Phillip Peek

In a podcast interview, Phillip Peek shares experiences from Aotearoa New Zealand during the 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on the period surrounding the homosexual law reform. The conversation uncovers aspects of LGBTQ+ history, comprising Peek’s recollections of working at the Sun sauna in Wellington—a venue where sexual encounters between men occurred—a practice that was clandestine due to the illegality of homosexual acts before the law reform.

The interview begins with Peek outlining the physical location and setup of the Sun sauna. The venue was co-owned by heterosexual individuals and later sold to the broader gay establishment known as the out empire in Auckland. Peek delineates the secrecy around the venue's clients, particularly noting the discreet presence of married men, the subtle operation of the venue, and the lack of explicit advertising that would indicate it was a gay sauna.

Discussing the operational aspects, Peek describes the Sun sauna's security measures, locker facilities, communal areas, and the overall ambience before and after its acquisition by the Auckland-based owners. The establishment underwent significant changes when taken over by the out empire, with notable modifications that made it visibly more oriented toward gay clientele and distinctly darker, facilitating a more pronounced cruising atmosphere.

Apart from operational details, Peek offers insights into the societal climate of the time, particularly pertaining to the police and public relations. While the sauna itself did not experience frequent police raids, the anxiety surrounding potential law enforcement interference and public perception was palpable. Peek acknowledges the discreet nature of patronage and the nuanced acknowledgment between clients in public as an attempt to maintain safety and privacy.

During the interview, Peek also reflects on their involvement in homosexual law reform activities. They discuss the tangible difference in societal attitudes post-reform, including personal feelings of safety and legitimacy in their relationships once the law was changed. This change marked a shift toward increasing visibility and acceptance of gay culture in New Zealand society.

Furthermore, Peek touches on the emergence of AIDS, noting how the pandemic contributed to greater public discourse on LGBTQ+ issues and played a potentially unexpected role in advancing homosexual law reform by exposing the broader public to the realities of homosexuality and necessitating conversations about health, safety, and acceptance.

Finally, the interview captures a personal perspective from Peek on working in a gay sex-on-site venue. Peek recounts the relationships built, the sense of community formed, and the influence of the Sun sauna on their social and political life, including their connections with notable gay activists.

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.

Phillip Peek

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