Steven Ray "Original presenter of PlaySchool, featured in numerous tv/films and 30 years of theatre. And honey, I'm still here!" Who are you and what's your background? Steven Ray, actor/director. Born and educated in Auckland. An original member of Central/Mercury Theatre (AK). Worked throughout New Zealand, UK, USA., Asia. Original presenter of PlaySchool, featured in numerous tv/films and 30 years of theatre. And honey, I'm still here! What's next on the performance calendar for you? It's a new grown-up (at last) New Zealand comedy (of life) by the gorgeous Geraldine Brophy. It's called The Paradise Package, on at the Fortune Theatre, Dunedin, from this Friday 24 March 'till 13 April. I play Hugh, an older gay man in Fiji for a civil union with his younger partner of 16 years togetherness and all that throws up before the big day. It's a wonderfully normal relationship, one many of us have experienced. What characterises the New Zealand GLBT community for you? That we have a community is impressive. That we live in a country where our lives and views are mostly tolerated, and we have rights! Where we can make commitments to each other without being tortured, shot or mysteriously disappear. I was working in China recently - 40 homosexual men disappeared without trace from Beijing - it happens! What is the worst thing for you about being GLBT? I don't dwell on the negative - we are all in a process of learning. What is the best thing? That I've found acceptance and am accepted for who I am. Relationship status? I live singularly - but I have a boyfriend - it's the best situation I've had after 30 years of rather traumatic relationships. I've matured! Favourite food and drink? Well, I still have a taste for a 'protein shake'! Worst habit? I certainly haven't gone blind yet! Most noble feature? I know what my buddy would say.... Favourite TV programme? I'm lamenting the demise of Six Feet Under. Favourite movie? Too many - and I cry a lot - though a short film I made in Wellington late last year, Frames by Sam Kelly, is impressive. Our young film makers work against great odds. Qualities you most appreciate in a GLBT person? Support, acceptance and I always want love! What are you reading at the moment? I'm directing a play, Doubt following P.P. A priest is accused of molesting a young boy – it's very provocative. My reading is round that subject at the moment. Who in the world including NZ would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with? A genius; a legend; Dame Shirley Bassey (and not for the frocks!). Role models? My older friends who have survived and faced the challenges I never had to. What is the most pressing issue currently facing the NZ GLBT population? Being accepted without question, globally, as a part of the human family. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? I feel very blessed - though it would be great to have my special friends, currently scattered round the globe, all in the same place as me. GayNZ.com - 22nd March 2006