Two new blue plaques have been unveiled paying tribute to lesbian and gay luminaries, librarian Ida Leeson and activist Robert (Bobby) Goldsmith, whose legacies helped progress LGBTQIA+ rights and shaped the rich history of NSW.
The Minns Labor Government has installed these plaques to share the fascinating stories of people and events that have shaped communities across the state.
Ida Leeson's blue plaque can be found on the Mitchell Building at the State Library in Sydney's CBD. Fighting both systemic sexism and discrimination against same-sex partnerships, Ida rose to the top of her discipline and in 1932 earned the highly esteemed position of Mitchell Librarian. Controversy over the appointment turned the wheels of the feminist movement, inspiring campaigns for equal workplace rights.
Ida was a talented librarian whose contributions to research, archival management and historic preservation shaped the library's world-leading Australian and Pacific collection.
Born in 1885 in Leichhardt, Ida became a library assistant at the Public Library of NSW, now the State Library, by the age of 21. At age 24, she would meet her partner Florence Birch, with whom she remained for the rest of her life.
Bobby Goldsmith has been honoured with a blue plaque at Universal Sydney nightclub on Oxford Street.
Bobby, born in Hurstville in 1946, was a beloved leader in the LGBTQIA+ community whose death at the age of 38 from HIV-AIDS related illness was the first publicly recognised case in NSW.
He was a prominent gay rights activist, marching in Sydney's first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978. Bobby was also a prolific swimmer and represented Australia at the inaugural 1982 San Francisco Gay Olympics, where he took home 17 of Australia's 21 medals.
He was diagnosed with HIV months after the Gay Olympics. His partner Ken, friends, family and community rallied around him, fundraising to provide him with the dignified home care he deserved.
With the support of the Gay Counselling Service, the group raised a remarkable $6,000 at an event at the Midnight Shift, now Universal, on Oxford Street. The fundraiser helped launch the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, which is Australia's longest running HIV charity and still provides community-based care and support today.
His blue plaque has been installed outside Universal Sydney to keep his legacy alive.
Leeson and Goldsmith are two of 16 new blue plaque recipients. For more information visit: the Blue Plaques NSW website.
Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said:
"These blue plaques recognise two extraordinary people who have left lasting legacies in progressing women's and gay rights, and will ensure their stories live on.
"Ida Leeson stood tall in the face of sexism and discrimination to win the recognition she deserved, and moved the dial of progress for all women.
"Bobby Goldsmith was a hugely influential figure at a time when the LGBTQIA+ community was fighting for its fundamental rights and forging its identity in Australia."
Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, said:
"Ida's achievements as a feminist trailblazer living as an openly gay women in Sydney's inner west almost 100 years ago are truly remarkable.
"She fought for recognition and inclusion in every aspect her life, living unapologetically and true to who she was - an inspiring achievement we are rightfully celebrating alongside her groundbreaking professional success with this blue plaque."
Pride History member Teresa Savage, who nominated Ida Leeson, said:
"Ida Leeson was a trailblazing feminist librarian, an accomplished academic, researcher and collector.
"She lived openly in a lesbian relationship for over 50 years at a time when that was rare."
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation CEO Nick Lawson, who nominated Bobby Goldsmith, said:
"Bobby Goldsmith's friends, especially his partner Ken, were instrumental in transforming care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
"The foundation they created remains a tribute to their love and compassion. We nominated Bobby to honour the enduring legacy they built in his name - one that continues to uplift and support people living with HIV today."
