"We used to refer to [Oxford Street] as 'the ghetto', and it did have some aspects of a ghetto — a place where a 'persecuted' minority with a commonality gathered."
In August 1978, the venue now known as Universal opened as a restaurant and gay disco, Tropicana. Two years later, it reopened as Club 85, a self-described 'man's disco', but was damaged by a fire a few months later.
"That is so important these days. We are, and have long been, part of Sydney's vibrant multicultural society, and have played important roles in its creativity and its campaigns for equality and social cohesion."