Once ignored by libraries and museums, LGBTQI people will get another chance to add their stories to the pages of history.
The State Library of NSW has reopened its Pride Line to mark the 50th anniversary of Gay Pride Week, the first national gay protest that ended with violent mass arrests in Sydney.
People from across the country and world can record their thoughts, feelings and experiences through an on-site phone booth or dedicated number, with messages to become part of the library's LGBTQI collection.
Curator Bruce Carter said many LGBTQI stories remain untold and should be preserved for future generations and researchers.
"For generations much of our history has been hidden or ignored by libraries and museums and has instead been kept safe in community archives, shoeboxes and personal collections," he said.
The state library has collected LGBTQI records since the 1970s, including the diary of Sydney teenager John Englart.
Mr Carter told AAP the then 16-year-old attended the first Gay Pride Week in 1973 with a schoolteacher and mates from Epping Boys High School.
An entry from September 10, 1973 reads: "This is GAY PRIDE WEEK, I have come out !!!"
At the time, consensual sex between men in private settings was illegal in NSW and it would remain that way until 1984.
It wasn't until 2017 that same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia with the support of 61.6 per cent of Australians in a postal survey.
The library's Pride Line was opened to coincide with Sydney hosting WorldPride 2023, which culminated in a concert with a 120,000-strong crowd.
"There's been such remarkable shifts in Australia in recent years so we're just wanting to revisit," Mr Carter said.
A caller, who described herself as a gay Asian Catholic woman with a Jewish partner, said she came to Australia after marrying an Australian soldier.
"My marriage broke up and I was left with a little boy to raise," she said in a recording from late-February.
"But here I am today - 50 years strong in Australia and I can say I'm so fortunate to have led a very happy and content life with the love of my life, my beloved of 33 years.
"It has been one hell of a ride."
Anyone can share their story regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or age.
Messages can go for up to five minutes and be left anonymously.
Pride Line (02 9273 1212) will remain open 24 hours a day until October 30.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
