On This Day: 17th June

Previous Day Next Day

Sat 17 Jun 2023

Chosen Family Night panel (City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi)
Panellists Kerryn Pollock, Erin Ramsey and Gareth Watkins share their passion for unveiling and sharing rainbow history through local stories.
Features: Bronwyn White, Caleb Gordon, Dana de Milo, David Oxenbridge, Erin Ramsey, Gareth Watkins, Jan Logie, Kerryn Pollock, Rev Dr Susan Jones, Will Hansen
Links: PrideNZ.com
Kylie Minogue makes career comeback with catchy song Padam Padam
The Australian pop icon has scored her first top 10 hit in over a decade thanks to the Pride anthem...
Links: Stuff
MasterChefâs Sam Low: âI didnât know any queer Asian people growing up . . . I was lostâ
Former MasterChef winner Sam Low on success, coming out and being a voice for equality...
Links: NZ Herald

Fri 17 Jun 2022

Kym Strathdee profile (Aura Hotel)
Since the 1970s Kym Strathdee has photographed queer events and people around the world - including in Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne and San Francisco
Features: Kym Strathdee
Links: PrideNZ.com
Christchurch Pride takes place (Christchurch, New Zealand)
The festival runs 17-28 June
Links: Express
`Kill the gays': School's homophobic abuse is the tip of the iceberg
OPINION: The problems our rainbow students face at secondary schools run far deeper than the scandals that make it to the headlines...
Links: Stuff
'Kill the gays': Homophobia alive and well in NZ during Pride month
OPINION: An actress outed, a Pixar film boycotted, an LGBTQ youth centre burned, and Tauranga students badly bullied...
Links: Stuff
Rainbow community call for support after 'act of terror'
Support is pouring in for Tauranga’s queer community after a fire destroyed the city’s Rainbow Youth building in what some are calling an "act of terror"...
Links: Stuff
Te Waonui a TMK for 19 JUNE 2022
Fears of an equity disaster and long covid cases mount; The Abuse in Care inquiry examines state foster care; Ngai Tahu goes it alone on Whanau Ora; Making pride more inclusive; And, we mark Puanga...
Links: RNZ

Thu 17 Jun 2021

Lonely life turned long-distance truck driver into 'sugar daddy', jury told
"Full lesbian experience" in Christchurch was less than expected, he said...
Links: Stuff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern courts US to return to CPTPP
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is openly courting the United States to play a more active role in the Pacific and to re-join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or even consider a bilateral trade deal...
Links: NZ Herald

Wed 17 Jun 2020

Christchurch Pastor Delivers Bizarre Sermon Linking “Gutless” Bisexuals to Blackface
Links: Express
Hannah Tamaki Targets Tamati Coffey
Links: Express
New HIV Variant Showing Resistance to Antiretroviral Drugs
Links: Express
The Woman Behind The Rainbow
Links: Express

Mon 17 Jun 2019

'I don't want a gay person doing my wedding': Bride refuses makeup artist
A Texas bride-to-be has sparked outrage online after her response to a gay makeup artist were exposed...
Links: NZ Herald
'Whose approval are you seeking?': Israel Folau says he is seeking approval of God, not man
Israel Folau has taken to social media again in the wake of his controversial take on gay and transgender people, claiming he seeks the approval of God, not man...
Links: NZ Herald
Israel Folau follows attack on gay and transgender people with new tweet
Israel Folau says he is trying to please God not man with his actions...
Links: Stuff
Israel Folau launches fresh attack on gay and transgender people
He described homosexuality as a sin and claimed the devil was behind children being allowed to decide to change gender...
Links: Stuff
Rugby: Israel Folau takes aim at transgender children and gays in sermon
Rugby star Israel Folau has continued to criticise homosexuals while also targeting youths undergoing gender treatment during a sermon at his Sydney church on Sunday, according to reports...
Links: NZ Herald
express Meets Rocketman Star Richard Madden: The New Bond?
Links: Express
express Talks To Little Miss Cinnamon and Lilly Loudmouth
Links: Express
Folau Back At It Again With New Anti-LGBTI Attack
Links: Express
Iranian Foreign Minister Attempts To Justify Execution of Homosexuals With “Morality”
Links: Express
Taylor Swift Surprises Fans With Performance At New York’s Historic Stonewall...
Links: Express

