George Duncan's death was a watershed moment for queer rights. Now it's an oratorio

On May 10, 1972, three gay men were brutally attacked and thrown into Adelaide's River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri. George Duncan's legacy Photo shows Duncan death led to decriminalisation of homosexuality The death of university lecturer George Duncan paved the way for decriminalising homosexuality in South Australia. "There was not only one gay man bashed and killed and whose body was chucked into the Torrens; there was a host of men," Tsiolkas says. If this story has raised concerns for you, help is available: Urgent help: Lifeline — 13 11 14 Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800 LGBT and mental health support: Switchboard — 1800 729 367 Qlife — 1800 184 527 Headspace — 1800 650 890 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 It's a source of frustration for many in Adelaide's queer community — a sentiment shared by Tsiolkas. There are the ghosts of the lost boys who represent those people who didn't have Duncan's status, who didn't have the sympathy of the world," Tsiolkas says.