Fri 2 Jan 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation has revealed it nominated Jonathan Smith for a New Year’s Honour for services to people with HIV/AIDS. The Auckland event director, performer, fundraiser and advocate is to be made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Smith came out as HIV positive in 1994 to raise awareness and understanding. He went on to be the first HIV positive person to Chair the NZAF, in 1998. Among his other achievements are being the creator of the Queen of the Whole Universe pageant which raised more than $215,000 for HIV/AIDS charities over nine years. He is also a founding member of the Circle of Friends AIDS Memorial Garden, the Treatments Action Group and HIV couples’ support group Men Alongside. He created the Positive Career Service to help HIV positive people get back into work. NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robertson says Smith was nominated as part of a proposal that was supported by a wide range of people in the community. He says the NZAF is thrilled he has been honoured. “Jonathan has been honoured for his service to the LGBT community amongst his other civic contributions. His honour represents another signal of New Zealand's acceptance of gay men.” A community celebration of Smith and his honour is to be held in late January.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 2nd January 2015 - 8:07am