Making It Happen (Press, 26 August 1985)

The article from 26 August 1985 discusses the emergence and support of a group called H.U.G. (Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays) in Christchurch, which was initially established in Auckland earlier in the year. The group advocates for the decriminalisation of male homosexuality and aims to mitigate the prevalent fears surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Fred Albert, the secretary in Christchurch, highlights that approximately 10 percent of the community faces discrimination based on sexual orientation, framing the issue as one of human rights that affects everyone. H.U.G. seeks to challenge the fears and myths associated with the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, believing that opposition to the bill stems from deep-seated emotional responses rather than factual reasoning. The group's inaugural meeting attracted around 60 attendees and is experiencing growing interest, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for later that evening. The article also features Jill Wilcox, who reminisces about her upbringing in a close-knit country town. In a bid to replicate the warmth and community spirit of her childhood, she has initiated a programme called “Simply Sharing.” Through this programme, she visits various venues such as hospitals and schools, sharing poetry, songs, and engaging stories. Her passion for poetry began at a young age, and she has used it as a means of coping with life's challenges. Jill invites participants to share personal stories, creating an open platform for dialogue and connection, although she remains flexible in her approach based on audience engagement. In addition, the article touches on the issue of infertility, estimating that one in ten couples face infertility challenges, while one in five desire larger families but are unable to achieve this. The Christchurch Infertility Society, comprising about 80 couples dealing with infertility, focuses on finding solutions, including methods like artificial insemination by donor (A.I.D.). An open meeting is scheduled to discuss infertility treatment trends and options, with expert Charles Stewart providing insights from the UK. The event, welcoming both members and non-members, aims to raise awareness and support for those grappling with infertility. The column concludes with an invitation for readers to submit content to Glenys Walker for future editions of the Home and People Page in "The Press."

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