For his service to rainbow communities in New South Wales spanning over four decades, The Bookshop Darlinghurst’s Les McDonald will be recognised with a special accolade at the 2024 Honour Awards.
The ACON President’s Award, bestowed annually to those whose community service have made a significant impact to the lives of people in LGBTQ communities in NSW, will this year be dedicated to co-founder of The Bookshop Darlinghurst, Les McDonald, who opened the store in 1982 with Wayne Harrison.
“Les’ contributions to rainbow communities through the running of The Bookshop Darlinghurst for 42 years has been nothing short of remarkable,” said ACON President Dr Justin Koonin.
“That he opened The Bookshop while it was still illegal to be gay in New South Wales is even more inspiring; homosexuality was decriminalised in the state in 1984. Throughout this time, The Bookshop would become a safe space for many in our communities, as well as a place to find information, support and connection.”
“Les has also been deeply committed to partnership and community development, particularly during the most difficult years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. And Les has also enabled a space for our communities’ stories to be told, including at times when it was difficult to do so.”
“We commend Les for his tireless efforts that have not only allowed rainbow voices to be heard but have also played a crucial role in supporting LGBTQ communities over many years,” said Dr Koonin.
Reflecting on being acknowledged for his work, McDonald said that community has always been at the heart of The Bookshop: “When [ACON’s President] told me I was receiving this award I was surprised and delighted. Community has always been important to me personally and professionally. To be acknowledged by ACON is something I’m extremely grateful for.”
Les retired in early 2024 with The Bookshop Darlinghurst now under new ownership.
The ACON President’s Award is among 10 awards to be presented at Honour 2024. Past recipients of the ACON President’s Award include a group of advocates who fought for justice for victims of LGBTIQ+ hate crimes in NSW, one of Australia’s first gay political organisations, CAMP INC; HIV pioneers Professor David Cooper AC and The Kirby Institute; the NSW Parliamentary LGBTI Cross Party Working Group; the staff and patients of St Vincent’s Hospital’s Ward 17 South; and NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant and NSW Health.
Thirty-nine finalists across nine categories covering the media, arts, HIV, health, youth, business and community sectors will be recognised at this year’s event. They’ll be joined by over 400 guests including a range of media, arts, entertainment and community figures.
Organised by ACON, the Honour Awards acknowledges outstanding LGBTQ community service in NSW. This year’s event is being held on Wednesday 18 September at Doltone House, Hyde Park (Sydney). For more information, visit: www.honourawards.com.au for details.
Image: Les McDonald – courtesy of ACON