Student organisations and homosexuality

The University of Melbourne Student Union and Students' Representative Council collections hold interesting papers relating to gay and lesbian student activity on campus.

To access these records, click on the link to the catalogue entry under collection title. Please note that some of the collection may be restricted access, in which case permission must be sought via the University of Melbourne Archives.

Blue jeans week poster
Poster, Gay Blue Jeans Day, 1973, 58.0 x 40.5 cm. Published by the SRc Welfare Department. Ralph McLean Collection, University of Melbourne Archives, 1980.0034, item 275. For information about Gay Blue Jeans Day, see the Related Records page and Farrago vol 57 no 17 p10.

Collection Reference Number

Collection Title

Unit Number

Notes by Dr Kathy Sport

1979.0047

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

UNIT 1

A-C groups

Contains files, grant applications, correspondence, financial details of clubs, societies theatre groups on campus: for example, Asian Student Society, MU Anarchists, Arts Club, A.L.P Club, Bulls and Bears Club (stock exchange), Christian Science Organisation, Chess Club, Campaign Against Conscription and so on, 1965-1979.

The ALP Club corresponds with Don Dunstan and he delivers a speech on campus for the Labour in Vic Series 1973 (it is one of the best according to the president’s letter of thanks to Dunstan). In 1974, Don Dunstan is invited by UM ALP Club to attend a dinner before the Chifley Memorial Lecture. In 1976, Dunstan delivers the lecture himself, titled ‘Social Democracy in the 70s: The Struggle Against the Myths’.

1979.0047

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

UNIT 2

C-F groups

Box contains records from clubs and societies such as UM Democratic Society, Classical Ballet, Community Aid Abroad, Conservation Society, Debating, Devine Light, Environmental Law, Fine Arts, MU Film Society and Folk music Society.

1979.0047

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

UNIT 3

G-M groups

Box contains records and correspondence for Melb Uni Gay Liberation Front. For example, MU GLF requests $250 loan from Student Union to print t-shirts with GLF symbol (to be sold $2.50 ea). They also organise a Gay Lib Dance (21st July 1972) at Trophy Hall, Beaurepaire Centre. The bands: Dirty Washing and Clydehouse. Tickets $1.50. MU Gay Liberation Front on campus address is Union House.

Relevant items:

  1. In 1972, UM Gay Liberation Front circulates a document to all UM departments and faculties and colleges with regard to their attitudes and inquiring whether the University discriminates on the basis on homosexuality and asking if any such policies exist. GLF’s intention is to expose institutional bias. The compendium of written replies is unanimous in the negative. Some reply that “private lives are of no concern”. Dental Science and Economic Geography claim the question is pedantic and rhetorical. Others say that the University’s position is not determined at faculty or departmental level. The Faculty of Agriculture says; “whilst universities should be opposed to discrimination – preferences and antipathies are factors that cannot be controlled by any policy and it is an individual right to be attracted or repelled by homosexuals or heterosexuals”. All reply that no policies about homosexuality and homosexuals are held.


    In the same document, the AUS policy motions: (a) urges the repeal of illegality of homosexual acts and (b) deplores any action to dismiss members of the armed services for homosexual practices.

  2. Letter dated 28.8.1973 about planning activities for Gay Pride Week. The idea is to get every heterosexual Australian aware of homosexuality both in and outside campus and to involve more homosexuals in accepting their homosexuality (being proud) and to gain publicity for the motion (by Gorton & Cass) to Federal Parliament with the hope of ending homosexual discrimination by law.


    Activities; dance off campus, film/music night, gay parents night, forum, and speakers to schools, demo in city square and end of week dance. UM Gay Lib asks the Union Council for $150 grant.

1979.0047

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

UNIT 4 and UNIT 5

Clubs and societies such as Modern Dance, Motorcycle, Photographic Society, Political Studies, Pottery, Pop Music, Radio, Republican Club, Rocket Research, Rationalist Society.

1979.0047

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

UNIT 6

Records of the UM Socio Legal Studies Society (SLSS) and the UM Women’s Liberation Group.

  1. Letter dated: 13 May 1971 - from SLSS President to Julian Phillips (Law School, UM).

    Invitation to address a public meeting on homosexuality and the law.

    “Several groups have recently shown interest in forming a society whose aim will be to press for law reform in the laws relating to homosexual acts in Australia, particularly Victoria. A committee was appointed to organise a public meeting, which would result in such a society being formed. On behalf of the committee I wish to invite you to address this meeting. If you would speak for 15-20 minutes on the state of the law regarding homosexuality in Sweden (as an example of a country where laws have been changed) and how society has been affected by the reform of those laws, we would be grateful”.


