The NSW government has announced LGBTQI+ museum Qtopia will have a permanent home at the former Darlinghurst police station.
NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin used the opening of WorldPride to announce the government would ensure a central space for Qtopia to recognise queer history and celebrate diversity.
Protesters outside Darlinghurst police station in 1978.
“I am so proud to announce that tonight the NSW government will ensure that Qtopia, a museum dedicated to telling our stories, to telling our history, will have a permanent home at the old Darlinghurst police station,” he said.
The location of the museum holds significance for Sydney’s queer community as it was one of the locations for the first Mardi Gras protest in 1978.
Now known as the 78ers, the protesters took to streets supporting and celebrating New York’s Stonewall movement, while also calling for an end to the criminalisation of homosexual acts and discrimination against the gay community.
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Protesters were assaulted and thrown in jail; many were charged.
The initiative to recognise this part of Sydney’s history was supported by Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich.
“This announcement liberates a dark place for the LGBTQ community and turns it into the space of reflection and celebration,” the independent MP said.
