Qtopia Sydney: An Exclusive Interview with Greg Fisher

Located around the old Darlinghurst Police Station at 301 Forbes Street, Qtopia Sydney is the largest home of Queer history and culture in the world.

Opened in February 2024, the Qtopia Sydney Campus includes 301 Forbes Street, The Substation, The Bandstand in Green Park, and the Taylor Square Toilet Block.

Qtopia Sydney’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Fisher, in an interview with Gay Sydney Australia, shared what drives him, the significance of Qtopia Sydney, and his plans for the future.

What excites you most about Qtopia Sydney?

The community take up. It fills me with pride that the Queer community has adopted this as their asset. The top of the list here are the 78ers – people who were once taunted and humiliated in this space have reclaimed it and now walk freely in it. They volunteer. They contribute to various Committees. They sit on our Board. They work with us and with the NSW Police for a better future for all members of our community.

What do you hope the Queer community and the general population get out of Qtopia?

For the Queer community – a heightened awareness of identity and position and contribution over time. For the general population, an understanding that Queer stories matter, that Queer people contribute to the wider community in a big way and that no one should fear others automatically because of the way they identify.

What is the point of difference between Qtopia Sydney and other museums/ other Queer museums?

We understand that people take their knowledge or information in many forms – as such we deliver our stories through exhibitions, performances and community engagement programs.

What is your favourite exhibition of the Qtopia campus/museum? Why?

Dirty Words – it is black and white text. It strips back from the usual sensory overload of pictorial or digital content. It reminds people of the power and responsibility of words themselves. And it is uniquely presented – simply magnificent.

What future Qtopia events/shows/exhibitions are you excited for?

Next year is the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. We will be collaborating with the Sydney Jewish Museum – showing that other affinity groups were also murdered by the Nazis. We will look at it through a Queer lens – but it speaks to humanity generally. We will showcase that through exhibitions and performances. And it will influence our school curricular linked programs.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the challenge of a start-up – taking a concept, establishing a strategy, exciting potential stakeholders, and delivering a new community asset. Without sounding trite – I like taking a dream and making it reality. I like breaking down barriers, I like achieving what people say we can’t or won’t and doing so with urgency. I hate red tape, and I push hard against it. I love seeing teamwork in play.

What is something about you people are surprised to learn?

That underneath a determined and driven exterior, is someone with vulnerabilities and frailties that I work hard to overcome. I am the product of my life’s decisions – some good, some bad – and every day I work on making better ones.

What is the number one item on your bucket list?

Personally – it is to retire to either Bali or Malta. Professionally- it is to set Qtopia Sydney up to be financially self-sustainable.

You can book tickets to Qtopia Sydney exhibitions on their website HERE.