Shane Young looks resplendent in robes Eighteen-year veteran and current kaitiaki of Vinegar Hill Shane Young is “horribly surprised and rather speechless” after being made 2014’s Queen of the gay campground. The live-in Queen “feels very nice and rather humbled to be Queen,” but realises “it means I have a lot of bloody work in front of me!” Young is from Manawatu and his gay family inspired him to first visit the gay holiday hotbed of Vinegar Hill 18 years ago. He’s loved coming to visit the family and friends of Vinegar Hill, which is just outside Hunterville, ever since. While he doesn’t have a traditional ‘Queen name’ yet, Young is open to suggestions and is thinking of running a competition for ideas. For now though Young is starting his reign with a rather sore head after a big New Year’s Eve – and won’t be directing his subjects too much today as he’s lost his voice. However his first formal appointment has been Jenni James as his official security guard. Young’s royal message to the public is to enjoy life and come and enjoy the party at the end of the year. It’s a big year for the proud new Queen, who is also excitedly awaiting the birth of his first grandson.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 1st January 2014 - 12:21pm