CAMP - An Illustrated Talk by Two Pioneer Lesbian Activists

Join the two Robyns – Robyn Kennedy and Robyn Plaister - for a talk about our LGBTQI+ history here in Sydney.

They are the authors of the book CAMP: Australia's pioneer homosexual rights activists which was published for World Pride 2023. As well as providing a fascinating history, the book also brings together a treasure trove of historic images. It is these images which form the basis for this talk. The Robyns have selected a number of images and they will have a conversation about each one, explaining the context, the people featured, and the impact. There might also be some vintage gossip! Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of our two speakers. This will in turn be followed by a book signing session and an opportunity to have another glass of wine and mingle with the other attendees. 

The event has been organised by The Bookshop Darlinghurst and will be moderated by the new owner Charles Gregory. The Bookshop is delighted to be partnering with Qtopia Sydney on the event and thanks them for hosting this very special History Talk at their Loading Dock Theatre.  

Note – this is the first in a planned series of monthly literary events presented by The Bookshop Darlinghurst. 

The ticket price is $20 and includes a glass of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Robyn Kennedy is a 78er with a long history of Pride activism. During the 1970s, Robyn was the Secretary of CAMP, the organisation that spearheaded Australia’s LGBTQI+ rights movement. She is a past Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board member and past Vice President of InterPride. She is the current Co-Chair of the 78ers organisation, First Mardi Gras. Robyn is a recipient of ACON's Community Hero Award and was InterPride’s Outstanding Volunteer of 2022. In 2023, Robyn was presented with the Key to the City of Sydney by Lord Mayor Clover Moore, as a representative of LGBTIQ+ heroes past and present. 

Robyn Plaister has been a lesbian feminist activist since the early 1970’s. She came close to losing her teaching position at an Anglican secondary school when a photo of her being grabbed by police at the first Mardi Gras, was splashed across the newspaper. She was on the Executive of CAMP NSW and partook in many political activities, focussing heavily on lesbian issues. She was the co-organiser with Margaret McMann of two lesbian seminars held at the University of Sydney funded by Prime Minister Whitlam as part of the International Women’s Years grants.  She started the first Lesbian Mothers Group in 1976 to fight lesbians losing their children in custody cases.  In 1978 she started the first Lesbian Teachers Group to support lesbian teachers and provide a more supportive school environment for lesbian teachers and students. Her early politics in CAMP NSW was depicted in the ABC telemovie “Riot”, and she has co written the book; CAMP: Australia’s Pioneer Homosexual Activists with Robyn Kennedy.  She continues to be involved in lesbian feminist politics on ageing.