Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial

Welcome to Green Park, a serene pocket of Darlinghurst that serves as the backdrop for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial. To understand the significance of this site, one must first appreciate the history of this…

The central feature of this memorial is the pink triangle, a shape that has undergone a profound semiotic transformation over the decades. During the Holocaust, the Nazis forced gay men in concentration camps to wear a…

As we stand before the memorial, we must contextualize it within the broader legal and social landscape of Sydney. The year 1984 marked a 'turning point' in New South Wales history—the decriminalization of homosexuality. …

Darlinghurst, the neighborhood surrounding this memorial, has a unique character that is essential to our guide. Known as the 'historic soul' of gay Sydney, it has been the site of both profound tragedy and exuberant joy. …

Directly adjacent to Green Park is the Sydney Jewish Museum, an institution dedicated to the history of the Holocaust and the survivors who made Australia their home. The proximity of the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial to…

We cannot talk about LGBTQ+ history in Sydney without discussing the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. What began in 1978 as a 'protest and march for equality' has evolved into a 'world-famous celebration' that draws hundreds of…

The final section of our tour focuses on the memorial’s role within the landscape of Green Park as a place for 'education and learning.' The Royal Botanic Garden and other Sydney parks are often seen as places for 'peace and…

As we conclude our time at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial, I hope you carry away a deeper appreciation for the 'resilience and transformation' of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community. We have walked through Green Park, a…