2014 08 • gay experss august 2014 issue by GayExpress

Home and Living 7 Page Feature

Robyn Malcolm

Our Outrageous Icon

Auckland

Outgames 2016?

Gay Ski Week Everything You Need To Know

NZ Schools Failing GLBT Students Shocking Report August 2014

PLUS Foodie News | Anika Moa | Scene |

Opinion | Max Currie | Gossip | Agony Aunt

Contents 4 NZ News Schools NZFailing Schools GLBT Failing Kids,GLBT Auckland Kids, Auckland Pitches forPitches Outgames, for Marriage Outgames, Equality Marriage Anniversary Equality StatsAnniversary and more. Stats and more. 9

The Scene’s Hottest Shots

10 Robyn Malcolm She’sOutrageous still Outrageous! icon

From the Editor The beautiful Robyn Malcolm graces our cover shot by the ridiculously talented Danilo! From political activism to her feisty femme fatale roles, Malcolm has become a true gay icon who has always stood up for what she believes in. Read her empowering interview and be sure to see her shake up Auckland’s stage this month. Our news pages are packed. From the return of Auckland Pride and the Green Party’s shocking research into NZ Schools and GLBT students to Auckland’s bid for the 2016 Asia Pacific Outgames and fascinating figures about same-sex marriage one year after we were made equal. We are also seriously excited about Gay Ski Week! Check out our essential guide to all things GSW related including interviews with organiser Sally Whitewoods and our favourite kiwi songstress Anika Moa; who will perform an exclusive gig as part of the festivities. For more: scene pictures, stories columns and reviews, updated daily, keep visiting our website: www. gayexpress.co.nz Olly xx Cover: Robyn Malcolm by Danilo Santana David for express. gayexpress.co.nz

15Christopher Cirque Du Soliel’s Totem 16 Gay Ski Week Sally Sally Whitewoods top survival Whitewoods top survival

tips tips 18 Anika Moa Interview SexySexy Songstress prepares for for Songstress prepares Queenstown Queenstown 19 Home, Living and Interior

FromDesign Insurance to Interior Design Feature 26 Foodie Bites Alexia’s gourmet gossip Alexia’s gourmet gossip 30 Opinion

Questioning GLBT? Questioning GLBT? 34 Meet Our Community Gorgeous Movie Mogul Max Max Gorgeous Movie Mogul Currie Currie

Giveaways

1 x DBL pass to Ricky Martin: See Martin perform his One World show at the Vector Arena Friday 17 April 2015. Tickets on sale now.

3x DBL passes to ATC show: Theresa Healey stars in Trees Beneath The Lake. Tickets Thursday 2 September at Maidment Theatre.

5 x Adriana Grande albums: Problem singer’s new album My Everything. Plus rock duo Angus & Julia Stone’s new self-titled LP.

Enter at gayexpress.co.nz

| August 2014 | 3

NEWS

Failure to Protect GLBT Kids in our Schools

Contact Phone 09 360 7671 Fax 09 360 7663 2 Vermont Street Ponsonby Auckland info@gayexpress.co.nz

People Editor Oliver Hall editor@gayexpress.co.nz Advertising Regan Cotter 021 479 911 advertise@gayexpress.co.nz Design Patric Seng design@gayexpress.co.nz

Publisher Cornerstone Publications Ltd PO Box 47514 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144 Printer Guardian Print

www.gayexpress.co.nz Ideas and opinions expressed in articles or advertisements in express are not necessarily representative of Cornerstone Publications Ltd. Publication of the name or photograph or likeness of any person in express is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organisations and any similarity between individuals named or described in fiction articles and actual persons living is purely coincidental. Publication of any letters/ articles/photographs is at the discretion of the publishers and the right is reserved to withhold/alter/edit and comment on any article, letter, or advertisement published. Permission must be gained prior to reproduction of any articles or photographs contained in express. express’s list of mail subscribers is confidential and is not sold, rented or leased to anyone at any time. Orders for any products/ services advertised in express are made by readers at their own risk.

