Diane Minnis was active in women’s, lesbian and gay groups from 1972 and was arrested during the first nationally coordinated Gay Pride Week in 1973.

In 1978, Diane was involved in the Gay Solidarity Group that organised the morning march to mark the Stonewall anniversary and the night-time Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

With my leg in a walking plaster from a motorbike accident, I joined the parade. But when police stopped us, we were galvanised and charged up to Kings Cross – defiant, exhilarated and chanting slogans. Sheltering with friends in a shop doorway, I witnessed the most brutal police attack I had ever seen.

Following 1978, Diane helped form the Gay Trade Union Group, Pride History Group and, in the early to mid-2000s, was elected to the Board of New Mardi Gras three times. Following a career in the public service, Diane works on projects in training and communications.