Paul Heard (L) and partner Alan Urge Bar's 'senior partner' has a background in the hospitality and liquor industry, along with the motor industry, property, and events management. Who are you and what's your background? Paul Heard, 46 yrs old, I own Urge Bar in Auckland along with my partner Alan Granville. I've had a varied career in the hospitality and liquor industry, along with the motor industry, property, and events management. I lived in Perth for 7 years and will be visiting there shortly on the way home from the Out Games in Montreal (where I'm competing in swimming), and a holiday with Alan in the UK and Ireland. Why did you decide to enter into business with Urge Bar? The bar was our local and when we heard it was up for sale, we didn't want it to be sold and turned into some trendy sports bar or similar. Auckland had just recently lost Dorothy's so our only men's bar had to be retained. It was also an opportunity for Alan and I to be a bigger part of the community. What kind of bar is Urge, and what clientele do you attract? Urge is a men's bar - acommunity bar for gay men, run by gay men. Urge is Auckland's longest running gay men's bar. Originally opened by Larry Quickenden, it has for eight years been providing men with a place to drink, dance and cruise in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment. We are keen to provide a comfortable place for men to play in a "no attitude" atmosphere. We have owned Urge since September 2005. We have kept the core market and expanded the clientele, introducing extra party nights, and just socializing elsewhere in Auckland, introducing Urge to new people. There was a certain reputation that seemed to scare some guys away. What's been the greatest highlight for yourself since taking on Urge? Meeting so many new interesting men from New Zealand and abroad. The positive feedback from so many people has been just amazing. What characterises the New Zealand LGBT community for you? A hugely diverse group of people. What is the worst thing for you about being gay? Well I can't really say there is anything bad about it, to be honest. I only wish for total acceptance as people, by the whole of society. But in reality that does not exist for any group. Minorities fear the worst – usually at the hands of the Religious Right. But in a weird way they (the Religious Right) are also looked down upon by many sectors of society. What is the best thing? The sense of freedom we get being just as we are, and, within reason, doing the things we want to do. I do have to say, most of my gay friends have great lifestyles. I'm not just referring to homes and incomes but to the extended family and opportunities we have available to us through our networks. We don't usually have to worry about children, etc (although some of us would have liked to raise children if things had been different). Relationship status? Very happily partnered to Alan for two years – both in life and in business. Favourite food and drink? All foods, from many cultures. Japanese one night, Italian the next, Pacific-orientated the next. Or a great Steak GayNZ.com - 3rd August 2006