Founded in 1975, at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in Western Australia, Perth’s Connections nightclub became a groundbreaking space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Over the years, it has weathered recessions, a pandemic and sweeping social changes, all while keeping its doors open to those seeking freedom and acceptance.
Co-owner Tim Brown, who has worked at the club for nearly 35 years, recalls its early days in Northbridge as “an incredible thing” for the community. While not the first venue of its kind in Perth, Connections stood apart from the underground clubs that operated with secrecy and coded entry. “You could lose your job, lose your family, lose a hell of a lot for even being out, let alone being seen in a gay venue,” Brown said.
When Brown began working at Connections in 1991, the club still enforced a strict “no cameras” policy. Even a casual photograph could carry serious consequences for patrons, regardless of their sexuality.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in Western Australia in 1990, though the age of consent was set at 21. It was not until 2002 that equalisation of consent ages was achieved. Against this backdrop, Connections became a sanctuary where people could escape societal pressures and embrace their true selves.
“Remember, 1975 was the peak of disco, a time when nightclubs really came into their own,” Brown reflected. “People going out, getting dressed up, enjoying themselves in that sort of environment with a very hedonistic, free sort of vibe.”
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