Perth’s gay community mourned the loss last month of one of its iconic figures, Victor Francis, who passed away on March 6 after a short battle with illness.
During his funeral service on March 12, Francis was remembered for his ardent involvement in the gay community, his devotion to his family and sharp humour.
In the times before dedicated gay bars and clubs, when house parties were all the rage, Victor Francis was said to be one of the best hosts in town, often dressing as Queen Victoria (a name by which he was also affectionately referred) complete with crown, sceptre and ‘ladies in waiting’.
Together with a group of close friends, he then opened a gay sauna in Northbridge above Feathers Restaurant, where he and the late Holly Wood played the colourful hosts.
As the popularity of both the sauna and the restaurant grew, Francis relocated the sauna to 565 Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley, which he continued to run until his retirement in 2008.
Through his work at the sauna Francis became increasingly aware of the lack of access to health services for gay men and became a founding director of the WA AIDS Council.
He also implemented a needle exchange program and a HIV blood testing service at the sauna.
In reading the eulogy, Francis’ close friend Kim Flatman said it was difficult to come to grips with the loss.
‘Victor was a big guy with a big heart and no doubt he has left a big gap in the lives of those who were closest to him,’ he said.
Amy Henderson
