On This Day: 19th May

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Fri 19 May 2023

Doron Semu: making siapo and a space for queer Pasifika youth
Feeling disconnected from his Samoan heritage and language, Doron Semu initially began making siapo (barkcloth made from u'a or paper mulberry) as a way to connect back to his roots...
Links: RNZ
UNMASKING THE VENEER OF TOLERANCE: WELBY INGS’ ‘PUNCH’ SHEDS LIGHT ON...
Links: Express

Thu 19 May 2022

'I still struggle': ZM host Cam Mansel on body dysmorphia and beating the bullies
Radio star Cam Mansel was buying food for his rabbit at his local pet store when a teacher recognised him...
Links: NZ Herald
Budget 2022: Wider access to cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV drugs likely
Cancer, multiple sclerosis, hormone replacement and HIV medicines are the initial winners from increased drug funding in the Budget...
Links: Stuff
Budget 2022: Wider access to cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV drugs likely
Pharmac intends to spend every new dollar it's got, with cancer, multiple sclerosis, hormone replacement and HIV medicines initial winners in the Budget...
Links: Stuff
Budget 2022: Wider access to some cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV drugs likely
Pharmac intends to spend every new dollar it's got, with cancer, multiple sclerosis, hormone replacement and HIV medicines initial winners in the Budget...
Links: Stuff
Jake Daniels’ Teammate Apologises For Past Homophobic Comments
Links: Express

Wed 19 May 2021

Anna Paquin declares she's a 'proud bisexual' after haters responded to her recent posts with 'bigotry'
Anna Paquin took to social media to discuss her sexuality and condemn those "who put their bigotry on display in the comment sections of my recent posts"...
Links: Stuff
Billy Porter shares he's been living with HIV For 14 years: 'The truth is healing'
For the first time, Billy Porter is sharing his HIV diagnosis...
Links: Stuff
Demi Lovato announces they're non-binary, will use new pronouns
American popstar Demi Lovato has announced they are non-binary and will be using the pronouns they/them...
Links: RNZ
Classic Music: The Future is Female
Links: Express
United Kingdom to Host First Ever Global LGBT+ Rights Conference
Links: Express

Tue 19 May 2020

Elon Musk’s Newborn Can Determine Their Own Gender
Links: Express
Hate Crimes Against LGBT+ Community Up 36% In France
Links: Express

Sun 19 May 2019

Bella Simpson - Tranzform (Wellington)
Bella Simpson talks about being one of the first members of Tranzform, a youth support group established in Wellington in 2008
Features: Bella Simpson
Links: PrideNZ.com
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (2019) (Tararua Tramping Club)
Audio from the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held at the Tararua Tramping Club in Wellington on 19 May 2019
Features: Abby Leota, Alex Anderson, Bill Logan, Fer Dossaints, James Rice-Davies, Kevin Haunui, Lee Eklund, Matt Sharpe, The Glamaphones, Tīwhanawhana, Trish McBride
Links: PrideNZ.com
Wai Ho - Tranzform (Wellington)
Wai Ho, co-founder of Tranzform, talks about the early days of the youth support group which was established in 2008 in Wellington
Features: Wai Ho
Links: PrideNZ.com
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial services take place (New Zealand)
Services are held at St Matthews in the City (Auckland), Lady Goodfellow Chapel (Hamilton) and at the Tararua Tramping Clubrooms (Wellington). The theme for this year is: reduce stigma, ensure access, increase resources, promote involvement.
Links: Facebook

Sat 19 May 2018

A time to shine for Tonga's silenced leitis
The struggle for more acceptance and tolerance of transgender and LGBT communities within largely religious and conservative Pacific communities has been highlighted in a new film winning the hearts of global audiences...
Links: RNZ
Bill Gates: 'Donald Trump confused on difference between HIV and HPV'
Donald Trump once struggled to understand the difference between HIV and HPV, billionaire businessman Bill Gates has revealed...
Links: NZ Herald
Royal wedding: American bishop brings human rights focus
He's the son of an American civil rights activist and the descendant of African slaves...
Links: NZ Herald

