Georgina Beyer

In this interview conducted by Gareth Watkins, Georgina Beyer elaborates on the nightlife of Wellington, New Zealand in the 1970s through to the 1980s. Drawing upon personal experiences, Beyer recounts the vibrant and colorful world of Wellington's LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in the area known as Vivian Street. Beyer first entered this world in 1976, working part-time at the Royal Oak Hotel—a significant venue within Wellington's nightlife. The hotel featured bars with eclectic patrons including drag queens, transgender individuals, and sex workers. The Royal Oak also housed a smaller gay bar, the Tavern Bar.

Law enforcement during this period often turned a blind eye to the gay bars, despite homosexuality being illegal at the time. However, those within the transgender and drag queen communities were not entirely free from police abuse, especially when they were arrested for typically minor offenses.

The interview touches on key figures in the transgender scene, such as Chrissy Witoko, who owned the Sunset Strip club. Chrissy provided a safe haven for people to be themselves without fear. Another cornerstone was Carmen Rupe, who established the iconic Carmen's International Coffee Lounge and later spearheaded the Balcony nightclub, both known for their captivating performances and inclusive atmospheres.

Georgina Beyer notes the venues they frequented and where they worked, including The Purple Onion and Club Exotic, where they performed as a stripper and comedian. Beyer also shares insights into the gay rights movement and the significance of media and businesses owned by Brett Sheppard and Tony Katavich, who played a major part in the development of New Zealand's gay community.

The interview illustrates the complexities of the gay and transgender nightlife in a time of legal and social discrimination, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and camaraderie of those who were part of this vibrant underground scene. Despite the challenges, the venues and figures discussed were essential in creating spaces of acceptance and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community in Wellington.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Georgina Beyer

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