Tanya Plibersek Instagram – Vale David Polson. A giant in our community, who sadly died today.
A few months ago, we celebrated David’s 70th birthday. It was a room full of people who loved and admired him.
David was a remarkable man who contributed so much to medical research, the LGBTQIA community and the QTOPIA museum.
After his HIV diagnosis in 1984, under the care of the late Professor David Cooper, David participated in 28 drug trials, enduring severe side effects but contributing to crucial advancements in HIV treatment.
The drug trials David participated in helped lead to the development of triple therapy, now a globally effective treatment for HIV/AIDS.
For more than 28 years, David shared his experiences as a public speaker and HIV advocate, raising awareness and educating diverse audiences on HIV/AIDS.
In 2021, David was honoured by the National Association of People Living with HIV, Gilead Sciences and Positive Life NSW for his dedication to HIV education and community service.
In 2023, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to community health through HIV education and advocacy roles.
After Professor David Cooper died, David Polson worked to make QTOPIA a reality.
QTOPIA is both a museum that honours the stories of queer people who have suffered persecution and discrimination, and a space for new ideas to be shared.
David was warm, generous, passionate and loyal. He was a great friend to many.
Few people get to leave a legacy as large as David’s. We are lucky to have had him for so long in our lives. | Posted on 10/Feb/2025 08:26:59
