Gay Sydney: A Memoir

“For more than 50 years, Yang has chronicled Sydney’s subcultures and especially its queer culture, to become one of the most astute observers of his milieu and times.” ★★★★ – Sydney Morning Herald

“I came to Sydney from Brisbane in 1969, the same year as Stonewall about which I’d never heard. The Gay Liberation movement was just beginning…”

Internationally renowned performance artist, and one of Australia’s greatest storytellers, William Yang is an iconic chronicler of our time. His work, although intensely personal, speaks a universal language.

Join William as he explores the heady and turbulent scenes of 1970s Sydney, the vibrant history of Mardi Gras, and the ever-evolving LGBTQIA+ story.

Set against his own stunning images and with evocative, haunting music created and played live by Meanjin/Brisbane composer, Timothy Fairless, Gay Sydney: A Memoir eloquently reflects on the past to imagine the way forward.

William’s work has remained artistically vibrant, impactful and relevant through five decades of creation. Gay Sydney: A Memoir is the apotheosis of all that came before, tender, exuberant, political – a portrait of the times that shaped a life well lived.

“William’s great charm is his calculated understatement. As he stands before you, a lone figure on the stage, his giant images projected behind him, there is both intimacy and droll comment in his delivery. There is also generosity of spirit, light and sometimes wicked humour… Much of the humour arises from gossip and wry revelations about the foibles of human behaviour.” (Arthere, 2010)

Creator/Performer: William Yang
Composer/Performer: Timothy Fairless
Producer: Fenn Gordon for Tandem