Queering Macquarie Street

Macquarie Street was laid out by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810. The decisions made along this street – by religious organisations, the state and the medical profession – have had great consequences for queer people since colonial times.

For Pride Month (1–30 June), Museums of History NSW curator Dr Tuan Nguyen will lead a history walk down Macquarie Street, exploring stories of queer people who walked along the same path: from same-sex relationships between convicts at the Hyde Park Barracks, to the first female Mitchell Librarian, Ida Leeson (who was in a committed lesbian relationship with Florence Birch for over 50 years), and bushranger Andrew George Scott (aka Captain Moonlite), whose late-19th-century criminal career involved The Mint and the Water Police Court – and many more.

Starting at the Hyde Park Barracks and finishing at the Justice & Police Museum, this 90-minute walking tour will examine what and how we know about these queer lives, often lived in secret and under the threat of persecution.

Members get more: Members enjoy pre-sale access and a 20% discount on tickets.