Sun 17 Jun 2018

Amazing story behind the royal family's first gay wedding
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, son of the 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven and cousin to the Queen, is in a reflective mood...
Links: NZ Herald
Queers: Sherlock star Mark Gatiss is 'Wilde' about LGBTQ history
When the BBC was putting together Gay Britannia, it called on self-styled "big poof" Mark Gatiss...
Links: Stuff
Thousands hold gay pride march in Ukrainian capital of Kiev
MOSCOW — Several thousand gay pride supporters have held a march in Ukraine's capital that lasted about 20 minutes despite opponents' attempts to block them...
Links: NZ Herald
Queer Fan Welcomed to Attend Church with Justin Bieber
Links: Express

Fri 17 Jun 2016

Brandy Slays her NZ Debut
Links: Express
Memorial Service to be Held at St Matthew-in-the-City
Links: Express
Stealing the Show: Parson James
Links: Express
10.30PM: Gunman not gay? "God hates fags" group arrives for funerals
If you want to read back through GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com
Aussie PM dines with "Gays deserves AIDS" cleric
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has had to apologise after inviting to dinner a preacher who promotes the view that gays deserve AIDS...
Links: GayNZ.com
La Madame regular: “Everybody lives in fear"
A regular customer of La Madame gay bar says as a result of the mass shooting he no longer feels safe going out at night in Xalapa and that the local LGBTI community “lives in fear”...
Links: GayNZ.com
Media and communities ignoring Mexico massacre
48 hours after GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com
No fundraisers planned for Xalapa, Mexico
As New Zealanders rush to organise fundraisers for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, as yet, no fundraisers for the victims of the mass shooting in a gay bar in Xalapa are being planned...
Links: GayNZ.com
NZ rushes to fundraise for Orlando, USA
After the devastating gay nightclub shooting in Orlando, LGBTI people from around the country are rushing to assist and events are being organised to raise money for the victims...
Links: GayNZ.com

Wed 17 Jun 2015

British Embassies Banned From Flying Rainbow Flags During Pride Celebrations
Links: Express
Fundraising Page Set Up For Hate Crime Victim Who Had ‘Die...
Links: Express
George Michael Checks Into World’s Most Expensive Rehab Clinic
Links: Express
'Big Boo' Lea DeLaria is getting married
Orange is the New Black star Lea DeLaria is planning a wedding to her fiancée Chelsea Fairless, with Sandra Bernhard to perform the nuptials...
Links: GayNZ.com
Editorial: What do you want from Ak Pride?
In mid-April GayNZ...
Links: GayNZ.com
Ideas aplenty for marking 30 years of HLR
Planning is underway in Wellington for events to mark 30 years of Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand...
Links: GayNZ.com
Kiwi youth worker off to meet the Queen
New Zealand youth worker Tabby Besley is readying to leave for London where she will be honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Monday...
Links: GayNZ.com
Mathura-Jeffree unhappy with TV portrayal
TV presenter and model Colin Mathura-Jeffree has complained he was treated as a "cliched gay boy" on Dancing With the Stars...
Links: GayNZ.com

Tue 17 Jun 2014

100% Ok Tino Pai Lee Jacobsz
Links: Express
Auckland’s Giapo Enters Top 10 of Global Gelaterias
Links: Express
Bears observed enjoying oral sex: report
A pair of male bears has been observed having regular oral sex at a Croatian wildlife sanctuary...
Links: GayNZ.com
Carmen's niece still wants grave altered
Carmen's niece Anne Paterson speaks at the unveiling A beneficiary of Carmen Rupe’s will maintains her aunt has not been given the headstone she deserves, and wants the estate to be placed in her hands so she can add some colour to it...
Links: GayNZ.com
Prospect of fundie charter schools "scary"
Anti-gay Peter Mortlock's City Impact Church is among the applicants A number of fundamentalist church groups have applied to run charter schools, something a Green MP describes as “scary”...
Links: GayNZ.com
Tributes: Feminist icon Pat Rosier
Writer Pat Rosier is being remembered as a feminist pioneer and an important writer who is already sorely missed...
Links: GayNZ.com

