Torfrida and Ali(November 2013)

This podcast features an interview with Ali Watersong and Torfrida Wainwright, conducted by Gareth Watkins in Christchurch, Canterbury on the 10th November 2013. Over the 1 hour and 21-minute recording, they discuss the lesbian scene in Canterbury during the 1980s, including personal experiences and journeys within that community.

Ali shares the choice to adopt the surname Watersong in 1983 as a rejection of patriarchal heritage. Growing up in Christchurch and spending a decade at Mount Cook in the 1970s, Ali had limited contact with the Christchurch gay lesbian scene at the time. It was the experience of falling in love with women in the late 1970s that led Ali to explore the Christchurch lesbian community, attending women's dances and the Lambda Coffee house's lesbian nights. Initially struggling to meet like-minded individuals, Ali gradually found a sense of belonging within the broader lesbian population.

The 1980s were a time of exploration and growth for the community. Lesbian summer camps started around 1984, drawing people from across New Zealand and featuring workshops and social activities. These camps became an important part of the social calendar. Ali joined a band named Regulation Bloomers and was involved in music and social justice causes, including the 1986 homosexual law reform bill.

Torfrida recounts moving to Christchurch from Dunedin around 1978, transitioning from a relationship with a man to exploring lesbian relationships, and becoming part of the Christchurch lesbian scene. Meeting at a women's festival, Ali and Torfrida formed a close friendship, bonding over dance and social activities.

The discussion also covers the dynamics of the lesbian community during this era, including lesbian separatism, the distinction between identifying as a woman or as a lesbian, and the strong political and feminist stances of some members. They discuss social and gender role advertising, debates about butch and femme identities, and transgender inclusion within the lesbian community.

The conversation then shifts to their experiences with the Christchurch earthquakes, the impact on their homes, and their community connections during crises. Despite challenges, they reflect on the local unity, community initiatives, and a renewed appreciation for the environment and practical life skills.

Looking ahead, they express concerns about aging, the loss of home equity due to earthquake damage, and the desire for community living. They explore the differences in experiences and support networks between themselves and heterosexual individuals as they age, concluding the conversation with reflections on resilience and adaptability to life's uncertainties.

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.

Ali Watersong Torfrida Wainwright

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