The celebration for Waikato's LGBT communities features a BBQ, a 'Fairy Run', karaoke, networking, a movie, a quiz night, a tramp up Mt. Pirongia and some exciting parties. Hamilton Pride Week begins on Saturday 1 December with the RED Party at Glamz in Garden Place. 1 December is World AIDS Day, and the party will raise funds for people living with HIV as well as celebrating and remembering those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. A wide variety of events is taking place throughout the week, including a Fairy Run around Hamilton's Lake Rotorua on Sunday 2 December. Join the casual run or walk dressed in a pink leotard and wings… or come as you are. Singles, couples, families, children, and pets (dogs on leads) are encouraged to dress up and celebrate, with a picnic to follow. Tuesday 4 December sees award-winning author Peter Wells in town to discuss his latest book, Lucky Bastard, as part of the Sex, Sexuality and Text on Campus evening at Waikato University. The event will be held at the Academy of Performing Arts from 6pm, and Wells will be joined by Jessica Hutchings, co-editor of the new book Sexualities and Stories of Indigenous People. The book is a collection of 17 essays which explore aspects of being takataapui – a word which traditionally means "intimate companion of the same sex", but which has come to represent non-heterosexual Maori identities. "The contributors to this book are people who have overcome many challenges related to their sexuality," Hutchings says. "Some stories are inspiring, others are saddening, but all are relevant to who we are today as people." A special benefit screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show is planned at the Victoria Cinema on Wednesday 5 December. "Celebrate Pride Week in Riff Raff's home town with the ultimate in camp participation," says organiser Lisa Stone. "Filmgoers can join in the fun of this cult classic movie by doing the time warp, using props, and dressing as their favourite characters. Bags of props are available at the theatre with the proceeds going to NZ AIDS Foundation." Miss Gloriousole and Symphony host a night of Queer as Karaoke at Fluid Bar on Thursday 6 December, then the following night The Lesbian Dinner Group is hosting a quiz night for lesbians - test your knowledge of lesbian lore and other random trivia on Friday from 7pm at Victoria Street's BBC bar. Rain or shine on Saturday morning, there's a tramping meet tackling Mt. Pirongia for a spectacular view of the Waikato. It's a three-hour round trip - so bring water, a snack, and sensible shoes! Hamilton's two gay nightclubs are holding Christmas parties on Saturday night. Frankton's Next Door Bar hold its annual Xmas Party from 10pm, and Shine nightclub on Victoria Street will feature a midnight show by Ivanna Fahara and her Christmas fairies. Pride Week comes to a close on Sunday 9 December, with the return of the famous Gordonton Picnic at Hukanui Park. "The picnic started back in 1992, and hasn't been held for several years," says Geoff Rua'ine. "Auckland's Big Gay Out event in February has been attracting crowds who travel from Hamilton, which is great, but we wanted to bring back a local event for GLBT people in the Waikato to celebrate with their families and whanau." Pride Week is organized and supported by several community groups, including the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, who is this year's principal sponsor. "HIV is still a serious issue for gay, bisexual and takataapui men, who are the highest risk group for infection in New Zealand," says NZAF Gay Men's Health promoter Geoff Rua'ine. "We're here as part of Pride Week to remind people that catching a virus is easy – so we should all be using condoms for anal sex, no exceptions." Tickets for both the RED Party ($10) and the Rocky Horror screening ($12) can be booked through the NZAF centre in Hamilton on (07) 838 3557. The Gordonton Picnic is a gold coin entry. The proceeds of all three events will be donated to NZAF. The full events programme for Hamilton Pride Week can be downloaded from their official website below. Hamilton Pride Week - 20th November 2007
Credit: Hamilton Pride Week
First published: Tuesday, 20th November 2007 - 10:10am