A ‘straw poll’ of GayNZ.com readers shows that many are hoping for marriage equality in 2013. “To marry my partner of 26 years,” is the wish of reader David Phillips. Dave Froggatt’s hope for 2013 is to “marry the man I love,” while Kyran Kissick adds “same here, rather marry the woman I love.” Kelly Seagar wants “health, happiness and marriage equality! I want my daughter to grow up and be able to say ‘my Mummies are MARRIED’!!” Adoption equality is also a priority, with Irene Elisabeth Hitchcock stating that she wants “the right to marry and adopt for all in NZ!” Carlos Rivera wants “Total equality!” adding “and a job would be good.” Ron Ranginui Lopez just wants to be able to move to New Zealand and be with his husband. Allyson Hamblett would like marriage equality, as well as for the Human Rights Act to be finally clarified in terms of gender identity, or at least the political pathway to achieving it to be strengthened. “Hope the Green Party adoption bill is drawn out of the ballot box in next few months,” she adds. Lexie Matheson also wants marriage and adoption equality, with clarity for trans people, and for gender identity to be included in the Human Rights Act, plus “an awesome and inclusive Pride Festival”. Aaron Woolley wants the passing of marriage equality, no asset sales, and a new government. Sara Fraser would like everyone in our communities to take a greater stand against transphobia and homophobia in order to create a safe, welcoming space for everyone. Kay Gubbins points out that while marriage equality would be a nice start, it's only a small step towards bigger changes. “I'd really like to see more awareness of the toll that bullying and thoughtless language takes on people. Stop saying ‘that's so gay’ as if it's a bad thing, people to be more accepting of gender diversity. “I'd really like God to have a word with the Pope or for him to have a spontaneous epiphany and realise that LGBTIQ etc folk are OK and that his hateful words are wrong. He should give a major apology for his and the Catholic Church's hatred and abusive misdeeds.” Some have rather lofty wishes, such as Michael Stevens, who wants “world peace and plenty of cock” and Joshua Lloyd-Charles would love “a marriage proposal from Daniel Craig with an infidelity clause that allows me to have as much fun as I want with Eddie Redmayne.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 7th January 2013 - 11:24am