Researching the histories of marginalised communities among local history collections, such as Stanton Library’s, can be a challenging task. Historical records are often tainted by bias, or more often absent. Thinking about queer history, Stanton holds the works of some LGBTIQA+ writers and artists, but the lived experiences of local queer people are much harder to find.
The main sources of information are contemporary newspaper reports, produced by largely homophobic media, especially during the 1950s-80s. North Sydney may not generally be considered a particularly queer area, but in every community there is diversity to be found. In 2022, Stanton Library embarked on a project to help fill the gaps in the historic record, by actively seeking stories from the LGBTIQA+ community in North Sydney, told in their own voice.
Mapping Queer North Sydney is an interactive online map project, launched during Sydney WorldPride 2023, to collect LGBTIQA+ experiences in the North Sydney area. LGBTIQA+ people and allies drop a marker pin on the online map to share a memory, story, life event or feeling, whether historical or current. The aim is not only that queer people can feel heard by dropping a pin, but also that they may feel connected by reading stories which resonate with their own.
“My girlfriend’s mum was yet to accept our relationship. I spent a few hours comforting her one late afternoon here after a particularly nasty fight they had. She felt so alone and unloved. We watched the sunset together over the Harbour. I then took her to my grandparents’ house (who she had never met before) for a cup of tea and a cuddle. They treated her like she had been family for years. I’ll never forget this moment.”
The map will remain live on North Sydney Council’s website and will be re-opened for future contributions twice a year, during Pride Month in June and Sydney Mardi Gras in February-March. These future activations will also encourage participants to share photographs, letters, diaries and other ephemera, to help researchers build a picture of what it was – and is – like to be queer in North Sydney.
“Went on an early date with my partner to Ripples Cafe, and we’ve now been together for 10 years! I remember the good food and the special time that it was. We went for a walk through Bradfield Park afterwards, and I think it was one of many moments when I realised that he would be the one for me.”
Through Mapping Queer North Sydney, Stanton Library is endeavouring to make sure that queer voices are among those documenting the history of our time and place. We hope that all members of the LGBTIQA+ community know that their lives and experiences matter, and that from now on they will find themselves reflected in our Local History collections.
“Married on our front lawn with both sets of our parents and siblings. An amazing moment after the trauma of the marriage plebiscite. Equality and love wins!”
Visit Council’s website for more.
Historical Services, North Sydney Council.