A Wellington dance party will turn the clock back to June 1986, a month before Homosexual Law Reform. 'Homolicious 1986', at Vivian St’s Medusa Bar, will be chock with tracks from Neneh Cherry, Boy George, The Pet Shop Boys, Alison Moyet, Bronski Beat, Rick Astley and New Order. Organiser Andy Boreham says most remember the music that made the 80s famous, but many forget that for most of the decade it was illegal to be homosexual. He says the idea of the event is to remember a time when New Zealand was so different for queer people, and to celebrate being on the cusp of change. “One month before homosexual law reform in New Zealand, you could pretty much feel the world was about to change. We’re in a slightly similar, if more privileged, position now with this global push for queer equality.” Boreham says the night is also about celebrating a time where acid wash jeans were cool, neon was a colour, and swatch watches didn’t just tell the time. “We want people to dress up, frizz out their hair, and embrace all those 80s fashions that have been hiding in their closets.” Music from the 80s, “and not just the stereotypical songs”, will be playing all night thanks to 80s-obsessed DJ Danny Noir. “He’s pretty onto it,” Andy says. “You can definitely expect an authentic 80s experience.” Homolicious 1986 will take over Wellington’s Medusa Bar on Saturday 23 June. Tickets are $15 online at dashtickets, or $20 on the door.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th June 2012 - 10:56am