Barry Taylor

Barry Taylor’s profile interview provides a comprehensive and reflective account of their experiences growing up as a gay individual in New Zealand, their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, and their involvement in social justice and suicide prevention work.

Taylor begins by describing their early years in Timaru, where meeting other gay individuals was challenging. Public toilets were often the only social venues available. Taylor recalls the transformative moment when they first encountered LGBTQ+ literature, such as "Out" and "Pink Triangle," which opened their eyes to a broader community. During the late 1970s, Taylor moved to Christchurch for university, joining the Gay University Students Group at Canterbury. This period marked the beginning of their coming out process, which, although selective and clandestine, offered glimpses of an emerging LGBTQ+ community, such as the coffee lounge at the Christchurch Arts Centre.

In the mid-1980s, Taylor participated in their first pro-homosexual law reform march in Christchurch. This experience was both empowering and vulnerable as Taylor realized they were marching for their own rights amidst potential threats of violence. This period also involved grappling with their strong Catholic background, navigating the intersection of faith and identity, and integrating these aspects through social justice work.

Moving to Wellington in 1986 marked a significant shift for Taylor. They arrived just as the Homosexual Law Reform Act was passing, ending the criminalization of male homosexual activity. This was a moment of profound liberation, as Taylor recalls feeling that they were no longer a criminal. Wellington’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with venues like Alfie's and the Bamboo Bar, facilitated deeper community involvement. Taylor's professional work in youth suicide prevention at the National Youth Council and later at the Ministry of Youth Affairs provided a platform to address LGBTQ+ youth mental health issues. They were instrumental in organizing the first national response to youth suicide and advocating for inclusive public policy.

Taylor emphasizes the importance of collective experiences and movement building in the LGBTQ+ community. The establishment of support groups, such as the first gay youth groups in the late 1980s and early 1990s, provided safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ individuals. Taylor recalls the inaugural national gay youth conference at Newtown School, which, despite initial resistance, proved transformational for attendees, fostering a sense of belonging and community action.

Throughout the interview, Taylor reflects on the evolving challenges and milestones faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The rise of HIV/AIDS in the mid-1980s was a significant turning point, prompting organized community responses and advocacy for decriminalization and anti-discrimination legislation. Taylor recounts the somber impact of losing friends and community members to the disease, highlighting the importance of communal support and remembrance.

The legacy of groups like Rainbow Youth is underscored by Taylor’s account of their foundational role in shaping a supportive and resilient LGBTQ+ community in New Zealand. The emphasis on intentional conversations, peer support, and intergenerational understanding remains crucial for addressing contemporary issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Taylor’s narrative highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the face of emerging challenges such as transphobia and social media-driven divisiveness.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Barry Taylor

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