Adrian Mackie As one of the four Head Students at Auckland's Rosehill College, Adrian, 18, was an openly-gay role model for young people questioning their sexuality. How did your exams go? I think they went okay, I hope. There were a few questions that I was not expecting but I think I covered them okay. Secretly though, I didn't want them to finish as that meant that my school years were really over, which is a big thing to deal with after going to school nearly every day for 13 years. What's it been like being one of Rosehill College's Head Boys last year? The responsibility was a large shock. I knew roughly what to expect by looking at previous Head Students, but I was not expecting to be so much in the eye of everyone. I was a role model to all students so I had to make sure I kept myself out of trouble, which sometimes is easier said than done. But despite it being a hard job, trying to behave all the time, it was a year of Rosehill that I will never forget. What are your plans for 2007 and beyond? Many people have told me not to rush into University. It just gives you a huge student loan to pay back, and I might not even like the subjects I have chosen in two or so years time. In saying that though, I haven't ruled out Uni for the future, I am just keeping my mind open for the time being. I am working full time next year in Auckland City in the travel and tourism industry. I have developed the travel bug over the past few years and decided that working in this industry would be my easiest way of getting around the world. I am moving out of home, to my mother's disgust, next year. Looking forward to living in the real world. When did you come out, and what was it like for you at the time? I came out to my friends at school before my family. I think I came out to my friends when I was in intermediate. Next on the list was my mum, I told her in 3rd form. Soon after, my brother and sister found out. My dad was probably the hardest for me to tell. I told him on the motorway, just before hitting the Harbour Bridge, that I was gay. It was one of the hardest things for me to say, and probably for my dad to hear, but he told me that he loved me no matter of my sexual orientation. I am very lucky though as everyone in my family was and still is very supportive of my lifestyle. What do you like most about being gay? I have never thought of it before. I enjoy how people who have nothing much in common, other than their sexuality, and still get along because they can relate to each other. The feeling some people get in their body after they have just come out. That feeling where your body goes weak and you feel like the solar system has been taken off your shoulders and you can stand tall knowing that you have done a good thing. What do you dislike the most about being gay? The same thing that keeps people in the closet, homophobia. Sometimes, pending where I am at in Auckland, I will walk around and have to "play it straight" around some people because you have this gut feeling that these people will attack, either verbally or physically, you because of who you are. What would you say to young people reading this, who are struggling with their sexuality and whether to come out or not? I would say to them, take your time coming to terms to your identity. If you are unsure, talk to youth lines or Rainbow Youth, as these people really know what they are talking about, and will listen without judging you. There is nothing to be ashamed of, being a queer youth, and you should, in your own time, take hold of your sexuality and love it. You may already think you know your sexuality, but take the time to get used to it, to love it. You are not alone out there and there will always be people who will lend you their ear if you ever need it. Have you encountered much homophobia in your life? Yeah. I never had homophobic terms thrown in my face until I reached high school. My intermediate all accepted me, but meeting all these new people who have different backgrounds and views on such topics, they can say some hurtful things. All comments during school, though, have come from juniors who are not used to seeing a gay person so out and proud. In 3rd form, I was punched in the face by another student in my P.E class because of my sexuality. In fact, 3rd form was not a nice year, but those people became drop outs and I became Head Boy... I wonder who did better in this situation. When I was 5th form, I was punched several times in the face by one of my friend's friend, who I had only just met, because of my sexuality. What's your background? Are you an Aucklander by birth? Yeah I am a proud JAFA. I have lived in Auckland my whole life (other than when I visit family or other countries). I have two sisters, (one older and one younger), as well as an older brother who lives in Australia. What's your relationship status? I'm currently single, as I seem to always be. I have had a few short-term relationships this year but nothing serious. Favourite TV programmes? I am a large fan of cartoons, so naturally Spongebob Square Pants, South Park, Family Guy and The Simpsons. My favourite genre is comedy, which includes TV shows such as Little Britain and Kath GayNZ.com - 17th January 2007