A new group called OutSouth is being started in South Auckland, after a local couple decided the region needs something to bring the LGBT community together. Brendaniel and his partner Graham have lived on a lifestyle block in Hunua for about three years, and discovered there is no LGBT community group in the greater south Auckland area. “Understandably, almost all of the venues are based in the central city,” Brendaniel says. “But most other parts of Auckland can boast at least one community group or drop-in centre, such as a café, where local LGBT people can meet and share aspects of their lives.” He points out South Auckland includes the old council-districts of Franklin, Papakura and Manukau and stretches from Penrose to the Bombays and from the Pohutakawa Coast to the Manukau Harbour. “It includes almost 52 per cent of the population of Auckland. It definitely needs to have something happening for the LGBT community.” The couple has decided to start a casual community group called OutSouth, which will aim to make connections between members of the community in their own part of Auckland. “The focus will initially be on offering support to all members of our community regardless of race, gender, age, marital status, beliefs, HIV-status, disabilities, etc,” he says, adding everyone is welcome even if they are not from South Auckland. “The group will be open to all LGBT people and their friends/family/supporters - so feel free to bring people along,” Brendaniel says. “We intend for the group to take on a life of its own - we are not interested in dictating what the group will be about, or what its eventual focuses will be. That will be up to the people who come along. “At this stage we just want to get-the-ball-rolling and offer our community the opportunity to come together. We are sure that many positive things can emerge from this sort of community support group. “Already we have had one person offer to start a LGBT horse-riding group and several people have offered to get involved in putting together a float for the 2013 Auckland Pride Parade - maybe we should pull it with horses.” OutSouth has already been offered a number of spaces around the greater South Auckland area to hold meetings. Its first gathering will be at The Nathan Homestead in Manurewa, on a Wednesday night in early October. “We will set up a Facebook event page for people to get more information, or share ideas and make suggestions.” If people need help getting to the meeting, they can email black_anvil@xtra.co.nz or call Brendaniel on 292-6244 or text 022-308-6593.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 26th August 2012 - 11:13am