SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance Inc. was formed by a small group of people who worked passionately for the rights of LGBTIQA+ South Australians. Our existence today is only possible because of the strength and resilience of the generations of LGBTIQA+ leaders who came before us.
We honor the legacy of those who paved the way for progress by continuing to fight for equality together.
Ian Purcell AM
21 December 1946 - 6 November 2016
Fondly known as the "Godfather of the Gay Community", Ian Purcell AM dedicated his life to advancing the health and rights of LGBTIQA+ South Australians over many decades of activism.
In the early 1970s, a time when homosexuality was still a crime, Ian realized he was a gay man. He was supported by his parents and siblings and went on to become an English and Drama teacher at Mawson High School from 1976 to 1984.
At the heights of the AIDS epidemic, Ian joined the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of SA in 1986.
In 1990 he was a founding member of Lesbian and Gay Community Action, formed in response to a series of hate crimes against gay men in Adelaide. Persistent lobbying of SA Police led to the eventual creation of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer program.
From 1999, he took a leadership role in the Let's Get Equal campaign which was instrumental in securing legal rights for same-sex couples in South Australia, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards equality.
Ian managed the gay and lesbian collections in the now closed Darling House LGBTIQ+ Community Library in Norwood and co-wrote 10 Adelaide Gay History Walks with Dr Gertrude Glossop, held as part of Adelaide's annual Feast Festival. In 1989, he was a founding member of the Uranian Society, a cultural forum for gay men in Australia.
In 2005 Ian became a Member of the Order of Australia for his advocacy.
Decades on, Ian's work continued, co-curating an exhibition at the State Library in 2015 commemorating the 40th anniversary of South Australian being the first in the nation to decriminalize homosexual acts.
Ian died aged 69 at Mary Potter Hospice after a short battle with liver cancer.
Honouring his memory, veteran rights activist Rodney Croome praised Ian as:
"...a role model for many people who today defend and celebrate the LGBTI community, both in Adelaide and beyond.
He was always uplifting of others when they were down, able to find a path forward when others were confounded and keen to instil hope in those who had lost heart.
His indefatigable optimism for the future and his perceptiveness about what is really happening today were always sources of inspiration and wisdom. With his passing Australia has lost an LGBTI human rights hero.
Ian is remembered by his loving husband of 25 years Stephen Leahy and countless friends and family
David Boots
1949 - 2024
David Boots was a tireless advocate for LGBTIQA+ communities, a proud regional South Australian and a dedicated mental health champion passionate about suicide prevention.
Throughout his career as a teacher, David inspired countless young people. In 2018, he founded the Copper Coast Gay Straight Alliance, providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQA+ youth on the Yorke Peninsula in regional South Australia.
David was the founding chair of the Stamp Out Suicide Copper Coast suicide prevention network, where he mentored local youth and conducted workshops on recognizing and assisting those contemplating suicide. In 2022, he was appointed to the South Australian Suicide Prevention Council, advising the Minister for Health and Wellbeing on policies and programs aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving postvention responses.
Passionate about his local community, David devoted his time to volunteering with the Wallaroo Local Ambulance Committee, Wallaroo Community Sports Centre, and Wallaroo Sailing Club. His dedication was recognized in 2019 when he received the Premier’s Certificate for Outstanding Volunteer Services.
David died in September 2024 after a long battle with brain cancer. He was farewelled by his friends, family, and community at a memorial service held at the Wallaroo Community Sports Club. His legacy of compassion, advocacy, and community service continues to inspire those who knew him.
Is there a champion for LGBTIQA+ South Australia that you want us to recognise? Let us know! Email info@saraa.org.au.