Well-respected lesbian civil union celebrant Sue Neal lost her battle with cancer at the weekend, and her funeral was held in Auckland today. Sue Neal She was a Justice of the Peace, helped organise the annual Auckland Lesbian Ball, and was involved with local LGBT Business networks. Neal had children in a previous marriage before meeting her long-term partner Glenda and coming out. After eleven years together, Neal and Glenda were one of the first lesbian couples in New Zealand to be civil unioned in May 2005. The couple then set up a celebrancy with a particular focus on gays and lesbians. Neal officiated at several ceremonies of marriage, commitment and civil union, describing the events as "occasions to honour, respect and take pride in a beloved life partner." Her funeral was held this morning at Waikumete Crematorium in West Auckland. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 18th October 2007 - 2:16pm