Celebrate 50 Years Proud
Pictured (from L to R): Paul Paech, Sian Woolock (University Librarian), Kansas Bird, Will Sergeant, and Amy Dale (Exhibitions Coordinator). Photo credit: Louise Jackson, On Dit.
Last Friday a new exhibition, 50 Years Proud: Queerness on Campus, was unveiled at the Library, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Adelaide's very first Proud Parade (now known as the Pride March) - a historic moment in LGBTQIA+ history. Some very special guests were present at the opening event:
Paul Paech - In 1973, Paul was the editor of On Dit and participated in the Gay Liberation Movement. He's the mastermind behind the 1973 Gay Pride Week edition of On Dit (now on display and pictured below, credit to Louise Jackson, On Dit), which helped rally support for the first Proud Parade.
Kansas Bird - The current president of the University of Adelaide Pride Club, Kansas spoke at the opening and emphasized the importance of understanding the activism that unfolded in 1973.
Will Sergeant - A passionate activist since the 1970s, Will marched in the 1973 Proud Parade. He was also part of the first-ever Mardi Gras in Sydney and has been actively involved in the Feast Festival since its inception in 1997. Dr Gertrude Glossip’s alter-ego, Will has written two books on the queer history of Adelaide.
Proud Parade, 1973. Series 690, Special Collections.
"50 Years Proud" takes visitors on a journey through time, chronicling events from 1972, including the tragic death of Dr. Duncan, to 1975, when homosexuality was decriminalised in South Australia. Join us in honoring the pioneering spirit of those who paved the way for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Australia.
Visit the exhibition today!
Where: Level 1 South, Barr Smith Library
When: During Library opening hours, until 20 November 2023
