Auckland's glbti business networking group is to adopt a more inclusive version of its name in an effort to attract more, and more diverse, members. Members of the new GABA executive committee Following a unanimous vote by members who attended this evening's AGM the Gay Auckland Business Association, or GABA, will henceforth be know simply as GABA Inc. The change was suggested by Geoffrey Marshall who says he knows of many enquiries from people who don't identify as gay or who are professionals in government or education who have felt that can't join. "I've felt for some time that with 'gay' in our name it is excluding some people," he says. "People are now more specific in how they label themselves so 'gay' is sometimes seen as a negative label." Marshall says it's really important for GABA to have an infusion of "new energy and new life... this change is part of that process and helps make us more relevant for the future." Okareka Dance Company perform All those standing to be on the GABA executive were appointed as the number of nominations did not exceed the number of positions available. And all changes to the constitution were passed by a clear majority. A list of those changes is detailed here. Returning president Heather Carnegie noted that it has been a successful year for GABA, particularly with its main community fundraising events, the Charity Auction and the Pride Parade Glamstand. She announced that GABA is working with Auckland University of Technology to create a series business improvement events. However, it was noted that ticket sales for last year's Charity Auction were significantly down on past years which is something that must be addressed before the next auction, likely to be held in November. The AGM closed with a performance of K'Rd Strip - A place to stand by the gay Okareka Dance Company which is fundraising to cover travel expenses of attending and performing at the Edinburgh International festival in three weeks' time.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 8th July 2015 - 10:55pm