She Shapes History, one of Canberra’s only walking tour businesses, is allowing queer history buffs to step back in time in celebration of Sydney WorldPride (17 February to 5 March).
Tourgoers can discover the stories of queer activists, First Nations trans icons, and the political and social movements that shaped the LGBTQIA+ community in Canberra as we know it.
“You’ll learn about the individuals who were being radical just by being who they were,” says She Shapes History founder and guide, Sita Sargeant.
The tour ran on Saturday 25 February, and will run on 4 and 11 March, 2.30-4pm and is always led by a queer guide. Get in quick if you’re interest is piqued as this tour has previously sold out.
”The queer history tour is an important reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community have always been here in Canberra, shaping ways to be themselves and developing safe spaces,” says Sita.
A queer woman of colour herself, she says that by choosing to tell the stories of Canberra’s queer hidden figures, the lesson in history can help many to better understand their own identity.
She shared with CW a sneak preview of just one of the stories from the tour:
“Canberra loves tennis!” says Sita. “It was a very easy box for its developers to tick. In 1928, the Ainslie tennis courts were built, and the first club meeting was held at Ainslie School that year.”
Ever since its beginnings, there had been rumours of those who were, at the time, referred to as “Kamp men” and “masculine women” playing tennis and being involved in the club.
“True to its roots, the tennis club always supported the queer community in Canberra, especially during the AIDS crisis,” said Sita.
“In 1984, the tennis club hosted the very first Bushdance to raise money to look after those in the community that were sick.
“Hundreds of people attended, and many relationships were sparked.”
According to Sita, this was the first event in Canberra where gay men and lesbian women, two groups that usually gathered separately, came together to rally and party for the cause.
The Bushdance continues to be held to this day at Yarralumla Woolshed.
From Pride to Spies
In April, She Shapes History will also launch their new ‘Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage’ tour as part of the ACT Heritage Festival.
Tourgoers will learn the cloak-and-dagger history of Canberra’s Inner South, visiting infamous pubs, abandoned embassies, and homes that were under constant surveillance during the Cold War.
“This tour is not just about the history of espionage in Canberra, but also about the women who played a pivotal role in it,” said She Shapes History co-director Lucy Dingwall.
“Their stories have been kept in the shadows for too long, and it’s time to bring them to light.”
During the tour, visitors will learn about the scandal that rocked the nation and the woman at the heart of it, as well as the techniques used by operatives during the Cold War.
“We want to give visitors a new perspective on the city and the people who lived here during the Cold War, and to shine a light on the unsung heroes of the espionage world – the women,” said Sita.
‘Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage’ will run 2-4pm every Saturday during the month of April.
Learn more about:
- Anne Neill: Canberra’s housewife spy
- The Ladies Rose Garden: a key spot in Canberra’s history
- Is Canberra Australia’s queerest city?
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sheshapeshistory.com.au.
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