"It's time to educate" was the statement from candidate Jevan Goulter as he pranced into the Wanganui War Memorial Hall, clad in a black skintight number, to debate against his competitors for the mayoral chains. Goulter decided he would attend last night's debate in drag to show the town that "it shouldn't matter who anybody is, we all have the same voice at the end of the day". Goulter says many people did not know how to react when he walked into the hall. "The audience of around 100 people took the surprise in different ways. Some cheering, some not knowing where to look.This is the first time a serious candidate has sported 10 inch heels and a wig in a debate," he claims. During the debate, Goulter flicked his long brunette wig and waved his hot pink nails around, telling two of the candidates they were wasted votes and nothing but puppets", another that she has no personality and telling the council CEO "you're fired when I get in". Goulter says he is not a drag queen and has never done this before. "I did this to promote human rights and show the community that I will represent everybody regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality or any other minority and because I think that Wanganui needs a good kick in the butt and some education." Another debate on Friday evening will be held in the same venue. There's no word yet on what Goulter may wear, but it won't be a wig – he is vowing to now leave drag to the professionals.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 14th September 2010 - 9:11am