A straight gay rights champion and civic leader who formed the group Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays has died. Dame Barbara Goodman served as an Auckland City Councillor for 12 years, after an introduction to civil life acting as 'mayoress' for her uncle, Sir Dove Meyer Robinson. In 1985, Dame Barbara started the group HUG, or Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays. In 1988 she was elected a councillor, and while on the Council she championed gay rights causes and discouraged homophobia. "Dame Barbara's legacy will last long beyond her death. She was a great Aucklander who paid a significant role in the civic life of this city and played an pivotal role in a variety of community causes," current Auckland Mayor Len Brown. "She was respected by everyone, independent and feisty, and committed to the causes she supported."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 21st June 2013 - 2:39pm