“Full democratic rights for homosexuals–Spartacist [League],” gay rights activists (the “78ers”) clash with police outside the Central Court of Petty Sessions, Sydney, Australia, June 24, 1978. Photo © Fairfax Media. On June 24, 1978, thirty-eight years ago today, five hundred activists marched to Sydney’s Taylor Square to commemorate New York’s Stonewall riots and to protest anti-sodomy laws and institutionalized anti-LGBT discrimination. The peaceful demonstration ended violently at the hands of local police (pictured), and mass arrests led to public shaming of demonstrators; fifty-three participants were outed when the Sydney Morning Herald published their names, addresses, and occupations. The Taylor Square incident, and the protests organized in its wake, is credited with galvanizing Australia’s LGBT community into action, and the original activists - the “78ers” - became civil rights icons. On February 25, 2016, as Sydney prepared for Mardi Gras, the New South Wales Parliament officially apologized to the 78ers, stating: “For the mistreatment you suffered that evening, I apologize and I say sorry, the actions you took on June 24, 1978, have been vindicated…We are all here because of your bravery, your courage, your sacrifice.” #lgbthistory #lgbtherstory #lgbttheirstory #lgbtpride #queerhistorymatters #haveprideinhistory
(at Central Local Court)
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