Wed 17 Jun 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Planning is underway in Wellington for events to mark 30 years of Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand. Picture: David Hindley Community members were invited to gather and hash out ideas for next year's anniversary of the historic law change, at a get-together in the capital on Sunday. Nearly 40 people attended and a range of community groups were represented, including School’s Out, Rainbow Wellington, Lesbian and Gay Archives Wellington, Wellington Gay Welfare Group, Out in the Park, Intersex Awareness New Zealand ,Gayline, Rainbow Labour Wellington, Lilac Lesbian Library, Justspeak, PrideNZ, Wellington Bisexual Women’s Group and the Gay Taskforce. There was consensus that 2016 should be about both celebrating achievements and remember the historical events of the last 30 years or more, and also have a strong focus on working on current challenges facing our communities. There was support for backing campaigns for changes still needed, such as the petition to pardon men convicted prior to Homosexual Law Reform and those changes needed around trans rights. A calendar of events is being put together and will be made available online and updated during the year, with a programme of key activities which could be launched at an opening event. Dates pencilled in for possible HLR commemorations so far include events at March’s Out in the Park in Wellington. There will also likely be a special series of events in July, which is the month law reform passed. Others among the many ideas raised include a Queer Ball, which could possibly be held at Parliament’s Grand Hall, a cabaret show, a queer issues in the prison system forum, community honours, a historical walk around Wellington, a picnic on Parliament’s grounds and sharing of stories of lesbian activists. It also emerged there is a cache of archived film material it’s hoped could be edited for a documentary or screening. Another community meeting will be held later in the year – we’ll have details when it’s announced. There are also separate plans for HLR events as part of the Asia Pacific Outgames' Human Rights Conference in Auckland in February. GayNZ.com is also counting down to 30 years, with pieces marking key events leading up to the history-making day - and a look at some of the people who led the way. Counting down to 30 years: remembering Bruce Burnett
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th June 2015 - 12:58pm