Dunedin Pride Week 2007 began with a low turn-out at their annual 'Lavender Globe Awards' on Saturday night, which the organiser attributes to sabotage by the local council. Lavender Award party goers Advertising posters around central Dunedin were ripped down or pasted-over with official-looking 'CANCELLED' stickers. Only 35 people not directly involved with the Lavender Globe Awards attended, way down from around 150 in previous years, says Pride Week organiser Emmie Ellis. "We're attributing a lot of that to the 'cancelled' signs. Because in this information age, one person sees it and texts around, and soon everyone thinks it's cancelled," she says. A Dunedin City Council manager has admitted he was behind the 'sabotaged' posters. "I did it out of sheer desperation," Dave McKenzie told the Otago Daily Times, explaining his actions were intended to combat 'vandalism' to the city's walls. The proliferation of posters made the area "look like the Bronx," and he explained he wasn't singling out any one group. Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin endorsed McKenzie's actions, describing them as 'wonderfully innovative." But Ellis insists the council's actions were irresponsible, explaining that there was no indication the posters were banned. Ellis says the rest of the week's events have been wonderful, with a 'Stars in Their Eyes' event last night at Vivace Karaoke Bar being one of the highlights. Attendance at various events has been disappointing so far, however. "Perhaps it's the changing nature of the community. It's interesting that the lesbians have really gotten behind Pride Week, but then we've had really low queer male participation." Dunedin Pride events continue this weekend. Family Fun Day in Logan Park tomorrow is expected to be popular if the weather fine, and Ellis says tickets for tomorrow night's Pride Week Ball are selling well. Ref: GayNZ.com, Otago Daily Times (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 14th September 2007 - 3:22pm