Fri 19 May 2017

Help yourself now!
The final days of GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com
Help yourself now!
The final days of GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com

Thu 19 May 2016

Coming Out of Religion
After the recent decision of the Anglican Church to maintain the status quo of refusing acceptance and equality for LGBTI people, we are faced yet again with the whole religious dilemma...
Links: GayNZ.com
Gay man confirmed as US Secretary of the Army
In a historic move, the US Senate has confirmed gay man Eric Fanning to be the US Secretary of the Army...
Links: GayNZ.com

Tue 19 May 2015

Bill Logan - early years of HIV AIDS in Wellington (Wellington)
Bill Logan talks about the early years of HIV AIDS in Wellington, and the response by groups like the Wellington Gay Switchboard and the AIDS Support Network.
Features: Bill Logan
Links: PrideNZ.com
Television item (New Zealand)
Seven Sharp, ref: TZP460010.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
Foodie Bites: A Little Bird Told Me
Links: Express
Louisa Wall Vows to Continue Fight For More Inclusive Human Rights...
Links: Express
Shocking Details Emerge About Auckland Couple Who Beat Daughter They Thought...
Links: Express
Comment: "A black day" for trans people in NZ
Lynda Whitehead, Agender President Today is a black day for all trans people in Aotearoa...
Links: GayNZ.com
Dad beat teen he thought was a lesbian
An Auckland man has admitted a number of child abuse offences, including beating his daughter because he thought she might be a lesbian...
Links: GayNZ.com
Designing a new flag: the rainbow contenders
There’s lots of debate about whether we should even be spending money on deciding whether to change the flag, never mind what the proposed new one should look like...
Links: GayNZ.com
Free surgery bid "nutty" - Health Minister
Jonathan Coleman says it's a "nutty idea" UPDATED: A move within the Labour Party to push for free gender-reassignment surgery is being slammed before it’s even gained significant traction...
Links: GayNZ.com
Latest gender identity protection bid denied
Simon Bridges is sticking by the stance that it's 'too controversial' The Associate Justice Minister has knocked back another attempt to have gender identity specifically included in the Human Rights Act...
Links: GayNZ.com
Nigeria: men accused of being in 'gay cult'
Nigerian state governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has announced a crack down on "gay cults" Nigerian police have arrested 21 young men and accused them of being in a “gay cult”...
Links: GayNZ.com
TV preview: Empire
When Empire hits NZ screens tonight, you’re going to want to check it out, for a lot of reasons – including a lead gay character, and the diva to rule them all - Cookie Lyon...
Links: GayNZ.com
TV preview: Empire
When Empire hits NZ screens tonight, you’re going to want to check it out, for a lot of reasons – including a lead gay character, and the diva to rule them all - Cookie Lyon...
Links: GayNZ.com

Mon 19 May 2014

FOODIE BITES: HOLY FAWC
Links: Express
Statutes Amendment Bill – A how to guide
Links: Express
ACT Party announces gay candidate
Stephen Berry ACT has announced an openly-gay man as its candidate for Auckland’s Upper Harbour electorate...
Links: GayNZ.com
Aural Pleasure with Philthy Holster
One of Sydney’s rising star DJs Philthy Holster makes his New Zealand debut at Foreplay in Auckland this Saturday night...
Links: GayNZ.com
Blood debate: Lobby group unsatisfied
File Photo Lobby group Rainbow Wellington maintains decisions on whether gay and bisexual men can donate blood should be based on individual risk assessments...
Links: GayNZ.com
Carlson People's Choice winner again
Carlson, her cut out and her award...
Links: GayNZ.com
Community gathers for moving memorials
Lighting candles at St Matt's...
Links: GayNZ.com
GG says more work needed on HIV stigma
Sir Jerry Mateparae New Zealand must work harder to overcome discrimination and stigma surrounding people with HIV infection, according to the Governor General...
Links: GayNZ.com
Observers note Anglicans' self-preservation
Peter Lineham Overseas observers have noted that once again the Anglican Church in New Zealand has given it's own unity a higher priority that extending equal status to the glbti members of its congregation...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sun 19 May 2013