Mon 17 Jun 2013

Hate rolls in as debate rages about 'fag' tweet
An All Black’s ‘fag’ tweet and the ensuing media coverage have sparked much debate on its source, Twitter, as well as a rush of gay-bashing...
Links: GayNZ.com
Kiwi entrant wins Mr Australasia Bear 2013
Ollivier (centre) flanked by Allan Granville and Paul Heard from Urge Bar New Zealand’s Lucien Ollivier has won the title of Mr Australasia Bear...
Links: GayNZ.com
Queer Avengers attacked after speaking out
From the Queer Avengers' Queer The Night march The Queer Avengers are being hit with hate after they criticised an All Black’s homophobic tweet...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sex ed report "Bizarre" and "homophobic"
Miriam Grossman The New Zealand AIDS Foundation says a report on sexual health advice from websites such as Get It On!, which was prepared by an American psychiatrist for Family First, makes claims that are ‘bizarre’ and is full of ‘not so subtle homophobic rhetoric’...
Links: GayNZ.com
US takes another large stride in trans rights
Mara Keisling Changes to US social security rules are being described as the “most humane and important public policy advancements for transgender people during the Obama administration or even ever”...
Links: GayNZ.com
Whistle-blower disappointed at "fag" tweet
Spyksma is a Rainbow Youth member and WTF advocate...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sun 17 Jun 2012

Robert Grieve - Queen of the Whole Universe (Auckland)
Robert Grieve talks about being part of the Queen of the Whole Universe beauty pageant.
Features: Robert Grieve
Links: PrideNZ.com
An update from Blake
Blake Skjellerup What's our favourite Winter Olympian been up to? Gay speed skater Blake Skjellerup has provided a video update from his current home, Melbourne...
Links: GayNZ.com
An update from Blake
Blake Skjellerup What's our favourite Winter Olympian been up to? Gay speed skater Blake Skjellerup has provided a video update from his current home, Melbourne...
Links: GayNZ.com
High-profile Auckland lesbian facing drugs charges
High-profile Auckland gay community figure Anne Speir has been charged with possession of a multitude of drugs for supply and with manufacturing a Class B drug...
Links: GayNZ.com
Planned Pride House for London Olympics canned
Clapham Common was to host Pride House There will be no Pride House at the upcoming London Olympic Games, reportedly due to a lack of funding...
Links: GayNZ.com

Fri 17 Jun 2011

Gay couples to dine with Aussie Prime Minister
Three gay couples are to dine with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, after a campaign group was the winning bidder for the dinner at a charity auction...
Links: GayNZ.com
Harawira does 'penance' at gay bar opening
Harawira with Lolabar hostess Buckwheat Mana Party leader Hone Harawira has made a point of attending a gay Auckland function, in the wake of the heavy criticism he and other Maori politicians faced for speaking at Destiny Church...
Links: GayNZ.com
Queer the night - the sequel
Following the Queer the Night march through Wellington on 9 June, a group of 50 to 60 queer activists and friends met on 16 June to discuss "What next?" We crowded into the Trades Hall foyer near where a bomb had killed caretaker Ernie Abbott years before...
Links: GayNZ.com
Young Queers of Aotearoa – We stand with you!
There is a maxim that states, “Youth is wasted on the young”...
Links: GayNZ.com

Thu 17 Jun 2010

Television item (New Zealand)
Close Up, ref: TZP384364.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
Colleagues ask for MP to be given space
Labour colleagues are asking for an end to "the lynch mob mentality", so Chris Carter can be given space to consider his future...
Links: GayNZ.com
Legal arguments wrap-up in California
A lawyer defending the ban on gay marriage in California has closed his case with the claim he does not need evidence to prove the purpose of marriage...
Links: GayNZ.com
Meet Alastair Cameron: NZAF Chair
Alastair Cameron Alastair Cameron has been the Chair of the New Zealand Aids Foundation Trust Board since February...
Links: GayNZ.com
Off the streets, but with nowhere to go
Programme supervisor Mama Tere There's frustration at the short timeframe and ultimate cancellation of a scheme which was helping young transgender sex workers in south Auckland find work outside the sex industry and legally change their names...
Links: GayNZ.com
Welfare privatisation: A threat to LGBT communities?
What does that habitual New Right nostrum, social welfare privatisation, have to do with New Zealand's LGBT communities? Plenty, if we're not careful...
Links: GayNZ.com

Wed 17 Jun 2009

Bomb exploded at Sao Paulo Pride
Twenty-one people were injured and five hospitalised on Sunday when a bomb exploded where people were gathering for the Sao Paulo Pride Parade in Brazil...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sex info kiosk set for more Kiwi venues
A world-first touch-screen sex information system now available in three all-male sex venues in Auckland and Christchurch will soon debut in more locations, says the NZ AIDS Foundation...
Links: GayNZ.com
Sydney: Huge gay wedding protest planned
The organisers of a huge protest for gay marriage in New South Wales hope over 400 same-sex couples set a world record by sharing vows on Saturday 1 August, as Australia's LGBT community continues to fight for gay marriage...
Links: GayNZ.com
Tamihere stirs anti-gay hate over HIV accused
John Tamihere Talkback host John Tamihere has again angered gay radio listeners, this time with an erratic and error-ridden commentary on the 40-year-old man accused of infecting several people with HIV, but his employers refuse to comment on the matter...
Links: GayNZ.com

