The national coordinators of this year's Candlelight Memorial Services, to be held around the country on Sunday May 20th, are hoping someone will come forward in Hamilton or the Waikato to organise a commemorative event there. "This is the one time each year that we can come together to acknowledge those who have gone and the contributions they made to our communities," says Body Positive's Bruce Kilmister. Since the epidemic first spread to New Zealand in the early 1980s hundreds of gay men have died from the effects of the disease. "We have identified organisers in most of the main centres and in several provincial centres too," says Kilmister, "but Hamilton is rather an prominent gap on our map. We are very much hoping someone who understands the importance of acknowledging those gay men from the Waikato region who died, particularly in the early 1990s, will agree to put together a small event of remembrance." Kilmister says the event can be as formal or informal as the local organiser or organisers wish, and he is happy to talk with anyone wanting more information on the support available and possible formats before considering whether or not they are able to become involved. So far services have been confirmed for Whangarei, Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. Details of the individual services are expected to be released soon. Kilmister says anyone considering running an event in any city or town anywhere in the country is welcome to contact him. He can be emailed at: bruce@bodypositive.org.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 21st April 2012 - 11:37am