Stuart Yeatman Stuart is one half of the team behind Christchurch's sauna, adult shop through diversifying into wholesaling adult products and a program of constant venue development and focus on excellence we have managed to do that. What characterises the New Zealand GLBT community for you? A very diverse range of people with the sole common ground being same-sex attraction. Because of our diversity, since the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was passed we have lacked a common ground around which to gather on almost every issue. From a business perspective, many GLBT people have a false perception of the size and viability of our community in being able to support quality gay businesses. We demand choice - ignoring that fact that in the end it becomes a Hobsons Choice - too many venues and not enough people. What is the worst thing for you about being GLBT? Living in Christchurch, where being gay is not as OK as it is in other places I have lived. Most of my business dealings and socialising are in the straight community - where I get tired of my sexuality being the single most significant factor about me for many. Most of it is positive I admit - but it is always there and I will always be one who 'bats for the other team'. Prejudice can be and often is subtle. Internalised homophobia within gay men is also a down side - in our first year of business we were the subject of nineteen complaints - to the Police, the IRD Special Audit unit, Internal Affairs, the Fire Service, Health Dept., City Council, exposé's to local newspapers and radio talkback - all from gay men. What is the best thing about being GLBT? Being myself and being happy with that; being able to have a male partner to share my life with. Relationship status? Been with my partner John for 17 years. Favourite food GayNZ.com - 30th October 2005