An almost entirely changed GenderBridge board is now running the organisation, following a bitter ructions and a glut of resignations. The Auckland-based trans support organisation has filled a number of board spots after a series of former members resigned. They include former chair Kelly Ellis, who says the resignations come following constant infighting and a revolving cast of chairs being elected. “The good thing is that the producers on the old board can keep providing the same services. After all, we work providing phone counselling with OUTLine and put on a social meeting with kai and aroha every month at Cafe Liaison every month. TransAdvocates has picked up the slack on the lobby and legal front over a year ago.” A statement from the new board says due to operation concerns, a number of people with strong ties to GenderBridge have offered to step in and have been co-opted to the board until the next AGM. They include two ex-Chairs in Jaimie Veale and Cathy Parker, who rejoin as Chair and Treasurer respectively, and two ex Secretary/Treasurers Tom Hamilton and Max Lawson, who join as board members. Existing Secretary Julie Watson and board members Alana Chang and Shannon MacCourt remain. New Chair Jaimie Veale says she is excited to have the opportunity to steer GenderBridge forward in a positive direction and enhance its support for trans people. “I look forward to announcing a number of new initiatives in the coming weeks. I am especially pleased that we now have such a strong and experienced board in place with a good mix of trans, genderqueer and significant other members to represent the spectrum of the trans community.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 10th March 2011 - 6:42pm