Mural of Sydney's queer history removed from Surry Hills Police Station days after going up
The print by artist Jeremy Smith is titled, Queer Sydney: A History. (Supplied)
In short:
Surry Hills Police Station has removed a mural depicting Sydney's queer history just days after it was installed.
NSW Police has not given a reason for removing the work but says it needs to "ensure all officers are able to work in a professional and inclusive office".
Sources have told the ABC it was removed after an officer complained.
A mural featuring famous queer Australians has been removed from display just days after it went up at a police station in the heart of Sydney's gay district.
The work hung on an office wall at Surry Hills Police Station metres from Oxford Street, where the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is held.
It depicted numerous LGBTQ+ identities, including the actor Magda Szubanski, drag queen Courtney Act, and former High Court judge Michael Kirby.
The artwork features numerous LGBTQ+ identities. (Supplied)
NSW Police would not give a reason for the mural's removal, but two sources told the ABC an officer had complained about the work.
"While we acknowledge that art is subjective and can generate discussion and debate, we need to ensure all officers are able to work in a professional and inclusive office,"a NSW Police spokesperson said.
The print by Jeremy Smith, called Queer Sydney: A History, was taken down days after it was mounted last month.
It references events such as the first Mardi Gras, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
The work portrays scenes from the gay liberation movement, including a banner that say: "Stop police attacks on gays, women and blacks."
Jeremy Smith describes his artwork as a "love letter to queer Sydney". (Supplied: Instagram)
The mural also includes the phrase, "Sodom of the south", a nod to Sydney being described as a "Sodom" in 19th-century newspapers, according to a book by historian Garry Wotherspoon.
Smith said he was disappointed the work, which he described as a "love letter to queer Sydney", had been taken down.
He said he accepted an invitation from police to display the mural because he believed art could "build bridges."
"My hope has always been that the work fosters empathy, reflection, and healing," he said.
"I acknowledge that confronting the past can be challenging for some, but it is only through facing and accepting it that we can truly heal and move forward together."
Removal 'reflection of a bigger pattern'
Peter Murphy says the removal may dishearten LGBTQ+ police officers. (ABC: Joey Watson)
Peter Murphy, who was among activists beaten up by police at the first Mardi Gras parade in 1978, said the work's removal would dishearten LGBTQ+ police officers.
"It's another reflection of a bigger pattern, a dynamic in the police," he said.
Amid heightened tensions last year, then-Police Commissioner Karen Webb stressed her commitment to strengthening the relationship between police and the LGBTQ+ community.
Police were disinvited from marching at the 2024 Mardi Gras after an officer was charged with the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, but organisers agreed officers could participate in the parade if they were not wearing uniform.
Months later, a former police sergeant detailed the homophobia he allegedly experienced and witnessed in the force, including claims senior officers made derogatory comments during Sydney WorldPride celebrations in 2023.
Following an inquiry into LGBTQ+ hate crimes, then-judge John Sackar criticised police for taking an "adversarial" approach to his review of unsolved deaths.
Among those pictured in the mural is the openly gay writer Benjamin Law.
"Anyone who knows their Sydney history … knows how heinously NSW Police have treated queer people historically, from myriad cases of direct brutality to exceptionally poor handling of anti-queer hate crimes," Law said.
"I can't think of any reason why an officer wouldn't want this mural to exist, other than their own homophobia."
Gay writer Benjamin Law is featured in the mural along with actor Magda Szubanski and drag queen Courtney Act. (Supplied)
The work also features the independent state MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, who is gay.
"Having queer art within police stations, especially Surry Hills, is such an important reminder of the work we all need to strengthen our relationship in the interest of safety," Mr Greenwich said.
NSW Police said it was working with Smith on creating a new artwork to be displayed at Surry Hills Police Station.
"We acknowledge the diversity within our organisation and of the communities we serve," a NSW Police spokesperson said.
The mural remains on display at the museum Qtopia Sydney, which, ironically, is located in the old Darlinghurst Police Station.