Our History
History of Queer Sydney — Told at Qtopia Sydney
Sydney’s Queer history is inseparable from place — and from the buildings that have witnessed both injustice and change. Qtopia Sydney is located in the former Darlinghurst Police Station, a site once associated with surveillance, arrest and persecution, particularly of LGBTQIA+ people. Today, it stands transformed into a space for remembrance, education and pride.
Long before this chapter of history, the land on which Qtopia Sydney and Taylor Square now stand was, and always will be, Gadigal Country of the Eora Nation. For tens of thousands of years, Gadigal people lived, gathered and cared for this land, maintaining deep cultural and spiritual connections that endure today.
By telling these layered stories together — of Country, community, resistance and resilience — Qtopia Sydney honours the past while creating space for understanding, reflection and connection in the present.
The Late David Polson AM - Emeritus Founding Chair
In 1984, The Late David Polson was one of the first 400 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia.
He was introduced to the now late Professor David Cooper by Dr Brett Tindall, starting a marathon journey of discovery for both David’s. The Late David Polson undertook 28 HIV drug trials under David Cooper’s care. The side effects from the drug trials were horrendous and have left David with several life-long serious medical conditions but did help to lead medical science discover the very effective triple therapy now widely in use across the globe. David Cooper saved the late David’s life and helped save the lives of so many across the globe.
The Late David Polson AM became a public speaker and HIV Advocate and has been educating a wide audience on HIV/AIDS for over 28 years. He was recognised as a Community Champion by The National Association of People Living with HIV, Gilead Sciences and Positive Life NSW in 2021 for his services to HIV education and awareness.
After David Cooper died, The late David had made it his mission to bring to fruition David Cooper’s vision of an AIDS museum. This, along with the memorial to those Queer people who have suffered persecution, oppression and discrimination, forms a vital part of Qtopia. The David Cooper AIDS sector of the museum is a very personal tribute to a man who contributed so much to the world.
Taylor Square — A Place of Gathering
Taylor Square has always been a place where people come together.
For First Nations peoples, this area formed part of a network of pathways, gathering places and cultural sites. The presence of fresh water and natural drainage lines made it an important place for meeting, movement and survival. These water sources supported daily life and created spaces where people could rest, connect and share knowledge.
Taylor Square was also a place of storytelling — where histories, law, culture and identity were passed down through generations. Stories were embedded in the land itself, carried through spoken word, song and ceremony, reinforcing deep connections between people, place and community.