    The meeting is held, Monday 12 July 8pm in the Guild Theatre, University of Melbourne Union.
  2. Letter dated 13 May 1971 from SLSS President to Professor Brett, UM Law School asking him to speak on “the difficulties that will face us in trying to change the laws regarding homosexual acts”. Note: The constitution of SLSS is stated (in records) as promoting “the social consciousness in legal thinking”.
  3. UM Women’s Liberation Group correspondence indicates that it has trouble gaining affiliation (initially), but wins a $10 grant from the Student Union. The group is awarded affiliation April 1972. Handwritten letter (n.d.) from women’s lib group to say that the group in conjunction with Gay Lib are intending to have a forum dinner on ‘Homosexuality’ in the Buff Thursday 11 May and expect over 100 people to attend.
  4. Letter (handwritten) dated 30 April 1973 about grant for badges, which argues that they are a form of publicity as well as symbol of the women’s movement and important method of identification. Another letter requests support to send three delegates to the Radicalesbian Conference, Sorrento 6-8 July 1973 (cost of $14.50 per person for travel). The group also wants to send women to Canberra to present a submission on childcare to the Federal Government.

Box also contains records from clubs and societies such as MU Democratic Society, Classical Ballet, Community Aid Abroad, Conservation Society, Debating, Devine Light, Environmental Law, Fine Arts, MU Film Society, and MU Folk music Society.

1980.0029

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

(MUSRC)

UNIT 1

Papers from the 71st SRC (minutes and records) meetings held during 1977.

Motions of interest:

  • Motion that Farrago does not accept sexist racist heterosexist or militaristic advertising.
  • Motion to form a Working Party on Sexuality.
  • Motion for SRC to support (gay teacher) Greg Weir in his fight against Qld Gov and demand that he be appointed as a teacher.
  • Motion to end all discrimination against lesbians and male homosexuals. That this support be conveyed to the Victorian Greg Weir Defence committee. That the SRC ask the committee to suggest a speaker who can explain the case to UM students (speaker’s fee of $30 be donated to the cause).

UM SRC Annual Report 1977 states that the SRC is fully aware that students cannot exist in isolation from the issues confronting the entire Australian people (list of issues does not include gay law reform).

In July 1977, the SRC are planning six months ahead for Women’s Week first week of term, following year. The plan is to have speakers on health sexuality lesbianism and homosexuality.

SRC meeting 6/7/1977 tables a Sexuality Report by the Assembly Working Party. It claims that the University’s response to the report has been poor and so the Student Services Committee organises a meeting of faculty reps.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 2

Contains copies of AUS Constitution and AUS Education Policy (booklets) 1977 and 1978, also Departmental Committee papers and Student Participation 1978.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 3

Meeting Papers 72nd SRC

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 4

Meeting Papers 72nd SRC 1978 – general papers and correspondence on student unionism and the struggles around non-compulsory fees. SRC autonomy is under threat.

  • SRC Welfare Report (13/2/1978) refers to ‘university community’ and responsibility to provide services beyond basic educational functions.
  • List of clubs affiliated to the SRC – GaySoc and Women’s Lib groups are not on the list.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 6

General SRC papers 1978/1979

  1. Letter, 9 October 1979 (correspondence folder): letter from the SRC and addressed to Mr Berry, Secretary Warden Graduate House Melbourne University.

    “I must protest in the strongest terms the eviction notice handed to one of your residents, Terry Stokes. In light of Terry’s conviction in the Magistrates Court Friday October 5th for offensive behaviour one cannot help but draw a conclusion of possible discrimination in the most cruel way. I petition you to re-open your enquiries into this matter and afford Terry the natural justice he is fully entitled to regardless of his sexual preference”.
  2. To the Federal Minister for Health and Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser about women’s refuges.
  3. Letter, 6 Sept 1979 from the UM Law Students Society invites Gough Whitlam to speak at the valedictory dinner.
  4. Letter, 4 Sep 1979, addressed to Fred Nile c/o Festival of Light, confirms his participation in debate to be held Wed 12 September at Union Theatre 1pm. The debate is titled ‘Alternative Lifestyles’. The letter confirms plane flight details & that Fred to be picked up from airport.
  5. Travel confirmation letter.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 7

73rd SRC correspondence related to assessment matters (for example, SRC President prepares submission to Academic Board on assessment).

