The "colourful and camp" life and deeds of an acclaimed advocate for LGBTQI rights have been celebrated at a state memorial.
David Polson AM died aged 70 in February, more than 40 years after becoming one of the first Australians diagnosed with HIV.
He proceeded to participate in 28 clinical trials in a bid to find treatments and cures - the most HIV drug trials undertaken by a person living with the disease anywhere in the world.
In 2024 he founded Sydney's queer museum Qtopia that's now the world's largest centre for queer history and culture, featuring exhibits on journeys to legislative change and commemorations of HIV/AIDS and gay oppression.
Following his diagnosis, Mr Polson began a long association with St Vincent's and became an ambassador for the hospital's Curran Foundation HIV future fund.
The state memorial, the first held in honour of a queer advocate, was held at Sydney's City Recital Hall on Wednesday.
Premier Chris Minns paid tribute by reading an excerpt from the song "For Good" from the musical Wicked.
In his eulogy, Qtopia chief executive Greg Fisher reflected on the good times spent on Mr Polson's balcony, drinking gin and tonic.
"David lived in public housing (and) his modest apartment was filled with treasures from wonderful moments in his life, his many photos alone, highlighting a truly colourful and very camp life," Mr Fisher said.
Reflecting on Mr Polson's contribution to finding an HIV cure, Mr Fisher said no one ever had to ask him twice to take part in a new drug trial.
"Far from ever feeling sorry for himself, David chose to be a beacon of hope wherever he could," he said.
"David was an accidental community warrior who became a community hero ... He chose to participate in every possible trial to help test the latest medical hypothesis.
"In a world that is fast seeing hard-fought wins for equality and tolerance whisked away with the stroke of a pen in other jurisdictions, our fight, David's long fight, must not be in vain."
In 2023, Mr Polson was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to community health through HIV education and advocacy roles.
"Once I realised the advice of my nomination for an Australian honour was genuine, I felt deeply honoured and humbled," he said at the time.
"I was motivated to help to improve knowledge of HIV ... from that moment I pledged to help medical science raise awareness and knowledge, and to educate others about HIV/AIDS."
