Ross and Jason Dinnington-Curle Corrections staff will march in the Auckland Pride Parade for first time this year - something the gay staff member who led the charge says will be a “very, very proud moment”. Jason Dinnington-Curle and his husband Ross, who married last year, both work for the Corrections Department, at Spring Hill Corrections Facility near Meremere. He says he wanted to march because “I am proud of who I am as a person, and who I work for and proud to be an officer in such a challenging environment.” The Corrections Officer adds: “To me pride is about freedom of who you are, and what better way to show how proud I am as a person, not only in personal life, but professional life as well than to combine the two - and I know other marchers within Corrections feel the same.” Though diversity is a key focus within Corrections, he thought long and hard about how to approach his bosses, fearing it would not be an easy ride. “In the early stages Corrections appeared very old school, but in saying that were open to listening my ideas.” An HR staff member was a huge help. “We slowly got the wheels turning and gained support throughout Corrections, to the point where we were given the go ahead and support from the Executive Leadership Team.” As the Parade approaches, Dinnington-Curle says Corrections is fully on-board and supportive, “and should be proud of the step they have taken as in some ways it is an historic moment in history.” Just over 20 staff members will march. They range from Health and Probation staff, to case managers, programme tutors and Corrections Officers. “Some of our straight staff are marching in support which I think if fantastic, so it just goes to show this pride parade is truly about diversity. This march is about the whole Corrections family, whether it be parents who work for Corrections, their children, family members, or people who know people,” Dinnington-Curle says. They will march in their ‘number one’ formal uniform or workwear, which he says will be a very, very proud moment for him. “Allowing staff to march in formal uniform is a huge step for Corrections, but in saying that we are representing the department in a public forum.” He adds, “To me marching in Pride will be a personal achievement, and will show me as a person - how far I have come and what I have achieved to get here - and with all the highs and lows, it has been a journey I wouldn’t change, as what has been, has made me the person I am today. “I am a gay Corrections Officer and am very proud to say so, and have a loving husband who will be marching also as he works for the department in health, so add that to what will be an amazing time, I could not be happier.” The Auckland Pride Parade is on Saturday 21 February on Ponsonby Rd, from 7.30PM.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 12th February 2015 - 8:14am