Candlelight Memorial: Tributes and memories
Readers share memories and tributes to people they have loved and lost, as we mark the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial...
Links: GayNZ.com
NZers "who died before their time" remembered
Representatives of HIV organisations begin lighting memorial candles The Governor General has tonight highlighted the hundreds of New Zealanders, mostly gay and bi men, "who died before their time" due to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, and the people who cared for them...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sat 19 May 2012

"Gay cure" author Robert Spitzer apologises
Retired psychiatrist Robert Spitzer is apologising to the gay community for a decade-old study that said 'reparative therapy' can turn some people straight...
Links: GayNZ.com
All women welcome to RUSH tonight
West Auckland’s women’s group Lowdown is inviting all women to come along to its RUSH dance tonight, saying it’s a great chance make friends and perhaps even discover a spark of romance...
Links: GayNZ.com
Belgrade sets up gay/lesbian safe house
Gay and lesbian Serbians who have been rejected by their families are being offered temporary housing in Belgrade...
Links: GayNZ.com
Repression and violence aimed at Russian gays
Moscow city authorities have refused permission for a Gay Pride march scheduled for later this month, a day after gay rights activists suffered injuries after being assaulted during and after a demonstration in St...
Links: GayNZ.com
Research suggests many straights have 'gaydar' too
Examples of faces used in the 'gaydar' experiment...
Links: GayNZ.com

Thu 19 May 2011

Kamo unveils Kazam! youth hui fundraiser
An Auckland fundraiser is being planned to help raise money for young people who want to attend the national queer youth hui, but can't afford it...
Links: GayNZ.com
McDonald's free WiFi debate sent to HRC
Rainbow Wellington has made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission over McDonald's blocking of a number of queer websites on its free WiFi service, however the fast food company is confident it's not in breach of the Human Rights Act...
Links: GayNZ.com
Researcher delves into treatment of HIV+ men
A Waikato University Masters student is hoping to uncover the experiences of HIV positive men who may have previously been silenced...
Links: GayNZ.com
Stephen Fry joins the cast of The Hobbit
Stephen Fry British actor Stephen Fry has joined gay counterpart Sir Ian McKellen in the cast of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films...
Links: GayNZ.com
Teens face suspension for holding hands
The teens were holding hands on the way to class (File photo) Two lesbian students have been banned from holding hands at a Florida high school, which is also threatening to suspend them...
Links: GayNZ.com
The Truth According to Urzila Carlson
It's the next morning and I am still giggling...
Links: GayNZ.com

Wed 19 May 2010

Great global kiss-in!
The Great Global Kiss-in was a global celebration of the freedom to love peacefully...
Links: GayNZ.com
Q-topia members buzzing with pride
Q-topia is going from strength to strength, with a surge in membership and a hugely successful contribution to Christchurch Pride...
Links: GayNZ.com
Review: No Fretful Sleeper
No Fretful Sleeper - a life of Bill Pearson Author: Paul Millar Publisher: Auckland University Press $59...
Links: GayNZ.com
Trans activists beaten by Turkish police
An investigation is being demanded into a police attack on five transgender activists in Turkey, on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia...
Links: GayNZ.com