Tue 17 Jun 2008

Gay marriage fever hits California
Gay and lesbian couples will begin exchanging vows across California today, one month after the state's highest court overturned a ban on same-sex marriage in a historic ruling...
Links: GayNZ.com
Hamilton 'Frocky Horror' for NZ drag stars
Some of New Zealand's most unique drag acts will unite in Hamilton for two nights of raucous comedy, raunchy glamour and outrageous fashion statements as part of the Waikato's Fuel Festival of theatre next month...
Links: GayNZ.com
Police targeting Auckland toilet sex
Auckland police are stepping up patrols of inner-city Herne Bay Road after receiving complaints about men using public toilets there for sex, and are warning that arrests are possible...
Links: GayNZ.com
Takataapui TV: Sistergirl
This episode of Maori Television's LGBT documentary programme Takataapui, which was scheduled for Monday 23 June, will now be broadcast at 9:30pm on Monday 30 June: Kooncha Brown is a sistergirl, a male-to-female Aboriginal transsexual...
Links: GayNZ.com
Wellington... Are you ready for Sohomo?
It's became another gay K' Road mainstay, drawing a mixed, fashionable and youthful crowd every second Thursday with bands, themed event stuff, and DJ's that play music you don't normally hear at a gay night elsewhere...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sun 17 Jun 2007

Michael Barrymore released without charge
Michael Barrymore has been released without charge after being questioned about the death of a meat factory worker who was found in his swimming pool six years ago...
Links: GayNZ.com
Witnesses testify in Waipouri murder case
Palmerston North gay man Stanley Waipouri was beaten to death after one of his alleged killers walked in on him having sex with the other man charged with his murder, the Palmerston North District Court heard on Friday...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sat 17 Jun 2006

Television news report: New Zealanders being denied access to pain relieving drugs (New Zealand)
Interviewees include Jonathan Smith, Rachael Le Mesurier, Dr Pippa Mackay and Peter Moodie. TV3 news, ref F93675.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Fri 17 Jun 2005

Television item (New Zealand)
Dr Tom The Attitude Doctor, ref: TZP306737.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
Destiny moves further into Maoridom
Anti-gay pastor Brian Tamaki will take another step into the higher reaches of Maoridom tomorrow morning when the Maori Queen graces his elevation to 'Bishop Tamaki'...
Links: GayNZ.com
NZAF BOARD: Quotas "a legal requirement"
Responding to unease about board membership quota proposals, deputy chair Simon Robb says the NZAF will continue to provide high quality services...
Links: GayNZ.com

Thu 17 Jun 2004

Television item (New Zealand)
Qn, ref: TZP298596.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
Out of pocket and outed?
The Civil Union and Omnibus bills are being heralded as 21st century pieces of legislation, laws that will finally make gay and straight relationships equal in the eyes of the law...
Links: GayNZ.com
SST article continues to do damage
The Anglican Dean of Auckland's comments that homosexuality remains a choice for some were prompted by a feature article in the Sunday Star-Times...
Links: GayNZ.com

Tue 17 Jun 2003

Owen likely to seek compensation for attack
Jailed dog owner Thomas Owen is likely to seek compensation for the Saturday morning attack on him in prison which saw him hospitalised, says his lawyer...
Links: GayNZ.com

Sun 17 Jun 2001

Television item (New Zealand)
Tagata Pasifika, ref: TZP244905.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Wed 17 Jun 1998

Television item (New Zealand)
Queer Nation, ref: TZP202684.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Sat 17 Jun 1989

Jury Rejected Insanity Submissions (Press, 17 June 1989)
The trial of Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker captured the attention of Christchurch, lasting from 23 to 28 August 1954. The defence team for Hulme included Terence Gresson and Brian McClelland, while Parker was defended by Dr Alec Haslam and Jim Wicks. The Crown was represented by Peter Mahon and...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
Television item (New Zealand)
Tagata Pasifika, ref: TZP88134.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Fri 17 Jun 1988

Restoring Democracy Prod’s Aim (Press, 17 June 1988)
On 17 June 1988, Nigel Malthus reported on the emergence of a new group in New Zealand called People for the Restoration of Democracy (PROD). This group was formed to address growing concerns about governmental accountability and the erosion of democratic processes. According to its chairman, Pat Fouhy, PROD represents...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Wed 17 Jun 1987

