Sydney’s Queer Rebels
Last year, The Midnight Shift--Sydney's oldest gay bar--closed after 37 years in business. It's one of many casualties of Sydney's draconian lockout laws, which have heavily restricted bars' and nightclubs' opening hours since 2014. The city's own lord mayor Clover Moore (a wildly popular queer ally who famously introduced the bill allowing same-sex couples to adopt) called the laws a "sledgehammer" to Sydney's nightlife. Protest marches of up to 15,000 people have called for the government to "Keep Sydney Open," and that plea has become the moniker of a movement so popular, it's a legitimate political party. So, what's a queen without a scene? Pissed off, proactive, and ready as ever to party.
Peter Shopovski
Owner of queer hot spot House of Mince
"Sydney's queer community has become unified in our opposition and it's made us stronger. Clubbing is a culture, and its audience are adults."
Kurt Johnson
Queer stylist, editor, and scene personality
"The lockout laws have left many people from oppressed subcultures with no safe spaces to socialize."
Tilly Lawless
Queer sex worker, activist, social media star
"The laws have sapped Oxford Street of its culture. I no longer feel safe walking alone as a woman. Sex workers have lost their red-light district and their incomes. But still, we fight back and dance on."
Tyson Koh
Director of Keep Sydney Open
"Starting Keep Sydney Open and turning it into a political party is a declaration that alternative culture matters. We're not ashamed for wanting to express ourselves at any time, night or day."
*This story is part of our '99 Things We Love About Australia' feature in the August issue of Out.
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