In a joyous celebration of history and progress, let's take a delightful trip back to a brief but significant chapter in the 1990s! Picture this: at the bustling corner of Stanley and Yurong Streets in Darlinghurst, stood a lively statue named Joy – a tribute crafted by the talented Loui Fraser. This artwork wasn't just any sculpture; it was the world's pioneer display of a sex worker in public view, symbolizing the vibrant history of East Sydney.
Honoring both women and the progressive legacy of New South Wales (NSW) as the first state to decriminalize sex work globally, Joy became a symbol of empowerment and change. Her relocation to Macquarie University in 2000 didn't dim her significance; rather, it sparked a movement to bring her back to her original spot.
Recently, in a spirited City of Sydney council meeting, Councillor Linda Scott championed a heartfelt motion titled 'Bring Joy Home.' This motion aimed to recreate and reinstall a replica of the original statue at its initial location, acknowledging NSW's groundbreaking role in sex work decriminalization under former Premier Bob Carr.
Councillor Scott passionately addressed the council, emphasizing Joy's pivotal role in commemorating the often overlooked history of sex workers in East Sydney. She lauded the unwavering advocacy of these individuals, whose resilience and activism led to legislative changes, safeguarding their rights and dignity.
In a bid for more equitable representation in the city's statues, Councillor Scott had previously advocated for a diverse range of artworks celebrating women. The glaring disproportion between statues of men and women – with even statues of birds outnumbering women's statues – has drawn global attention.
However, the journey to reinstate Joy faced hurdles. Concerns over vandalism and community sentiment surfaced during discussions. While some supported Joy's return, others expressed reservations, prompting thoughtful considerations and further consultations with the East Sydney community and a Public Art Advisory Panel.
Despite differing viewpoints and amendments proposed during the meeting, a unified decision emerged to prioritize community consultation before taking any action regarding Joy's reinstatement. While some amendments altered the original motion's direction, unity prevailed in seeking community input before moving forward.
Though disappointed by the amendments, Councillor Scott remains resolute in her commitment to honor the wishes of over 500 City residents who desire Joy's return. Her unwavering determination to amplify the presence of women in public art underscores a passionate quest to restore Joy to her rightful place in East Sydney.