Exhibitions
Opening exhibitions at Qtopia Sydney are guided by five major themes: HIV/AIDS, human rights, sexuality and identity, media representation and First Nations stories.
Each of these themes will be expanded over time, with new exhibitions opening in coming months.
Visitors are advised that these exhibitions contain references to disturbing events, violence, grief and loss and may be upsetting for some viewers.
Current
Exhibitions
130PM: Soundtrack to a Revolution
130PM: Soundtrack to a Revolution is a celebration of a cross section of incredible, Queer musical talent.
Dykes on Bikes
The Dykes on Bikes are an essential and exciting start to every Mardi Gras Parade
Ward 17th South
Ward 17 South is presented in partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney and recreates a room from the first dedicated HIV/AIDS treatment and care
HIV Today
HIV Today provides a historical and contemporary context for the ongoing understanding of HIV/AIDS locally
Sydney WorldPride 2023 – Gather, Dream, Amplify
Sydney WorldPride 2023 - Gather, Dream, Amplify presents elements of Sydney WorldPride and gives audiences
We’re Here, We’re Queer
We’re Here, We’re Queer is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride in Australia using maps, Queer terminology
Becoming
Becoming is a showcase of how various forms of gender expression have interacted, intertwined and evolved in Queer communities.
1978 – Hour By Hour
1978 - Hour by Hour is an exhibition chronicling the pivotal year of 1978 in Sydney's LGBTQIA+ history
Where We Are
The former Darlinghurst Police Station, now home to Qtopia Sydney, embodies Sydney's historical evolution
Sydney Star Observer
The Star Observer exhibition commemorates 45 years of LGBTQIA+ resilience and progress through a visually compelling display
Lesbians on the Loose
This exhibition is a timeline of lesbian representation and reporting by the long-running, lesbian owned and staffed publication
Dirty Words: First Nations Languages
The Dirty Words: First Nations Languages’ exhibit holds work by some of the most remarkable First Nations Queer writers
The Underground: sexuality and protest
Inspired by the site of the public toilet block at Taylor Square, ‘The Underground: Sexuality and Protest’
The Original Activists
As a celebration of First Nations activism creativity, this exhibition recognises the LGBTQIA+ Trailblazers
HIV/AIDS Memorial
The HIV/AIDS Memorial is a dynamic yet gentle and inclusive tribute, using vivid stories, intimate photographs and community
Crime To Freedom
Crime to Freedom looks at recent LGBTQIA+ history from the 1970s, through decriminalisation
The Apology
In 2016, the NSW Police Force formally apologised to the '78ers, participants in the first Mardi Gras in 1978
Interviews with Jonathon Moran
Interviews with Jonathon Moran is an exhibition that features a diverse collection of 24 compelling interviews
“The basic principle I work on is if LGBT people exist, which we do, the law should, we’re not going anywhere. And so the law should protect us and the law should give us rights. It should not discriminate against us.”
Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney