With just days to go until GayNZ.com 'retires' on Wednesday May31st we'd like to briefly say our goodbyes and reflect on some unfinished business other journalists might like to pursue. There are any number of subjects or issues we regret not being able to follow through to a more satisfactory conclusion but two in particular stand out. Rugby and HIV prevention funding. The rugby issue is based on NZ Rugby's total lack of engagement with the gay community and gay media despite their acknowledgement from time to time in the straight/general media of unacceptable levels of homophobia amongst their fans and players. Particularly in the aftermath of last year's disgraceful homophobic taunting of a gay man by a high-profile Chiefs player. Despite repeated attempts by us, promises by the Chiefs and basic intransigence by NZ Rugby they never once fronted up to gay people on the incident and the broader issue. They will talk glibly in the general media about diversity and inclusion and the unacceptability of anti-glbti attitudes but not once have they actually deigned to talk to or with us directly to glbti people. HIV is still an issue. And yet the Minister of Health is so disconnected from this reality that money for HIV research has been squeezed, funding for HIV research has been frozen at the minimalist levels of over six years ago before the massive surge in new infections we are now experiencing and he Minister and/or his top officials see no need to engage at any level with the community most affected by HIV, that is gay and bisexual men. Our comprehensive list of questions sent in March to the minister covering these and associated issues still goes unanswered. And of course grumbling along, still, are matters such as the disconnect between transgender activists and the Corrections Department, social and legal equity for trans people, homophobic bullying and a truly terrible suicide rate amongst glbti people. Religious and cultural intolerance, lack of good education about homosexuality and associated issues in the national schools curriculum and a myriad of other matters remain unsatisfactory. We hope somewhere there are journalists, perhaps glbti ones, who will keep a spotlight focused on these and other matters affecting glbti lives. And who will help glbti people publicly celebrate themselves and the many positive aspects of what life can be like for glbti people in New Zealand. As we fade out we wish to acknowledge thank all of those throughout the country who have supported us, committed to our objectives and used our facility with our blessing. In particular our lead writers over the years including Chris Banks, Matt Akersten, Jacqui Stanford and Sarah Murphy. And stalwart contributors such as columnist Craig Young and photographer Andrea. And the many, many people who have quietly been our sounding boards, or provided information and backgrounders, those who have supported, advised and educated us... some openly and publicly, some under our guarantee of total anonymity. We say goodbye with a mixture of feelings, of regret certainly. But also with a sense of optimism that from the wonderful pool if talent and passion that exists in our glbti communities something new will soon emerge emerge to ensure that glbti New Zealanders are reliably, accurately and impartially informed by glbti people for whom that is their core objective. Thank you... and farewell. - Jay Bennie and Neil Gibb. Jay Bennie - 26th May 2017