Hearing For Gay Man (Press, 17 June 1987)
On 17 June 1987, a United States Court of Appeals made a significant ruling regarding the National Security Agency (NSA) and its treatment of employees based on sexual orientation. The court decided that the NSA must provide a hearing before dismissing an employee identified in legal documents as John Doe,...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
Television item (New Zealand)
Top Half, ref: TZP50722.
Links: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

Tue 17 Jun 1986

Sweden Acts Against A.i.d.s. (Press, 17 June 1986)
On 17 June 1986, it was reported that the Swedish Government has allocated KR200 million (approximately $55 million) for initiatives aimed at combating the spread of AIDS (A.I.D.S.). This funding was part of an action plan presented earlier on 2 April by the Minister of Health and Welfare, Mrs Gertrud...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Mon 17 Jun 1985

Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 17 June 1985)
In a letter published on 17 June 1985, Jill Wilcox expresses her dismay at the cruel treatment directed towards Quentin Crisp, an openly effeminate homosexual, during a televised event. She questions the notion of "normality" by highlighting the viciousness exhibited by those who persecute him, suggesting that it is they...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
The Press Monday, June 17, 1985. Messages For The... (Press, 17 June 1985)
On 17 June 1985, an analysis of the recent Timaru by-election highlighted significant implications for New Zealand's political landscape. The Labour Party, despite its substantial majority in Parliament, faced a considerable defeat in Timaru, a seat it had held for 50 years. This outcome raised concerns about the government's support,...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Thu 17 Jun 1976

Liquor, Gaming Charge (Press, 17 June 1976)
On 17 June 1976, Phillip Ronald Henley Brown, a 30-year-old man, was convicted of gambling and liquor charges related to a police raid at a hall on Marshland Road. During the raid, it was discovered that indecent films were being shown and a simulated sexual act was planned. Brown was...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)
Man committed to stand trial after allegedly doing an indecent act in a public toilet (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Links: The Press

Sat 17 Jun 1972

Cable Items In Brief (Press, 17 June 1972)
On 17 June 1972, several notable news stories were reported. Air France announced significant airline concessions aimed at young travellers and newlyweds. The airline will offer a 50 per cent discount for newly married couples travelling from Paris to Nice or Corsica, and reductions of 60 to 70 per cent...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Wed 17 Jun 1970

Homosexual Weddings’ (Press, 17 June 1970)
On 14 June 1970, Dutch homosexuals faced a setback in their efforts to gain the Roman Catholic Church's approval for same-sex unions. The Dutch Roman Catholic bishops publicly declared that they would not bless these partnerships, stating that such blessings were "undesirable from the pastoral point of view" and detrimental...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Sat 17 Jun 1967

Homosexual Law (Press, 17 June 1967)
In a series of letters to the editor published on 17 June 1967, various authors expressed their views on the sensitive topic of homosexuality and the education system in New Zealand, reflecting on ongoing legal discussions about reforming laws related to homosexual acts between consenting adults. John Dobson’s letter highlighted...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Mon 17 Jun 1963

Allegations By Nazi Leader (Press, 17 June 1963)
On 13 June 1963, Colin Jordan, the leader of Britain’s National Socialist Party and recently released from prison, contacted Prime Minister Harold Macmillan with claims of an active homosexual network that poses a threat to national security. Jordan, who had been incarcerated for his involvement in a Fascist-style action group,...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Wed 17 Jun 1959

Liberace’s Libel Action Enters Last Stages (Press, 17 June 1959)
Liberace's libel case against the "Daily Mirror" and its columnist William Connor, known as "Cassandra," is nearing conclusion as of 15 June 1959. The case is being presented to a jury with Mr Gerald Gardiner, Q.C., representing the "Daily Mirror" while Liberace’s counsel, Mr Gilbert Beyfus, Q.C., is expected to...
Links: Papers Past (on PrideNZ.com)

Thu 17 Jun 1909

The marriage of Percival Redwood (a.k.a. Amy Bock) and Agnes Ottaway is annulled (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Links: Papers Past, Te Ara

Sun 17 Jun 1906

Writer Eric McCormick is born (Rangitikei region, New Zealand)
McCormick wrote, among other works, biographies on Alexander Turnbull and Frances Hodgkins
Links: Te Ara

Sat 17 Jun 1882

Plastic surgeon Harold Gillies is born (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Gillies is widely considered the father of plastic and gender reassignment surgery.
Links: Wikipedia

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