2.45PM: As thousands of gays and lesbians and their families settle into Auckland's Coyle Park for the Big Gay Out, stalls featuring services and activities offered by glbt community groups are attracting plenty of interest. Under a partly cloudy sky, with temperatures in the mid 20s in the sunny, sheltered tree-lined park, organisations as diverse as the Womens' Bookshop, Tamaki Makarau Lesbian Newsletter, Eroxxx adult lifestyle stores and the Fifth Season Gardening Club all have a presence. Family Planning, under a huge "SEX" banner is putting people into draw for a mystery break holiday or an iPod. Gayline/Lesbianline is explaining their services and the NZ AIDS Foundation's Gay Men's Health Unit is explaining the results of their latest groundbreaking research (soon to be detailed on GayNZ.com). The Takataapui TV programme is recording snippets for its soon to start new series on Maori TV, and the Metropolitan Community Church has a number of leaflet distributors dressed in white with large angel-like wings. A company specialising in large shoe sizes, suitable for drag queens, is displaying its wares, and the Community Alcohol and Drug service is handing out lollipops with small information packs. Non-gay groups also have a presence. The SPCA is introducing picnickers to "big, beautiful dogs', and George FM has a dance stage in full swing. The Labour Party has a stand and their boss, Prime Minister Helen Clark, is scheduled to visit the BGO shortly, at 3.30pm, when newly-united MP Chris Carter and his partner will cut their Civil Union cake in a public ceremony. From the main entertainment stage MCs Stephen Oates and Sarah Lambourne, who arrived on matching Segways, are currently conducting family games including handbag throwing. So far the event has been well behaved and St John Ambulance representatives report they have only had to deal with a few minor issues. Ref: GayNZ.com (j)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 11th February 2007 - 12:00pm