Tue 19 May 2009

2,500 gather for first Singapore GLBT rally
The gay community in tightly controlled Singapore has held its first-ever rally, taking advantage of looser laws on public gatherings to call for equality...
Links: GayNZ.com
Chch Business Association addresses recession
Biz Wits: Sophie Chin, Jill Borland "ignore the headlines", "get out of your comfort zone" and please "don't panic!" His ideas struck a chord with the audience, some of whom were certain Christchurch was somewhat sheltered from the economic downturn...
Links: GayNZ.com
Four gay MPs caught in UK expenses row
Openly gay Labour Whip Nick brown has become the fourth British MP to be entangled in the inflated expenses claims affair sweeping through Westminster...
Links: GayNZ.com
Partner of comic Frankie Howerd dies
Dennis Heymer (l) and Frankie Howerd The gay partner of celebrated British comedian Frankie Howerd has died, leaving a multi-million pound estate to the pair's unofficially adopted son...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sex and City’s Cynthia will wed girlfriend
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon has announced her engagement to her long-term partner Christine Marinoni...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sohomo crew returns with The Villians
The crew behind Auckland's just-departed regular gay night Sohomo are back presenting special guest US electro band The Villians in their only New Zealand concert...
Links: GayNZ.com

Mon 19 May 2008

Hamilton casting call for Rocky Horror film
A documentary film about camp cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be made next year, and now the film's producers have sent out a casting call for actors in starring roles...
Links: GayNZ.com
Josh tells his story at Chch's Candlelight
Josh Chapman 22-year-old Wellingtonian Josh Chapman was invited to speak at Christchurch's AIDS Candlelight Memorial last night...
Links: GayNZ.com
Mexican trans duo's wedding pushes law
A couple who both changed their gender have married in Mexico's first transgender wedding, as the traditionally conservative country loses some of its inhibitions...
Links: GayNZ.com
Out Takes chooses two films for June
There's no full Out Takes LGBT Film Festival this year, but festival organisers say they've picked two of the best films - one gay, one lesbian - to feature at fundraising screenings in Auckland and Wellington next month...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sat 19 May 2007

Michael Bancroft, HERO chairperson
Michael Bancroft As the chair of the HERO Charitable Trust, Michael Bancroft caused a stir recently with the announcement that the HERO Parade may return in 2009...
Links: GayNZ.com
Religion vs. homosexual marriage
A recent job interview gave Hamiltonian Cherie Crawford pause for thought on religious opposition to same-sex marriage: Our constitiutional rights as a society give homosexuals the right to marry on the basis that 'marriage' has and never been based on procreation...
Links: GayNZ.com
Review: Hushabye Mountain
Hushabye Mountain Author: Jonathan Harvey Directed by John Humphries (In the Shape of a Square Theatre Company) Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Auckland Season ends 2 June 2007 In the Shape of a Square has arrived with this production of Jonathan Harvey's 1999 play “Hushabye Mountain”...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sour William?
Bill English When I noticed that Bill English had been interviewed for the latest issue of the fundamentalist newspaper Challenge Weekly, I dutifully linked to the website...
Links: GayNZ.com
UK government defends ban on gay blood
A statement on the UK Prime Minister's website claims some gay men flout blood donation guidelines and reveals that 40 donations a year are infected with HIV...
Links: GayNZ.com

Fri 19 May 2006

Wayne Bridge-Smith Wayne Bridge-Smith has been living with HIV and AIDS for a long time now...
Links: GayNZ.com
Wayne Bridge-Smith Wayne Bridge-Smith has been living with HIV and AIDS for a long time now...
Links: GayNZ.com

Thu 19 May 2005

Kylie's shock breast cancer scare
Pop diva and gay icon Kylie Minogue has cut short her Australian tour following a shock breast cancer diagnosis...
Links: GayNZ.com

Wed 19 May 2004

Free flu vaccination prog for HIV+
Those living with HIV are being urged to take advantage of a Ministry of Health programme that currently provides free influenza vaccination for groups particularly at risk of illness...
Links: GayNZ.com
Religion hinders Pacific HIV prevention
Additional funding for HIV/AIDS in the Pacific is not enough to prevent a growing epidemic of the disease in New Zealand's nearest neighbours - religious and cultural barriers must also be overcome, says the New Zealand AIDS Foundation...
Links: GayNZ.com

Mon 19 May 2003

GLBT split over QN sacking, condemnation is clear
The GLBT community is fairly evenly split on whether ex-Queer Nation presenter Jonathan Marshall should have been sacked in the fallout from his involvement in paparazzi chases of TV celebrity Mike Hosking, according to a GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sun 19 May 2002

