Mon 6 Jun 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Cissy Rock Two stalwarts of Auckland's lgbti community, Cissy Rock and Lexie Matheson, have been recognised in today's Queen's Birthday Honours. Rock is to be made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. The west Aucklander is known for running events for lesbians, such as Dykes on Mics, Rush dances and the much-loved Heroes out West, which have brought women from across the city together in safe and fun social spaces. As an Auckland Council employee, she was crucial in the process which led to the creation of Auckland Council's Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel, co-designing and implementing its framework. That came on the back of setting up and leading the Rainbow Door Group, an informal forum for both rainbow and mainstream social service providers, Council staff and community members to meet with Auckland Council to discuss issues and opportunities. Rock also initiated the 100% OK campaign, was the Board Chair of the Auckland Women’s Centre from 2010 to 2013, is a committee member of Outline NZ, an active supporter of the Auckland Lesbian Business Association and performs facilitation work for GenderBridge and RainbowYOUTH. Lexie Matheson Lexie Matheson is to be made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to performing arts, education and LGBTIQ rights. The outspoken trans woman is a fearless advocate whose wide range of community roles have included stints as Chair of the Hero Inc. Board and the Auckland Coordinator for Agender. She's also a TransAdvocates trustee and was a founding member of Auckland Pride Festival Inc. Matheson has had a long career in the academic field, ranging from being a teacher and principal in the 1960s and 1970s, to coaching sport and helping children with learning and behavioural challenges. Her name is well-known in theatre circles, where she has staged close to 400 productions and won numerous awards. Matheson's involvement with universities in Auckland have included overseeing the business management of the Maidment Theatre, various lecturer roles, and the creation of the first undergraduate degree major in event management in a New Zealand university.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 6th June 2016 - 7:12am