Q News
Jordan Hirst
NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced long-time HIV campaigner and Qtopia Sydney founder David Polson AM will be honoured with a State Memorial Service.
David passed away at age 70 on Monday (February 10). Tributes flowed for the community icon, remembering his significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community over his lifetime.
At age 29, David was one of the first four hundred people in Sydney diagnosed with HIV in 1984. He bravely underwent 28 experimental drug trials, which ultimately saved not only his life but the lives of many others.
Friends and peers remembered David as a tireless advocate, speaker and role model. He fought HIV stigma and changed the lives of Australians living with HIV.
In 2023, he received the Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to community health through HIV education and advocacy”.
David Polson was also a founding chair of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney’s first queer museum. Qtopia opened in Darlinghurst last year.
‘His legacy will live on for generations’
On Thursday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said Polson’s family accepted the NSW Government’s offer of a State Memorial. The State Memorial is on March 12, with more details to come.
“David Polson was a trailblazer for bravely continually challenging the HIV stigma,” Minns said.
“His experience and advocacy contributed to life saving medications and significant advancements with a far-reaching international impact for those living with HIV.
“I’ve been honoured to work with David over a number of years as he continued to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, including later in his life.
“[I] know that his legacy will live on in the community for generations.”
‘People are alive today’ because of David Polson’s courage and bravery
NSW Legislative Council government leader Penny Sharpe paid tribute to David Polson as a courageous hero who saved lives.
“There are people alive today because of the courage and bravery of David Polson,” she said.
“It is a fitting tribute that he has a state memorial to acknowledge his work and share the story of LGBTQIA+ activism in New South Wales and David’s role in it.
“David Polson was a genuine hero of the community whose life profoundly helped others.”
The NSW government will confirmed more details on the March 12 State Memorial in the weeks to come.
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Jordan Hirst
