GLBT people should remember and acknowledge the bravery of those who came out in this country in the early stages of what was then termed 'gay liberation,' according to a New Zealand museum curator. 42 years ago this month, on June 28 1969, glbt patrons of New York's Stonewall gay bar rebelled against victimisation by the police and city authorities, triggering a movement claiming safety and equality which continues to work its way around the world. In New Zealand it quickly gave impetus to an emerging gay liberation movement aimed at decriminalising male homosexuality and de-stigmatising society's attitudes to gay, lesbian and transgendered people. ECT involved electrocuting the brain to supposedly alter innate behaviour. Speaking as glbt communities, in the northern hemisphere in particular, celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of the Gay Pride movement, Miriam Saphira of the Charlotte Museum says the first New Zealanders who came out were "very brave and took immense risks, particularly the men." She says that in the 1960s and 70s homosexuality was still officially treated as a mental illness requiring in some cases horrific treatments. One of the worst was Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), administered to restrained and drugged homosexuals in mental hospitals. "It is thanks to the bravery of those early glbt pioneers who put their jobs, family ties and even their lives on the line that our sexuality is no longer treated as a mental illness or a criminal act and that we are able to celebrate ourselves and our progress," says Saphira. But Saphira notes that for many older glbt people, women in particular, the changes in legal and social status came too late. "I still meet women who are now very elderly and who should be able to be open about themselves but who can't because of the anxiety associated with advancing years," she says. "Some have never been able to come out and to this day still carry the lonely burden." Auckland's Urge bar is one gay venue in this country celebrating what a co-owner calls "one of the defining moments in the history of gay rights which is too often forgotten." "We're throwing a 'rainbow' themed night this Saturday night," says Alan Granville. The dress code will be simple: "bright colours... wear the loudest shirt or shorts - stand out in the crowd!" "Unfortunately 42 years on there is still a long way to go, especially in many other countries. But we should also celebrate how far we have come,” urges Granville.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 23rd June 2011 - 1:32pm