2pm: LGBT community leaders have begun speaking out today in support of plans for the return of the Hero Parade to Auckland in 2009, adding calls for broad community input and debate about the event. Neil Denney, General Manager of Auckland Gay and Lesbian Welfare says “Gayline is pleased that the HERO Trustees are taking a sensible position regarding the dates that were offered, and not just rushing in and accepting unfavourable dates to 'get a parade happening' in 2008. “We will be there supporting the HERO Festival in 2009 in whatever way we can,” he asserts. AIDS Foundation Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier says the NZAF is keen to hear more input from the community about the return of the Parade, or any other large scale venture for the GBLIT community. “We would welcome a broader debate on what people would want from a Parade or from another event, what the objectives would be, and who should benefit. The proposed 2009 date should allow plenty of time for this, and we look forward to seeing a range of opinion over the coming year,” says Le Mesurier. Hero chair Michael Bancroft says he hopes debate about the parade's return gets going in the gay media, as otherwise “it's very hard to gauge what the gay community wants,” he says. “A few people make their hopes known, a few people get going and organise things, a few people are keen enough to get out there and talk sponsorship, and an even fewer number are generally willing to actually do the spade work to see if they can get something organised.” But Bancroft is sure there are those in our community who have an understanding of both GLBT culture and have the ability to organise the parade. “I wouldn't have a clue how many, but I am sure by getting their different skills together we can make things happen.” Ref: GayNZ.com (m)