Mama Tere died yesterday from a suspected heart attack The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is sending "thoughts and aroha" to all those mourning one of its Life Members, "Mama" Tere Strickland, who died in Auckland yesterday. The 49-year-old transgender worker, who was well known in the community for both her work and outspokenness, suffered a suspected heart attack. "Over the course of her career, Mama Tere touched a great many lives through her passion and commitment to at risk youth in both Maori and Pacific communities," the NZAF says. "Through her group Te Aronga Hou Inaianei (TAHI) she worked with gay and transgender people, sex workers, and other at risk youth, providing strength and support and empowering them to meet life's challenges with pride, dignity and aroha." The Foundation made her a Life Member in 2010, in honour of the work she has done with at risk groups. While the move to honour such a controversial figure was criticised by some, particularly due to her opposition to prostitution law reform, the NZAF upheld its decision, on the basis that her long-term contribution to the NZAF's mission to prevent the transmission of HIV meets the stated criteria for life membership. Strickland has been involved with the NZAF since 1996, participated in the Takatāpui Hui from 1997 and represented the takatāpui community on the NZAF Trust Board from 1999 to 2001. GayNZ.com will have details of Strickland's tangi when they are confirmed.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 4th August 2012 - 2:35pm