Information on Alan Seymour

Alan Seymour was one of the nine members of Gay Liberation Wellington who picketed the National Party conference in Rotorua. This action led to a memorable encounter with MP Venn Young, who criticized the protesters. Seymour's response to Young's disapproval was particularly striking, as he expressed his refusal to be oppressed and highlighted the struggle for genuine acceptance and rights, rather than mere tolerance. This exchange was significant enough to be documented in Saliant magazine, indicating the impact Seymour and his peers had on the public discourse around LGBTI rights at the time.

Additionally, Seymour was involved in the Gay Pride Week of 1976, where he participated in interviews about being gay. His personal experiences included facing violence, as he recounted being a victim of queer bashing. He did not fight back during these instances to avoid further harm, illustrating the harsh realities faced by members of the LGBTI community during this period. His experiences and activism reflect the broader challenges and struggles of the LGBTI community in New Zealand, particularly in the context of societal attitudes and legal rights during the 1970s.

Further information can be found at:

• laganz.org.nz