The fresh threat looming for older LGBTQ people

When David Polson was living in Surry Hills in 1984, Oxford Street was a very different place from today.

“Oxford Street then was vibrant, fun and full of life,” Polson said.

But the street that is synonymous with Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras parade was also holding a secret. A secret that men like David were sworn to keep as it seeped into Sydney’s veins.

“In 1984, I was one of the first 400 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Then of course it was a death sentence,” Polson said.

We were also told not to tell anyone. So, we were told we were going to die, but we couldn’t tell anyone because of the dreadful atmosphere of fear and hatred.