Christchurch’s glbt residents will mark one year since the quake that broke the city’s heart in different ways today. Yet all those we have spoken to agree the glbt community is rising up even stronger in the wake of the devastation. Richard Tankersley (left) at Resonate, the UpRising Trust's awards night and dance party “If anything, I think that the sense of community has strengthened over the last few months, as people have chosen to work together in the face of adversity.” That’s the belief of Human Rights Commissioner and one of those who helped form the glbt community's UpRising Trust, Richard Tankersley. “All the commercial venues for the rainbow communities were closed after the 22 February quakes and we had five months with nowhere of our own,” he says. “The people have still been meeting, but we've had to create spaces and events and network these things mainly through social media. Venues are gradually getting set up and running, but it is taking a long time. Groups like Q-topia and Bears Christchurch continue to be vitally important, and we now have a community development and fundraising trust called The Uprising Trust established to work on our own community rebuild.” Tankersley says it’s an amazing opportunity to grow and sustain the renewed sense of community over the years to come as New Christchurch arises from the devastation. “What will make it happen is the energy of the people - if they want this, it can happen. It will be interesting to see if it does.” Today will be a day of gratitude for the gay Human Rights Commissioner, who will be attending the public memorial service in Hagley Park with his sister and niece, who survived the collapse of the CTV building on 22nd February. “We have lots to be grateful for while we commemorate those who lost their lives,” he says. Gay community leader and Student Volunteer Army founder Sam Johnson Sam Johnson, who has become something of a cult hero in Christchurch for his creation of the Student Volunteer Army, will be giving a reading at the memorial service today. “It’s going to be a huge day. For me tomorrow is about remembering what we've been through, but looking for opportunities that we have here,” he explains. “It’s no secret I love Christchurch,” the gay community board member says. “I used enjoy living here... but now, it’s a great place to be, and it’s going to be an even better place to live! It’s not Auckland, It’s not Wellington, but where in the world do you have a place which such opportunity- open space and ability to let creativity thrive?” Johnson is one of those who has helped with the formation of the UpRising Trust. “There are plenty of people around here who are more than happy to help make it happen. We have to work together though, move through politics, personal histories and agendas if we want to embrace this opportunity for our community,” he says. “For me, what is most important is reaching out to young glbti members and discovering what they want to see.” Aaron Comis (left) at Resonate Mr Gay NZ 2011 and Christchurch resident Aaron Comis hasn’t decided whether he will attend today’s memorial or not. “Sometimes it is nice to go along to these things and sometimes it's nice to remember them in your own way,” he says. Comis agrees with Tankersley that the glbt community has actually become stronger in some ways. “A lot of the events and any social gatherings are now less about going out and getting drunk and more about catching up with friends, having a good time and enjoying the life that we have. So many people now realise that they could have been part of the death toll on 22 February 2011 and it makes you just realise how precious and short life can be.” He says the community has, to a great degree, moved online, as there is no real gay bar to go out to and socialise. “The Uprising Trust has been providing parties and other events such as picnics, almost on a monthly basis and these have been successful in getting people out socialising as well as raising funds for community organisations. There has been a lot of generosity, both from within the local community and nationally, something that has been greatly appreciated.” From here, he thinks Christchurch will move forward, but very slowly. “There are a lot of commercial barriers in the way of a quick rebuild and a lot of people have moved away also. “Christchurch will never be the same but the people that remain will be a lot stronger for it, I feel very safe now in Christchurch as I feel if anything was going to fall, then chances are it already has or has been since demolished. You can't live your life in fear of dying from something that you have no control over, you can try and mitigate the chances as much as possible but at the end of the day you are better to live than live in fear.” The former Menfriends, after the February quake Stuart Yeatman owns Menfriends, a gay cruise club, sauna and adult store on Lichfield which was damaged in the 22 February quake, and ultimately demolished. He and his partner have been working hard on opening a new venue, which they hope will be up and running within three months, which is in line with hundreds of other CBD businesses which were forced to close in February. “We have a contractor in place and the staff, who have been on retainer for the last year, have been hard at it painting before the construction phase begins.” Yeatman says. “Having seen our Lichfield Street building demolished with everything still in it, we continue the process of acquiring the plant, machinery and all the other bits and pieces needed for the re-start.” Yeatman will not take part in any of the official ceremonies today, but will pause at 12.51PM when the quake hit, to reflect on all aspects of the year that has passed in Christchurch. He says he’s not big on ceremonies anyway, but believes memorial services are best observed after the events associated with the subject of the ceremonies have passed. “For me it is a little like having a war memorial service or remembrance day while still in the middle of the battle - and for John and I we are far from the end of the recovery battle in terms of our home and our business,” he explains. “Having said this I fully understand that for some people, particularly those who have lost loved ones it is entirely appropriate and I support the holding of services of memory. I have a few issues with the bravery awards and the like - for me, everyone who has lived through the last 12 months in this city is a hero and deserves a medal.” When it comes to the glbt community in particular, Yeatman says that due to its size it has always struggled in various ways, but he thinks eventually it will emerge stronger. “Already we have seen people stand up and lead the community through organising various events and for this I hold them in high regard.” To all our Christchurch community members, our thoughts are with you today. Jacqui Stanford - 22nd February 2012