A Known Safe Place

The GLF casually requests funds from the Union for public events, showing both their comfort with the union and with being visible on campus.

In mid-1972, the GLF surveyed Melbourne University clubs, faculties, departments, and colleges about anti-discrimination policies; though few had formal procedures, most responded positively to the group’s inquiry.

During the early 1970s, universities were a hub for the homosexual community with relative safety. Student politics had become increasingly radical during the 1960s, and homosexuality was discussed with sympathy in student publications.[1] Moving into the 1970s, more homosexual people were able to personally come out on campus.[2] Melbourne University played host to unofficial groups, such as the Daughters of Bilitis, and official ones like the Gay Liberation Front which affiliated with the student union in 1972.[3] Rodney Thorpe admitted that GLF encountered hostility from some organisations, but that on a day-to-day basis, people were more likely to say “ok, well, sure mate” and give him whatever he was buying for the group.[4] There were some instances of anti-gay violence at Melbourne University, but overall, it represented a safe space where people could expect to find acceptance from those they interacted with.[5]  Hosting NHC at Melbourne University negated some of the ‘risk’ of being out.

[1] Willett, Living Out Loud, 21-4; and Jess Rodgers, “Queer, Student, Activism,” in Intimacy, Violence and Activism: Gay and Lesbian Perspectives on Australasian History and Society, eds. Graham Willett and Yorick Small (Clayton: Monash University Publishing, 2013), 197-200.

[2] Willett, From Camp to Gay, 1; 8-9.

[3] Rodgers, “Queer, Student, Activism”, 197; and Willett, From Camp to Gay, 9-14.

[4] Ron Thiele, as cited in Willett, From Camp to Gay, 14.

[5] Willett, From Camp to Gay, 25-6.