The cross-section of identity and advocacy

In the bustling heart of Darlinghurst, where Oxford Street pulses with rainbow pride, stands a remarkable institution that bridges communities and identities in ways its visitors might never expect. QTOPIA Sydney, the world’s largest centre for queer history and culture, is led by a man whose Jewish upbringing profoundly shapes his approach to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and education.

Greg Fisher, QTOPIA’s founding CEO, speaks candidly about the intersectionality that defines both his personal journey and professional mission. “I’ve always been brought up, or I’ve grown up with two known identities, in my mind, Jewish and gay, probably three, and also Australian,” Fisher told The AJN. “They’re sort of the three prongs to my identity.”

This intersection isn’t merely personal — it’s foundational to how QTOPIA operates and the values it champions.

What began as conversations around a kitchen table has transformed into something extraordinary. Fisher was brought in during QTOPIA’s conceptual stage and invited to become its founding CEO, initially working pro bono while securing government support across all three levels and building community trust.

“I do take a lot of the lessons from my Jewish background and apply it to my work here,” Fisher reflected. “I think probably not consciously, but subconsciously, certainly in formulating programs and approaches with understanding from the discrimination against Jewish people that is often felt and the need for understanding, tolerance and acceptance.”