A community grant scheme-funded trip to Chicago by a lesbian couple to attend a meeting of the Federation of Gay Games has abeen condemned of the National Party's social services spokeswoman, Katherine Rich. Wellingtonian Elizabeth Kerekere says she and her partner Alofa Aiono attended the November meeting as part of a trip aimed at studying ways of encouraging gay and lesbian Pacific islanders and Maoris to take part in sport, art and cultural events. $7,000 towards the trip was provided by the Labour Department's Community Employment Group. Kerekere says her research could help any sports, arts or cultural group wanting to encourage participation in its events. National's Rich has questioned whether such funding is being wisely used by the Department.