Comments on: Veteran AIDS Activist Phil Carswell has passed away

By: Craig Campbell

Craig Campbell — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:56:56 +0000

I remember Phil with affection from teacher unionist and Communist Party days in the late 1970s. He was easy to love, and astounding to me with his courage, energy and commitments to socially progressive agendas. one of the best of the left. He was sexy too! Condolences to Ian.

By: Robert French

Robert French — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:12:46 +0000

Much of his activism didn’t begin in the 1980’s, as Liz Ross has pointed out. He was active in Gay Liberation Front in Melbourne from c.1973, as a teacher and active in his union. The Teacher’s Union was the first to acknowledge it’s queer members and the first to employ an openly gay man. He was involved in the production of the, then controversial, Young, Gay & Proud. The 1980’s, yes, was the period of immense HIV activism but Phil was more than that. He remained until his death a strong human rights advocate. We have suffered a great loss.

By: John Cumming

John Cumming — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:50:22 +0000

Dear Friends,
I am very sad at the passing of such a wonderful person as Phil Carswell.

The last time I saw Phil was at the Ruby Red Ball, last year . We chatted, had a few photos and laughed together about old times.

He was small in stature but a living giant for the cause.

I hope that Thorne Harbour is planning to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

He fought so hard for our community in the AIDs battle. Never tired or gave up but pressed on.

We loved you “Phil Carswell”. Thanks mate.

May He Rest in Peace.

Regards

John Cumming

PS: Ian Cherry, Phil’s partner was his backstop and was always there for him.

By: Faith Thompson

Faith Thompson — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:18:39 +0000

An icon and a legend. It may have been decades but I will be thinking of Phil today.

By: Liz Ross

Liz Ross — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:09:37 +0000

A huge loss. Phil was active in student politics, Gay Liberation, a socialist from the 1970s and of course his wonderful contribution to HIV/AIDS activism. Hopefully his book will find a publisher too. Someone who never gave up in the struggle for our rights and liberation. VALE PHIL!

By: Geoff Allshorn

Geoff Allshorn — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:22:18 +0000

I first met Phil when I became involved in the Candlelight Vigils and the AIDS Quiilt in 1992. I soon became aware of how Phil was showing leadership and dedication to step up and help save thousands of lives.

The Australian community owes him a debt of gratitude.

The different he made help to shape and forge modern LGBT+ Australia.

Phil – thank you for your friendship, mentorship, and leadership.

By: David Menadue

David Menadue — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 09:56:14 +0000

Thankyou for this tribute to Phil. He was a great activist and inspiration to me in unionism. Gay rights and of course his pioneering work in helping to set up VAC now Thorne Garpur Health. Thankyou for recognising this community champion