Meeting Papers 73rd SRC

  • In May 1979 the SRC prepares a submission to the Victorian Attorney General about the Residential Tenancies Bill 1978 (UM Law Faculty assists with the submission). The SRC argues that the Bill needs a clause prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sexuality. “Melb Uni Student Housing reports a decline in such discrimination in recent years while acknowledging that it persists to some extent”.
  • 73/2 SRC Meeting motions to appoint SRC Women’s Officer in recognition of women’s needs.
  • Political conflict between UM SRC and Farrago.
  • Meeting Papers, AUS Standing Committee April 1979, the meeting motions that the Hamer Government demonstrates contempt for homosexuals as seen in the legislation increasing fines for soliciting and loitering.
  • Meeting Papers and general correspondence indicates factionalism and in-fighting and political splits. For example, SRC President 1979 reports that he voted against the AUS Abortion campaign and suggests that the National Women’s Policy Collective are a bunch of lesbian bourgeois socialists. He also expressed bitterness that AUS people want to use AUS as an instrument of social change and urges a split between activism and representation: “activists should play with their own money not mine” … he believes AUS should lobby government and educate the public (like the UN does).
  • suggests that SRC split from the AUS.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 8

73rd SRC Meeting Papers. Minutes of the SRC Executive Committee 9 October 1979.

  • “Terry Stokes was convicted in the City Magistrates Court for kissing another man and had been evicted from Graduate House. It was alleged that it was a personal vendetta against homosexuals by a University body”.
  • Motion: that the SRC Executive Committee strongly protests to the Warden of Graduate House and the board of Graduate Student Union over the eviction of Terry Stokes without sufficient evidence of a break of regulation. That the SRC Exec Committee would protest at an expulsion on the grounds of Mr Stokes homosexuality”.
  • Roche/O’Brien motion carried.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 9

Letter, 9 October 1979

To: Mr W. E. F Berry, The Warden, Graduate House, University of Melbourne

From: Dan Hogan, President 73rd SRC

  • NOTE: SRC Constitution 1979 (see Box 7 and Box 10 for copies), outlines policies on student housing and states that immediate eviction is usually on the basis of malicious damage or “conduct as to endanger the safety of occupiers of neighbouring premises”. Thus, in other words, Terry Stokes was judged as a “danger to others”.
  • Letter from Activities Officer Admin Secretary, reports on Clubs & Societies and their outstanding monies. GaySoc is affiliated to UM Activities Office and received a grant of $60, to be repaid.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 10

  • Letters 1971 and 1972
  • Meeting papers and correspondence illustrate ‘student unrest’ - demos, lock-ins, police raid Union House, students charged with misconduct. Police search for draft resisters & students campaign against Vietnam War.
  • 1979 Constitution & Regulations (copy).
  • Letter to Julian Philips related to his defence of a student penalised by the Academic Committee.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 12

  • 73rd SRC Correspondence – hand written letters and notes from President.
  • (Melb Uni Magazine) and Orientation Week Handbook (copies), O Week Program 1979.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 13

  • Melbourne Uni students vote to remain in AUS. Telegram from AUS appeal for support.
  • MUM (Melb Uni Magazine) and Orientation Week Handbook (copies), O Week Program 1979.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 14

  • Minutes and papers 74th SRC Nov 1979-1980
  • Report: “Students and Student Health Service” Feb 1980 presented by 74th SRC President. The report includes section on ‘sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases’ (see p.42). Recommends more available information and educational programs within community and on campus. Framework for sexuality appears to be focussed on contraception and STDs. Report is sent to many departments and groups on campus, including Women’s Lib group.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 15

  • Correspondence 74th SRC 1980
  • SRC organise weekend film festival and forum titled ‘Issue in Welfare’. Screen film titled “The Space Between Words: Family” (letter of request to State College of Vic Film Library).
  • Sexuality Week Program (proposal): Mon: Gay Lib: a better world for all, Tues: Prostitution, Wed: STDs and Family Planning, Thurs: Doco Films, Love Toads, Taking Our Bodies Back (1974) film on women’s health made in USA, Friday: Sexuality and Communication.
  • Sexuality Week 21-25July 1980. Theme: ‘A Decade of Changing Attitudes to Sexuality’ and included in the planning is an invitation Festival of Light and to the State Classification of Publications Board to speak on pornography. Also invited to participate are UM Women’s Lib, Lesbian Group and GaySoc. SRC writes to GaySoc for ideas on speaker for Gay Rights.

1980.0029

(MUSRC)

UNIT 16

  • Miscellaneous papers 73rd and 74th SRC.
  • Women’s Room gets a room in the Union Building.
  • SRC submission to Uni Council to Consider Student Participation recommends that: “the University’s impact on outside community is founded upon its graduate quality of learning and research and its graduates determine the Uni’s success in eyes of community”.
  • Policy Meeting 25/3/80: Notes the relationship between Welfare Services on and off campus – health, housing, retail, social functions, publications and strange note added for sexuality – “leave guns outside the door”).
  • Feminism Conference theme 1980, ‘Women Under Attack’.