On Wednesday 4 February, QIPNSW in collaboration with Tract Consultants hosted a site tour, thought-provoking presentation and discussion at @QtopiaSydney on the significance of the iconic Taylor Square.

✨ Julie Lee (she/her) Director of Landscape Architecture at Tract and the designer of the project, shared her fascinating knowledge of the history, challenges and inner workings of Taylor Square’s design, and the many nods to the LGBTQIA+ community. This included the integration of the pink triangle pavers, studded collar seats, and sensuous water feature.

The panel discussion focused on the role Taylor Square has as a focal, safe, and inclusive public place for the community, how this has changed over time, and the challenges the space is currently facing. It was agreed that Taylor Square still has an important role to play for the LGBTQIA+ community, and it must keep its unique identity through representing queer joy. Through the realisation of the Oxford Street bike lane, to reactivation of the space through markets and nightlife, and maintaining its queer roots with proud businesses and venues, Taylor Square will continue to be the meeting place for Sydney’s queer community.

Special thanks to our panellists:
🌈 Julie Lee (she/her) Director of Landscape Architecture, Tract Consultants + Adjunct Associate Professor, UNSW
🌈 Greg Fisher (he/him) CEO, Qtopia Sydney
🌈 Lorraine Lock (she/her) Rainbow Precinct District Coordinator

The panel was moderated by Dayle Bennett (he/him) QIP NSW Co-Chair with introductions by Jayden Price (he/him) QIP NSW Committee Member. Thank you again to our event partner Tract, and Qtopia Sydney for opening up the Museum and hosting us.