Richard James Richard James is about to end his term as president of NZ's largest association of glbt businesspeople, the Gay Auckland Business Assn. Who are you and what's your background? My name is Richard James, predominately born and bred in Auckland. Educated at St Kentigern College and obtained qualification from AUT. I run my own Financial and Management Services business, MAN IN THE MOON, specialising in Accounting Services for small to medium size businesses. I have been on the GABA Executive for at least 5 years now, holding positions of both Treasurer and latterly President. As my second term as President comes to an end I am about to stand down from that position but remain on the Executive to provide some continuity. What did you set out to achieve in your role as President of GABA? As the President of GABA I wanted to see the organisation grow in membership and also have a greater presence and awareness from within the greater community. I see GABA as a great conduit to facilitating a link between the GLBT community and the greater community, especially within the Auckland Region. What characterises the New Zealand GLBT community for you? It is somewhat fragmented I feel. A lot of organisations all doing their own thing. A classic example would be the fact that there are two Ski Weeks running this year at the same time, when one alone struggles to have a national presence. What is the worst thing for you about being GLBT? Being gay is not a choice. I guess there is still some unacceptance from the general community. What is the best thing about being GLBT? Freedom of expression. Relationship status? In a long term relationship Favourite food and drink? Hainanese Chicken Rice. Flat White Worst habit? Wilis says I don't listen to others: "Mr Know It All" Most noble feature? Community Spirit Favourite TV programme? CSI (Miami) and The Amazing Race Qualities you most appreciate in a GLBT person? I don't think it is fair to isolate GLBT from any other type of person. Therefore think the qualities I appreciate most in ANYBODY would be honesty and integrity. What are you reading at the moment? Wilbur Smith – Blue Horizon Who in the world including New Zealand would you most like to have coffee and a chat with? Sam Morgan, the founder of TradeMe. Truly inspirational stuff. Role models? Georgina Beyer is an obvious one. What is the most pressing issue currently facing the New Zealand GLBT community? Unfortunately we are facing another outbreak of HIV and AIDS. So many young people who have grown up post the first major AIDS epidemic are oblivious to the risks and outcome of unsafe sex. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? Is this the box I am meant to answer – WORLD PEACE? LOL GayNZ.com - 18th June 2005