From outlaw lovers to gender-defying pioneers, Australia’s LGBTQ+ stories have long been overlooked. Now, historians, councils and advocates are working to uncover and celebrate the rich queer history woven into the nation’s past.
A Love Story Ahead of Its Time
In the 1840s, Anne Drysdale and Caroline Newcomb defied social expectations by living together on a sheep farm near Geelong. At a time when women couldn’t even own property, the pair not only shared a home but ran a successful farming business, earning recognition for their agricultural achievements. Their relationship, hidden from the spotlight for generations, is now being reclaimed as part of Australia’s queer legacy.
“People often assume that LGBTQ+ history is a recent phenomenon — but these stories prove otherwise,” says Dr David Waldron from Federation University.
Forgotten Figures Resurface
Dr Waldron’s research has shed light on LGBTQ+ lives from the Victorian goldfields and beyond. Among them is Captain Moonlite — the flamboyant bushranger whose love for fellow outlaw James Nesbitt has become the stuff of legend. Their romance blossomed behind prison walls, and after their release, the pair lived together until Nesbitt’s tragic death during a police standoff. Grieving, Moonlite wore a lock of Nesbitt’s hair to his own execution.
“We’re seeing history through a more honest lens,” Dr Waldron explains. “These were people in love, building lives together, despite the risks.”
Gender Defiance on the Frontier
Australia’s archives also reveal stories that challenge conventional ideas of gender. One example is Jack Jorgensen — a renowned horseman of the 1860s who lived as a man, only for it to be discovered after his passing that he had been assigned female at birth. His skill, rugged charm, and bullet-scarred face concealed his secret in plain sight.
These accounts, often hidden due to social stigma, reflect the long history of gender diversity in Australia.
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Protecting Queer Landmarks
Today, efforts are underway to preserve the places where LGBTQ+ history unfolded. Sydney’s Oxford Hotel, Palms, and Universal nightclub — iconic spaces for the community — are set to receive heritage protection. In Melbourne, Yarra Council is moving to safeguard venues like The Laird and community radio station 3CR.
Timothy Jones of the Australian Queer Archives says these moves are critical. “Too often, queer spaces and histories have been erased. Preserving them acknowledges their cultural importance,” he says.
Reclaiming the Narrative
The growing movement to document queer history extends beyond academics. Local governments, community groups, and individuals are helping piece together forgotten lives through letters, photos, and family records.
Sean Mulcahy, from Rainbow Local Government, emphasises that this work is about more than buildings. “It’s about recognising that LGBTQ+ people shaped our cities, our culture, and our history — and making sure those stories aren’t lost,” he says.
As Australia joins global cities like New York and Manchester in protecting LGBTQ+ heritage, a more complete version of history is finally being told — one that honours love, courage and identity in all its forms.