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held

Sun 19 May 1996

The 13th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (New Zealand)
This year's theme is: AIDS discrimination is a global epidemic - together we can overcome it. Blocks of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt are displayed in New Plymouth, Wellington, Invercargill and Auckland. Events take place in Taranaki, Waikato, Canterbury, Wellington, Auckland and Nelson.
Links: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt, NZ.com

Fri 19 May 1995

The second National Lesbian Studies Conference takes place (Wellington, New Zealand)
The conference takes place at the Student Union Building at Victoria University. It runs from the 19-21 May. One of the things to come out of the conference was the group Lesbians on the Land.
Links: Queer History NZ, QNA

Sun 19 May 1991

International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are held (New Zealand)
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Tue 19 May 1987

A.i.d.s. Subject Of Drama (Press, 19 May 1987)
On 19 May 1987, New Zealand's first drama about AIDS, titled “A Death in the Family,” premiered on TV One. The 50-minute film was produced by James Wallace and written by Auckland independent filmmaker Peter Wells, who also co-directed the film with Stewart Main. The film tells the poignant story...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Mon 19 May 1986

‘torch Song Trilogy’ (Press, 19 May 1986)
The review for "Torch Song Trilogy," written by Harvey Fierstein and directed by Tony Taylor, showcases an impressive production at the Court Theatre that began on May 17, 1986. Reviewer John Farnsworth highlights the play's ability to elicit a rare standing ovation from the audience, noting its significant emotional depth...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
Clerks Vote In Favour Of ‘gay’ Law (Press, 19 May 1986)
On 19 May 1986, the Clerical Workers’ Union in Wellington publicly expressed its support for the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. The acting secretary, Ms Christine Gillespie, highlighted the importance of rejecting discrimination that affects clerical workers, particularly concerning job access, fair wages, promotions, and overall employment advantages. Gillespie stated that...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
N.z. Coping Well —a.i.d.s. Author (Press, 19 May 1986)
On 19 May 1986, Dennis Altman, an Australian author renowned for his work on A.I.D.S., expressed confidence in New Zealand's management of the A.I.D.S. crisis. In his book "A.I.D.S. and the New Puritanism," Altman compared the response to A.I.D.S. in various regions, criticising how it has been handled in parts...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Sun 19 May 1985

International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are held (New Zealand)
The memorial services are held annually on the third Sunday in May.

Thu 19 May 1983

Television: Dunedin blood bank, concerned about AIDS, asks male homosexuals not to donate blood (Dunedin, New Zealand)
ref: TZP136258.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Tue 19 May 1981

Show Recalls Old Controversy (Press, 19 May 1981)
The Robert McDougall Art Gallery in Christchurch has opened a new exhibition that revisits a significant controversy in the city's art history, centred on the 1951 purchase of Frances Hodgkins' painting, "The Pleasure Garden." At that time, the artwork was considered too avant-garde for the conservative societal norms of Christchurch....
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Mon 19 May 1980

Father Donnelly’s Position (Press, 19 May 1980)
In a series of letters published in response to Rev. P. A. Drury's comments regarding the Catholic Church's treatment of Father Felix Donnelly, various correspondents express their views on the matter, particularly concerning issues of homosexuality and the Church's moral authority. J. V. Pierson argues that the Church is not...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Wed 19 May 1965

Homosexual Law Change Supported (Press, 19 May 1965)
On 18 May 1965, the Bishop of Auckland, the Rt. Rev. E. A. Gowing, voiced his support for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey, who had recently argued in the House of Lords for a reevaluation of the laws concerning homosexual acts between consenting adults in private. Bishop Gowing...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

This list of events is generated from a number of different sources: media items on PrideNZ.com, archived pages from GayNZ.com, our rainbow timeline and links to rainbow-related stories on other media sites. There may be some inaccuracies - please let us know if you find anything that needs changing. If you would like to see a full list of dates click here