For the second year in a row no one from the national glbt communities appears to have been acknowledged in the New Year's Honours. During the previous, Labour, government's term glbt people were regularly honoured, but since National became the primary party in Government no such people have received awards. Auckland HIV activist and ex-local body politician Bruce Kilmister, who was himself made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit in 2001, says he believes the absence of honours for glbt people for the past to years probably reflects the swing of the political pendulum at the last election. He says it is also possible that the glbt communities have not been as organised in making nominations. Nominations can be made by any person or organisation in the country and are considered by the Prime Minister's office which makes the final cut. Kilmister says it is usually considered helpful if the nomination is routed through a Member of Parliament. Aslie Pitter However, in Britain a gay footballer has been honoured. Londoner Aslie Pitter, 50, was recognised for helping to tackle homophobia after setting up London-based Stonewall FC almost 20 years ago. He has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). GayNZ.com will announce our own Honours tomorrow morning and on Sunday our traditional Dishonours list will be revealed.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 31st December 2010 - 8:20pm