Out of the closets and into the streets

Into the Streets, the tenth National Homosexual Histories Conference celebrated the achievements of lesbian and gay activism in Australia.

Organised by Sydney’s Pride History Group, with support from the City of Sydney, the two-day conference at UTS last weekend marked the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the gay and lesbian movement in Australia.

The conference discussed the social, political and cultural history of the gay and lesbian movement through the 1970s and its repercussions.

“I really think it’s important for each generation of gays and lesbians to work out for themselves what they think needs changing, because they’re going to have to live with the result or the non-result of what they do, or don’t do,” said original member of CAMP movement and speaker, Sue Wills.

The movements of the 70s provided a platform for people to discuss their sexuality and helped create a sense of identity and belonging.

Volunteer panel members recalled their experiences over the past decades and reflected on their struggles.

“We came out to a hostile world,” said secretary of Pride History Group, Robert French.

Despite their struggles, the movements of the 1970s facilitated profound changes in the community and the constructs surrounding gay and lesbian relationships.

Celebrity journalist Julie McCrossin campaigns for women’s and gay rights.

“Life is so much better for gays, lesbians and transgender people now, than when I was an 18 year-old in the early 70s,” she said.

Panel and audience members had strong visions for the future of gay and lesbian rights in Australia, particularly for civil and religious acceptance.

“There are many cultural groups across Australia for whom it is as unacceptable today as it was back in the 1960s and 70s. I think there’s a huge job to be done in providing safe opportunities for those gay, lesbian and transgender people, so they have access to support, so that they don’t live lonely lives.

“I think that you can be as frightened and alone today if you are in a religious family or in certain cultures as in the past. To me, the struggle is still fresh, but there’s so much hope,” Ms McCrossin said.

Panel members acknowledged the success and achievements of gay rights in Australia, but still had a strong message.

“Lets not judge ourselves, or be judged by others,” said panel member, Penny Gulliver.

“Speak up and don’t be afraid,” said Julie McCrossin.

The tenth annual conference is testament to the ongoing commitment people in the community have to ending gay and lesbian inequality in Australia.

by Sophie Cousins