About

OUR STORY

From the early days of Mardi Gras, through the AIDS crisis, to the battle for marriage equality, Star Observer has been there providing in-depth and independent journalism about the issues facing the LGBTI community.

Our story started in 1979. It was a time when homosexual sex was a criminal act, with people being jailed simply for being gay. Sydney’s gay and lesbian community was reeling from vicious police attacks during the city’s first Mardi Gras protest march. A wave of political momentum was building demanding equality and justice for LGBTI Australians.

In this dangerous time for our community, the very first edition of The Star was printed and distributed across Sydney by our founder Michael Glynn.

Throughout its history, the Star Observer has taken the form of a weekly Sydney-centric newspaper, sister publication the Melbourne Star, a monthly national magazine, and has included publishing festival guides for LGBTI festivals around Australia’s major capitals.

Alongside this, we have maintained a major national Australian news website with a significant social media audience.

Until 2019, the Star Observer operated as a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation, before it was purchased by the newly formed Out Publications, part of the AltMedia publishing umbrella.

The Star Observer has gone back to its roots in the tabloid newspaper format for a special issue celebrating the publication’s 40th anniversary, with new issues to be published and distributed in Sydney and online on a monthly basis.

We have built an international reputation for fearless reporting, independent from the influence of any politician or corporation. We are the news journal of record for the LGBTI community, and have been since our founding.

Star Observer is committed to quality independent journalism for the LGBTI community. In support of our commitment we follow our Publication Guidelines, Principles and Standards. If you have any questions in relation to our policies, please contact the Publisher.