Sat 8 Sep 2007 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Tony Milne Tony used to feel like Invercargill's "only gay in the village", but now, at 26, he's planning his civil union, and campaigning to become a Christchurch City Councillor. We asked him what he can offer the Garden City, and to tell us a little about himself. Why did you decide to stand for Riccarton/Wigram City Council? I got frustrated that the current City Council doesn't understand the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Challenges and opportunities such as the role of diversity, climate change and sustainability, the creativity and energy of young people, and that 21st century cities will invest in more than the basics but in infrastructure such as broadband. What skills do you feel you possess which would make you effective on the council? I know how to listen and solve problems, but most importantly I understand that politics is about distributing limited resources for the greatest good – and that requires tough choices. Politics is about prioritization. I am values driven and have a clear idea about what my priorities are for the community. What can Christchurch City Council do to better support its LGBT community? Christchurch has never had an openly gay City Councillor. I would be proud to represent and provide a voice for our community. We must always be vigilant. With a stroke of the pen funding for queer events and community groups can be removed. Tell us about your background, and where you grew up. I began life in the small city of Invercargill in 1981 (I was the only gay in the village!), born to a working class family. In 2000 I moved to Christchurch to go to University. I lived in Wellington for a few years while I worked in Parliament, and moved back to Christchurch in 2006. My full bio available here: http://www.tonymilne.org.nz/About.aspx When did you come out as gay, and what was it like for you at the time? I came out to myself when I was 14, and wrote a long letter to my school guidance councilor. I carried that letter (in an envelope and several layers of sellotape) in my wallet for a year while I gathered the courage to make the appointment. I finally came out to my guidance councilor at school when I was 15. A few weeks later I started coming out to a few friends, and within a few months the whole school knew. It was a lonely, difficult, emotional, but also exhilarating time – and also a huge relief. What's your relationship status? I met my partner in Christchurch when I was 19 and he was 22. We have been together for over 7 years and are planning to have a Civil Union in February 2008. He has made my life more special than I thought it could ever be. What do you think are the most pressing issues currently facing the NZ's gay community? The increase in HIV/AIDS infections and the more relaxed attitude to safe-sex in the gay community. Homophobia and bullying in schools and in particular the specific challenges for queer people in rural and provincial New Zealand. The challenges around ethnic queer people - integrating ethnic queer people into the community, the sometimes less tolerant attitudes to homosexuality in ethnic communities and the impact of that – such as being less willing to be openly queer. The need for solidarity with queer people in our Pacific neighborhood – such as Fiji, Samoa, and even Australia. Which LGBT people do you most look up to? Tim Barnett – for spearheading crucial social change such as the campaign for Civil Union. Ellen Degeneres – because she was coming out around the same time as me, and gave me hope and courage. Ian Dixon (deceased) and Margaret Mayman for their sense of humanity and compassion. What's your worst habit? Workaholic! Which books are you currently reading and recommending? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Your favourite music at the moment? Justin Timberlake, My Chemical Romance and Pink (Dear Mr President). And I'm loving the new New Zealand bands at the moment too. Your favourite movies? Harry Potter. Your favourite TV programmes? Outrageous Fortune, Ugly Betty, Rove, Grey's Anatomy, The Simpsons, Desperate Housewives, Heroes. Your favourite websites (as well as GayNZ.com of course :-))? www.tonymilne.org.nz, Stuff.co.nz, www.megan4mayor.com, www.2021.org.nz, bebo, MySpace, and Facebook. Who in the world (including NZ) would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with and why? My family – because they live in Invercargill and I don't get to see them enough. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? People donate to my campaign to help get me elected :-) GayNZ.com - 8th September 2007