SPELLMAN, John

JOHN SPELLMAN
Provocateur and Protector

John Spellman was a complex, caring, cantankerous and
ultimately generous human. We met him in
our late teens in the late 90’s.
We were young, gay and discovering
who were in a time and place where we were
not always accepted, or even safe.

John was many things to many people,
but to us he will always be someone
who provided us a space to meet friends
(new and old)
and chosen family, where we could have fun,
be ourselves and feel connected,
where we felt that we belonged - the Train.

Thank you John for your hilarious stories,
your cutting quips and for providing us a place
where we had so much joy.
You were unapologetic in your ways,
and you were a trailblazer.

From the young, gay kids growing up in Darwin,
thank you for not only providing us a refuge,
but a place for community.

Kate Wickett
Daniel Cunningham
Mookie Hesketh