Lex Watson

Alexander "Lex" Watson, (29 January 1943 – 6 May 2014), was an Australian LGBT rights activist, historian and political scientist. Born and first educated in Perth, Western Australia, Watson spent most of his life working for and then later the cataloguing of, gay law reform and the gay rights movement in New South Wales and Australia.

Background and early years Alexander Watson was born in Perth, Western Australia, the son of a doctor, Alec Watson, and Margaret Newnham, a nurse. Originally educated in Geraldton, Watson moved with his family to Perth and, despite the wishes of his parents, was further educated at Perth Modern School. Watson won a scholarship to the University of Western Australia in 1960, where he studied for a Bachelor of Arts reading history and philosophy.

Career After coming out at an early age, Watson became involved in early movements to establish gay advocacy groups pushing for decriminalisation in New South Wales, spurred on after the Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised homosexual acts in England and Wales. Watson was in Canberra three years later when the ACT Homosexual Law Reform Society was formed, which he immediately joined. prior to the removal of homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973. Watson also organised the first gay demonstration, held outside the Liberal Party headquarters in Ash Street, Sydney in October 1971.

On his death on 6 May 2014, the president of ACON Mark Orr noted that "Lex was a dedicated and courageous pioneer whose work laid the foundations for a more authentic, caring and inclusive society, and for that he has earned himself pride of place in the history of our community [...] His work in relation to LGBT rights was ground-breaking, and throughout his life the outcomes he helped achieve in relation to law reform and community health have been significant and enduring."

In the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, Watson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for "significant service to the community as an advocate for gay and lesbian rights." Watson had been aware of the award before it was gazetted, but died before he could be presented with the honour. It was granted with effect from 12 November 2012.