Irwin, Jude

Jude Irwin (1947-)

Jude Irwin grew up in country New South Wales. She came to Sydney to study social work at UNSW. Notions such as lesbianism and sexuality were largely absent from Jude's upbringing and education, but life at university began to open Jude to new political thinking and sexual awareness. She married and had two children. Jude's same-sex attraction was supported by her husband and the marriage dissolved. After this, Jude threw herself into social justice causes and political lobbying, especially in relation to women's issues and domestic violence. At Sydney University, Jude was also involved in the Australian Centre for Lesbian and Gay Research. In this interview, Jude speaks about family, education, and her life in activism.
*Photo: Michael Mullins*

Oral history recordings

Automated transcripts of our oral history interviews are available to researchers on request. For access, please contact us, stating the name of the interviewee, date of interview, and your purpose of use.

IPride History GroupSeptember 24, 2024Braidwood, Dubbo, social work, UNSW, Sydney University, Radicalism, Lesbian Teachers Group, Australian Centre for Gay Research, political lobbying, Mardi Gras, Lemon Tarts