A look at gay life in Australia
Gay life in Sydney — and Australia generally — has changed remarkably over the past 50 years. From the establishment of small, discreet gay bars and social clubs in the 1960s through to federal and state debates about gay marriage and adoption in the 2010s, the transformations in how homosexuality has been imagined, and lived, have been remarkable.
In fact, one could argue — following the esteemed British historian of sexuality, Professor Jeffrey Weeks — that these changes have been nothing short of revolutionary.
In his talk at the Australian Museum on Tuesday, February 22, Macquarie University Associate Professor and acting Head of Modern History, Politics and International relations, Robert Reynolds, will choose key moments from the past 50 years of gay life to trace this revolution and pose the question, is it time to deem the revolution a success and move on? Questions and discussion will be encouraged.
This look at Australia’s gay history takes place on a Tuesday night when the Museum opens its doors from 5.30–9.30pm for Jurassic Lounge, a new after-hours sessions featuring art, exhibitions, live music, drinks and the very popular silent disco.
Getting down with dinosaurs, drink in hand, is one of the many unlikely things you can do within the sandstone walls of the Australian Museum during Jurassic Lounge.
In the Silent Disco, revellers party in total silence amongst the vicious raptors, their wireless headsets throbbing to the beats of DJ Jack Shit. Nearby loungers can watch short films from Sydney’s Kino collective or wall projections from resident VJs Eightfilter.
The Skeleton room downstairs, meanwhile, will be buzzing with the seductive sounds of Sydney band The Brutal Poodles.
Elsewhere there will be surprise performances, magic tricks, expert talks and of course, the Museum’s impressive collection and displays, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Future Night Talks will feature topics such as drugs, photography, medical mysteries and birds of paradise, to name a few.
info: 50 Years of Gay Life in Australia: The Unfinished Revolution? is at the Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney on Tuesday, February 22 from 6.30pm. Cost is $30 which includes entry into Jurassic Lounge, free drink on arrival, complimentary cheese and wine. For more details and bookings, visit www.australianmuseum.net.au or phone 9320 6225.
