The Glynn Legacy: Australia's LGBTQIA+ Disruptors

As SGLBA President, I was fortunate to deliver this speech last week at 'The Glynn Legacy' where we united with the Star Observer to honour our shared founder, Michael Glynn, by celebrating two of Australia's LGBTQIA+ Disruptors - one in business, one in media.

Michael Glynn reflected on his life, writing “I am alone in the tribe.”

How many times have people in this room felt that??

Disconnected from the community, not sure how to influence change and unsure as to whether we belonged.?

Michael Glynn was a man of many contradictions - he was at the centre of many communities and groups that shaped our identity - he was a man whose actions resulted in much change - yet despite all of this he at times felt alone, and isolated.?

Being a Perth boy, and moving to Sydney in 2017, I certainly had moments where I could relate.?Which is why I value my involvement in the SGLBA so much - it has helped me find my community and tribe, and I hope that in my own small way, I can make a meaningful contribution to our community’s legacy, building upon that of Glynn’s and the many others after him - many of whom are in the room tonight.

What I have learnt in the past couple of years, and even in the past few days while reading up on Glynn’s life - is that we can all ‘disrupt’ in our own way.

The man may have been controversial, but he was authentic, and his actions back then has shaped our community.

And tonight we’re here to celebrate that legacy.?

In 1981, homosexuality in NSW was still illegal - in fact it was only last month that we commemorated the 40th anniversary of its decriminalisation with an historic apology from the NSW Government - and I want to particularly acknowledge those here tonight who have helped fight, and continue to fight, for our rights and freedoms.?

In 1981, the Gay Business Association - as it was then known - evolved from the need for a safe place for LGBTQIA+ business people to meet like-minded professionals, and extend support to the community’s causes.?

In fact, it was the first of its kind in Australia, inspired by the Castro Valley Association established by Harvey Milk in San Francisco.?

Glynn figured that if gay businesses in San Francisco could unite together to support gay economic and political interests, they could do the same here in Sydney.

43 years on, and it’s fair to say that Glynn probably wouldn’t recognise the SGLBA today as the organisation he started in 1981.?

However our drive, focus and mission remains -?to support and promote queer economic interests, support small business owners and operators, and professionals - while giving back to, supporting and promoting our community.

And we continue to disrupt in our own way - building a more contemporary and inclusive organisation that continues to evolve as we reflect our community in the year 2024.?

You no longer have to be in a suit to enjoy Fruits, nor do you need to have a twist to attend Lemons, and we continue to expand our events - like the one tonight, Fruits Parramatta starting next month, and the return of the original Gay Fair with Buy Rainbow - Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ business fair this October - being held almost to the exact date as the original in 1982.?

There really is something for everyone, and the opportunity for anyone to get involved to help shape our future.

The Board is driven to deliver upon our vision for the SGLBA, and I want to thank them, and our Board Associates and volunteers for their passion and enthusiasm.

Tonight it is my privilege to announce that the SGLBA Education Fund will name its largest scholarship in this year’s scholarship season after Michael Glynn.?

The Glynn Scholarship will be a $10,000 grant to help someone change their life through the power of education - and you never know, might just empower a future community disruptor.?

I want to particularly thank the Education Fund Committee for their dedication and work in bringing the 2024 season to life.

I hope that tonight’s event can shine a light on the way people can disrupt, be it within the workplace, an industry or sector or the community more broadly. And how you can be a disruptor yourself.?

It can lead to change, but I think we’ll all agree that some four decades on, disruption needs to be done in a way that is inclusive of our community and advances our causes.?

Too often, those who are opposed to progress, seek to use disruption to set our cause and community back.

We need to understand the power that we all hold to fight back against this - in our own disruptive ways.

We’ll hear from two disruptors in a moment - Hank and Patrick - who have disrupted our community, and those who interact with our community, in their own ways - both in very different ways - to highlight the power we all have within our spheres of influence - and to spark meaningful conversations.?

By looking back, we can look forward with renewed energy and focus knowing that our actions today can not only build upon a strong, pioneering history but will pave the way for disruptors and generations to come.

And I’m proud that tonight we pay tribute to our founder - Michael Glynn.?

Know that all of you are not alone in this tribe - in fact, we’re all in this together.

Thank you - enjoy the evening!?

Click here to read about the 2024 Disruptors, Hank Paul & Patrick Abboud.

Find out more about the SGLBA and Star Observer, and check out the photos from the event here.

THE GLYNN LEGACY

Controversial and opinionated, Michael Glynn made a lasting impact on Sydney and Australia's LGBTQIA+ scene through his pioneering, innovative and boundary-pushing approach.?

Glynn was a true disruptor in the community, founding the Sydney Star, Gay Business Association - both the first of their kind in Australia - and the AIDS Action Committee, as well as recruiting athletes for the first Australian Gay Games, and helping establish the Mr Leather competition.

Glynn’s legacy lives on today, in the form of the Star Observer and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association, and his influence transcends these organisations to the many LGBTQIA+ people that continue to push boundaries, become pioneers in their fields and disrupt the status quo, inspiring and empowering a legacy of pride and progress.

To find out more about Michael Glynn, I highly recommend reading Preaching to the Perverted: The Life and Times of Michael Glynn by Dominic O'Grady.