The new Hamilton Pride crew have one successful festival under their belts. We caught up with them on what Pride means, how lgbti-friendly Hamilton is and how it’s coping without its only gay club. What made you want to get involved in Hamilton Pride? Logan Reynolds (COMMS) I wanted to get involved for two reasons. Firstly, because I fundamentally believe in the importance of Pride festivals. They are an unapologetic celebration of diversity in a time where difference is still marginalised. And secondly, because it provides heaps of opportunities to socialize with the LGBTI community. Zara Evitts (TREASURY grow stronger in self-identity and esteem, and empower others to do the same Hamish Milne Pride is important because people keep asking “do we need Pride any more now that we have marriage equality?” As long as gay men proudly identify as ‘straight-acting’ I think there’s a place for pride movements. The Rainbow Mental Health panel this year was an important spotlight on the poor state of LGBTTI mental health. What do you hope people take from it? Logan Reynolds I hope people have fun, first and foremost, and realise that they are part of a wonderfully diverse community. While it is obviously important to celebrate our sexual orientations and gender identities, I would argue it is equally important to celebrate the other facets of ourselves, including our cultural backgrounds. Hamish Milne I hope they get a whole heap of fun out of Pride events! As serious as some of our issues are, Pride is a celebration of just being. Has Hamilton’s community suffered due to the closure of Shine? Logan Reynolds I think so. Shine Nightclub was a place you could visit without any fear of prejudice. For many, it was the first point of contact with the LGBTI world - especially if you consider that Hamilton is a student city, and many students flock from the more conservative rural provinces. Many relationships began at Shine, and many significant events happened there (including a screening of the third reading of the Marriage Equality bill), so its history will live on. Zara Evitts I think Hamilton lost a safe shared space but at the same time I think it has been good in allowing people to come together as a community. For example more people going to the different events of pride week, meaning people interact in different ways Hare George Absolutely. There is a change in attitude and a sense of loss of collective identity with no club to go to. There is the need for the community to engage more as a result of it … perhaps additional activities both in and out of the club scene would be a good start. Hamish Milne It’s taken a while for me to realise, but yes. Part of the queer community for me as always been the familiar faces you see around the place-not close friends necessarily, but familiar nonetheless-and a dedicated venue brings those people together regularly. NZ was ranked the world’s second most gay friendly place by Lonely Planet – do you think that is true for Hamilton? Logan Reynolds Hamilton is moving in the right direction, along with the rest of the country. However, it would be naive to say it is totally free of homophobia. Our statue of Riff Raff (from the Rocky Horror Picture Show) is a regular source of letter-writing outrage from social conservatives, often mourning the loss of 'moral decency'. Our local MPs, David Bennett and Tim Macindoe, were against marriage equality, at least until the final reading when Bennett flip-flopped, probably out of political shrewdness rather than personal conviction. And schools still remain a hotbed of intolerance, although it should be noted that Waikato Queer Youth are doing some awesome work in this area. Zara Evitts Hamilton has some very gay friendly places Hamish Milne I think so, although I’m conscious that I’m lucky to work an accepting environment with supportive friends and others aren’t in the same position. Like Logan said, when our elected officials are opposed to something like marriage equality, espousing Christian values for doing so, I don’t feel like that gay-friendliness is secure. What could make things even better? Logan Reynolds The restoration of a permanent LGBTI club or cafe. Leadership from principals, faith groups and elected representatives to make our schools and wider community safer for queer people. Zara Evitts To have somewhere permanent for people to hang out Hare George Greater community inclusion. Empowering learning and growth throughout the networks and engaging in collective activities to promote greater awareness and involvement with other community organizations Have you got a Christmas message to share? Logan Reynolds Merry Christmas! Drink too much. Love others. Love yourself. x Zara Evitts Merry Christmas. Stay safe and enjoy time with your loved ones (and don't eat too much) Hamish Milne I hope everyone gets to spend some time with someone special. (Te Rauroha Pokaitara was not available for comment, he’s our fabulous secretary). Jacqui Stanford - 22nd December 2014