
This Precinct is nestled in the heart of Surry Hills/Darlinghurst around Oxford St and Taylor Square? In
10. This Precinct is nestled in the heart of Surry Hills/Darlinghurst around Oxford St and Tay quare?
11. In 1990,
The Mardi Gras Festival traditionally begins with the raising of the Pride ______ Flag.
2. Cyndi Lauper will appear on stage for the final time in which month of 2025?
3. The new Inner West Pride Centre is located in the Town Hall of which queer-friendly Sydney suburb?
Name of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest vogue ball - happening Feb 28, 2025?
4. The Mardi Gras Festival traditionally begins with the raising of the Pride Flag.
6. Name of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest vogue ball - happening Feb 28, 2025?
8 In 1 984
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