Warning: This post contains graphic imagery and descriptions
Graffiti that depicted a person shooting a gun at two other people with rainbow-coloured flames near their heads and crossed-out eyes has caused outrage, as the community speculates whether it was depicting the alleged murders of same-sex couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
The graffiti was first spotted on Wednesday morning on a wall in Earl Place, Kings Cross. An onlooker told GSN police were at the scene from 8am and stayed for about 7 hours.
Officers with “forensics” labels on their uniforms appeared to dust the graffiti for fingerprints before it was covered in black plastic and later painted over by the City of Sydney council.
“I think the graffiti is in poor taste,” the onlooker said. “I’m surprised how quickly police have responded.”
Some community members speculated the shooter in the artwork to be a representation of Beau Lamarre-Condon, the police officer alleged to have killed Baird and Davies. They believed this to be the case due to the type of hat being worn by the shooter in the graffiti and what appeared to be the outline of a police badge on the shooter’s chest.
“Police were called to Earl Place, Potts Point, following reports by a member of the public regarding offensive graffiti that had been painted on a wall,” NSW Police told GSN.
Officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command investigating the incident.
The colours of the rainbow are used to represent the LGBT+ community and are the colours of its flag.
Many in the queer community responded to the graffiti in disbelief, calling it out for its confronting nature.
“That’s so f–ked. WOW” said Luke Preston.
“I think it’s so harmful for people to see, very confrontational,” said Jordan Healer.
“What the actual f–k,” said Matt Bell.
It comes as Baird, a football goal umpire, and his partner Davies are set to be honoured by the AFL before the opening round of the season on Thursday night between Sydney and Melbourne.
Both clubs and umpires will come together pre-game to pay tribute to the couple, with all sides wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.
Baird was a popular and respected member of the AFL umpiring family.
He began his umpire career in 2011 in the Northern Football League and made his debut on the AFL umpiring list in 2020.
Despite moving to Sydney in 2023, Baird continued his umpiring career which spanned 62 matches, including two finals.
Meanwhile, Baird’s partner Davies was a lifelong Sydney Swans supporter according to the AFL.
“The AFL acknowledges and respects both families who are experiencing untold grief and so are particularly grateful for their support of the tribute,” said AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
“Jesse developed many close friendships during his umpiring career and time at the AFL. He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring.
“A tribute pre-game to both Jesse and Luke tomorrow night is a small way for us all to reflect and remember two young men during what is a very difficult time for their families and friends.”
The game between the Sydney Swans and the Melbourne Football Club will kick off in Sydney on Thursday at 7.30pm.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
