A new public artwork in Taylor Square has been unveiled, featuring real coming out stories and messages from LGBT Sydneysiders marking four decades of Australian gay activism.

Camp Stonewall covers the historic brick toilet in the square, which was one a well-known cruising spot.

Oxford Streeters were invited to paint tiles for the wall back in June, answering the questions ‘What was it like for you to come out?’ or ‘What do gay rights mean to you?’

The artwork commemorates the 40th anniversary of CAMP (Campaign Against Moral Persecution), which began gay activism in Australia at the dawn of the 1970s, says artist Annie Kennedy.

The work is also named after the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, where the gay riots on June 28th 1969 sparked an international response, including protests on Sydney’s Oxford Street in the following days, she explains.

“Juxtaposed with the historical men’s urinal where men met secretly and out of sight, this artwork recognises homosexuality now being in full view, and well integrated into our local community.”

Same Same’s gallery provides an up-close look at various Camp Stonewall tiles here.