After nine years of camp Christmas camping and serious effort devoted to enhancing the camping experience of others, Marc is the new Queen of Vinegar Hill. Who are you and what's your background? Marc Smith, 35, living in Wellington for thirteen years. Was a medical laboratory technologist for eight years, have been with the Ministry of Health for four years now. What did you do to deserve the title of Vinegar Hill Queen for this year? I've been to the hill for nine years, getting into the spirit of the thing for the last six years (decorating campsite, helping others), for the last three years I have run a potluck dinner on Xmas day for up to 35 people and organized the men's cruise maze. What characterises the New Zealand GLBT community for you? Diversity and creativity. What is the worst thing for you about being GLBT? Overcoming the loneliness that can come from being in a minority. What is the best thing? Feeling free enough to make my own rules for living. Relationship status? Single. Favourite food and drink? Sweet and sour pork and vintage wines Worst habit? Late night trips to the sauna. Most noble feature? My cuddly figure. Favourite TV programme? Family Guy Favourite movie? The Rocky Horror Picture Show Qualities you most appreciate in a GLBT person? Honesty, daring, warmth. What are you reading at the moment? The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin (it's nothing like the two-part mini-series hack job that recently screened on TV2). Who in the world including NZ would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with? Kate Bush. Role models? Bruce Young (best friend) for introducing me to the arts Garry London (ex) for introducing me to love Tim Curry (actor) for introducing me to camp. What is the most pressing issue currently facing the NZ GLBT population? Apathy and loss of cultural identity. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? An end to war. GayNZ.com - 12th January 2006