Disappointment is being expressed on a radio station’s Facebook page at a stunt which saw a male host, with a history of making jokes at the expense of GLBT people, walk in the Auckland Pride Parade as the result of a lost bet. Dominic Harvey walked in the parade after losing a bet “Poor Dom had to walk in Auckland's Pride Parade today in a gold G-String after losing 'Would You Rather?” a post on The Edge’s Facebook page reads. Much of the feedback about the stunt has been positive, with people saying the likes of “good on ya,” and “you’ve got balls doing that”, however others are not so impressed. Luella Wheeler asks “What kind of message is it sending to have someone attend a PRIDE event as the result of a lost bet - the implication being that this is embarrassing or shameful?? “I am unimpressed by this stunt and that Dominic was allowed to attend. I wish The Edge could have participated and covered the event in a more supportive and enlightened way. I am consistently disappointed with the homophobia and bigotry the station and its staff are allowed to air. “Let's not forget how over-represented our LGBT youth are in youth suicide rates and the responsibilities we all have, especially media, to create an environment that protects our vulnerable young people. “The parade is about pride and the rights of people to live and express true to themselves with freedom and however they choose. The event is NOT about mockery. Disgusted.” The comment received 17 likes and Jillian Matchett added “I totally agree with Steve and Luella here, the bigotry on display is disgusting.” Sarin Moddle weighed in also with “it's unfortunate you couldn't support Pride without making it the result of a lost bet. Try a little harder.” Hamish Milne has added "This one time I lost a bet and had to listen to (The) Edge for a day." The host who walked in the parade was Dominic Harvey, who caused Radioworks to be fined by the Broadcasting Standards Authority in 2010 over a song about Ali Mau after she was outed, which included the lines she “wanted to go rug munching” and she “got sick of dicks”. Another song Harvey wrote led a text from a listener that was read out on air “Dom, your song was so gay I’m pretty sure I just got AIDS from listening to it”. However the BSA did not uphold complaints about that remark.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 18th February 2013 - 9:18am