Tue 6 Mar 2007 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Originally from England, Tim (48) has lived in NZ two years now. In his new role is the NZAF's Hamilton Regional Manager, Tim will be interacting with the Waikato's vibrant gay community – and getting those important anti-HIV messages across. What does your new role in the Waikato entail? The ability to offer information, education, support and choices for all those living with or affected by HIV in New Zealand. Also the opportunity to work with a wonderfully diverse group of people and organisations. What have you been doing for a job before working with the NZ AIDS Foundation? I worked for Work and Income as one of the Family Violence Response Co-ordinator's in the Waikato, which was about training and enabling case managers to screen all clients if appropriate for Family Violence and then refer them onto support agencies if they agreed. What do you think of the NZ gay scene so far? Much different from Britain? It's not a lot different from the U.K. just smaller which in this case is not a bad thing. When did you come out as gay, and what was it like for you at the time? I was 21 and recently separated from my wife. The biggest fear was what my friends and family would think and the hardest thing was to tell them. I was lucky in that they were all supportive which does not mean it wasn't traumatic. What do you think is the most pressing issue currently facing the NZ GLBT population? Apart from bad hair and those new plastic clogs, it is taking responsibility for their own sexual health and breaking down the stigma and discrimination that still exists. What's your relationship status? In love with a wonderful NZ partner. Favourite movie? The Grifters. Favourite TV programmes at the moment? Apart from ‘Starting Over' on Sky, it has to be anything with sport. Favourite websites? Ones that don't charge. Who in the world (including NZ) would you most like to have dinner with and why? The Queen, to see what she really keeps in her handbag. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? To have three more. Who are your favourite LGBT Icons? Anyone who has the ability to laugh at themselves and stand up for what they believe. GayNZ.com - 6th March 2007