Ron Austin(1929 – 13 April 2019) was an Australian LGBT rights activist, who was known for being one of the founders of theSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Grasin 1978.[1]
Early life and education
editRonald Patrick Austin grew up inMaitland, New South Walesand was the oldest of five children. He entered the Redemptorist monastery in Mayfield,Newcastleat the age of 16 but left in 1951. He enrolled in theNational Art Schoolin Newcastle before moving toDarlinghurst,Sydney to enroll in the National Art School there.[2]
Activism
editAustin was an early member of theCampaign Against Moral Persecution(CAMP) group, an LGBTIQ rights activism group working to end discrimination against members of the LGBTIQ community, having joined in 1971.[2][3]In 1978, this group were planning protests in support of LGBTIQ rights.
From 21–27 May 1978, 900 people attended Sydney's first gayfilm festivalat theParis Theatre.[4]One of the films,Word is Out[5],which included footage from the San Francisco Freedom Day Parade inspired Austin, a member ofCAMP,with the idea of a street party which later became the firstMardi Grasin June of that year.[6]The suggestion that the demonstrations should be a street party led to the first march on 24 June 1978.[7][2]His friendLance Gowlandassisted with obtaining the permit, driving the truck and setting up the sound system.[8]53 people were arrested for participating.[9]This event became a catalyst for a series of protests[3]and led to the repeal in April 1979 of the NSW Summary Offences Act, under which the arrests had been made.[10]The Mardi Gras became an annual event, and Austin marched in every parade for decades.[3]
Death and legacy
editAustin died on 13 April 2019, at the age of 90.[3]The Mardi Gras Awards, given out annually, include the Ron Austin Award for Most Fabulous Parade Entry.[11]
References
edit- ^"Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 78er Ron Austin dies aged 90".ABC News.Retrieved18 September2020.
- ^abc"Decisions for issue Vale Ronald Patrick Austin".meetings.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.10 May 2019.Retrieved21 June2019.
- ^abcd"Tributes flow for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 78er Ron Austin".QNews.15 April 2019.Retrieved21 June2019.
- ^"Paris Theatre in Sydney, AU - Cinema Treasures".cinematreasures.org.Retrieved19 March2020.
- ^"Queer Screen | Past Festivals".Retrieved8 February2020.
- ^Chetcuti, Joseph (2018),Sydney's first gay Mardi Gras: what brought it on and how it changed us,Lygon Street Legal Services,ISBN978-0-648-22530-0
- ^"'Godfather of Mardi Gras' Ron Austin passes away aged 90 ".Star Observer.15 April 2019.Retrieved21 June2019.
- ^Henderson, Nick (20 February 2018)."Sydney's Mardi Gras: 40 years of pride and protest – in pictures".The Guardian.Retrieved24 June2019.
- ^"Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Australian Museum's Body Art".20 July 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 20 July 2008.Retrieved21 June2019.
- ^"History".Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Ltd.Retrieved21 June2019.
- ^"Remembering Ron Austin".Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Ltd.Retrieved21 June2019.