Stallholders for 2007's Big Gay Out celebration in Auckland, which attracts over 10,000 people, are now being invited to book their space. The date for the annual LGBT fair day has been set for Sunday 11 February 2007. “It's important that for all interested stallholders to get in early, as space is limited,” says organiser Larry Jenkins, the newly appointed Fundraiser and Events Co-ordinator for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. Peter Gordon and Rodney Beals, who formerly co-ordinated Wellington's Gay and Lesbian Fair, have stepped up to help organise the event. “The Gay and Lesbian Fair in Wellington is a highlight of the city calendar,” says Jenkins. “Now that Peter and Rodney are living in Auckland, I'm thrilled we can add their talents and contacts to the mix for the Big Gay Out.” Jenkins himself has a long history in organising events. Born in America's Deep South, he moved to New Zealand in 1991 after spending 20 years in London, where he launched the help-based AIDS charity CRUSAID, which now has an annual budget of tens of millions of pounds. He also worked with actor Sir Ian McKellen in organising opposition to anti-gay legislation introduced by conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Jenkins was appointed by the NZAF in August, having worked as a conductor, entrepreneur, journalist, writer and public relations manager. “I've been a bit of a jack of all trades, but working with the NZAF is a wonderful opportunity,” he says. “It's a way to firmly identify myself as a gay man in a public way by standing alongside people who have worked for this cause for a long time – as well as getting to throw great parties for the community like the Big Gay Out.” If you're interested in having a stall at February's Big Gay Out, you can contact either Larry or Peter using the contact details below. Larry Jenkins Phone 09 300 6965 Email: larry.Jenkins@nzaf.org.nz Peter Gordon Phone 09 376 6344 or 027 454 1621 Email: rope@inspire.net.nz Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 5th September 2006 - 12:00pm