LGBTIQ History Archive

June is Global Pride Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community and reflect on progress made and still to be made. To mark the occasion, the National Library of Australia is sharing some historical photographs from thier collection taken at Pride events held in Adelaide and Perth.

‘Don’t Say Gay’ rules and book bans might have felt familiar in medieval Europe, but queer themes in literature survived nonetheless.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia(IDAHOBIT) is observed on May 17 and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. By 2016 the commemorations had taken place in over 130 countries

So, was the famous Australian bushranger Captain Moonlite definitely gay? A historian explains why it’s much more complicated.

Before the 1970s, there were no trans organisations or publicly advertised gender clinics. But camp cultures brought together a variety of sexually- and gender-diverse people.

The Canberra Qwire story began in 1993 when a small group met in a suburban garage filled with tools, gardening supplies and a whole lot of musical promise.

Hollywood has a history where it welcomes LGBTIQ+ people but behind the scenes, it has not always been the case. This is the Secret Gay Life of Hollywood.

The word masturbation first appeared in the 18th century and to give you an idea of how it was considered at those times, it should suffice to tell you that the etymology of the word comes from Latin masturbari or rape with a hand. Its history, however starts at the beginning of times.

A history of gender crossing in 19th-century Australia. WARNING is article contains references to anti-trans, colonial and institutional violence.