4 | August 2014 |

The Green Party is about to publish a report showing that the Education Review Office is failing to ensure that our schools are safe environments for LGBT students, and are calling on the Education Minister to take urgent corrective action. In 2011 in follow up to the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign University of Waikato student Murray Riches teamed up with Green Party MP, Kevin Hague, to write the ‘How do we make it better?’ report. Riches research found that while some schools did provide support for queer students, others did not. Yet providing a safe environment for students is a legal requirement of schools. In a new report, Riches and Hague surveyed a large sample of secondary schools, looking at the information schools provided Education Review Office (ERO), and questioned principals on their support for GLBT students. The results were much worse than they had anticipated. Just over half of schools in the sample said that they provided education on gender and sexual

diversity. Only 14.6% of schools demonstrated education on gender and sexual diversity as part of their anti-bullying programme. An abysmal 8.3% of the schools had some mention of genderqueer or trans* students in the documents provided relating to bullying and student safety. 10.4% of schools said they had a GLBT student support group, and only one in four principals said they were aware of instances of homophobic bullying. Hague told express, “Most schools seem oblivious of the needs of their queer students, and are not taking their duty to provide a safe environment seriously. Whether school environments are safe or not is a lottery. What makes it worse is that this terrible performance was not picked up by ERO, and no

remedial action to improve things for queer students was required by any school. ERO is the main way the Government assures the community and parents about the quality of schools. This failure by ERO is appalling and must be fixed urgently.” Almost all private schools approached refused to provide any information for the project because they are not subject to the Official Information Act. Hague tell us, “St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton even claimed that it was ‘unacceptable’ for me to be conducting this investigation.” An opinion that seems at odds with the ERO’s report that St Paul’s has ‘high-quality, inclusive, pastoral care networks’. Articles | Oliver Hall.

Auckland Pride 2015 and 2016 Confirmed Auckland Pride 2015 has been extended to four weeks of events, funded by Auckland Council. Auckland Pride Festival have been funded for the next two years. “It speaks volumes about the future potential of the Parade as a vehicle for expression and celebration for our

Rainbow Community,” says Auckland Pride Festival Incorporated Co-chair, Megan Cunningham-Adams. February 2015’s extended festival will include the Waitangi Day Dawn Ceremony (Friday 6), the Pride Gala, LYC Big Gay Out, Bear NZ Week, Heroic Gardens Festival, the Parade

(Saturday 21) and Proud Party, now one week later on Saturday 28 February. Look out for updates on www.gayexpress.co.nz.

NEWS

Tuesday 19 August One Year of Marriage Equality - the Stats: r -FTT UIBU PG /; DPVQMFT XJUI B $JWJM 6OJPO IBWF DPOWFSUFE UP B NBSSJBHF r TBNF TFY DPVQMFT IBWF DIPTFO B $JWJM 6OJPO TJODF UIF MBX DIBOHF

Sunday Night Success Adore Delano performance pulls crowds on wet winter night Legend bar and club was packed to the rafters with an estimated 340 attendees to see the Ru Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drag Race star perform on Sunday 20 July. Regular entry tickets to the event were $25. 100 attendees opted for special $50 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;meet and greetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tickets. Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio will hope to draw a similar crowd when she performs at the venue on Sunday 14 September. Legend confirmed to express, that her meet and greet tickets have already sold out.

Thus far in NZ there have been 881 same-sex marriages. 503 of those have been between women, 378 between men. For the women, 118 of those couples changed their relationship from a Civil Union. Either one or both partners had been previously married in the case of 106 female couples. Of the male couples, 92 of the 378 changed their relationship from a CU,

Photo | www.InTheDark.com.au. Articles l Oliver Hall.

and either one or both had partners had been married in the case of male 47 couples. The majority of couples of either gender were marrying in their thirties. However, for men, more couples in their fifties were marrying than couple in their twenties. Registrar General Jeff Montgomery also highlighted since the change of legislation there have only been

three officially registered adoptions by same-sex couple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It remains possible for people to adopt as individuals,â&#x20AC;? he says, which may explain the low number of registered adoptions by couples. Statistics from 19 August 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14 July 2013, provided by The Department of Internal Affairs.

Award-Winning Young Talent expressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own Sam Brooks continues his success with Wine Lips. Following his acclaimed Pride productions Queen and Riding in Cars with (Mostly Straight) Boys, playwright and express contributor Sam Brooks launches his new play Wine Lips. Wine Lips is site-specific, taking place in Basement Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenroom,

with a storyline that revolves around actors meeting backstage after a show. Brooks previous work has won him Playmarketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Playwrights b4 25â&#x20AC;&#x2122; award. Wine Lips will be performed from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 August. Photo | Tux Hika.

FOR SALE $1,195,000 +GST if any

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NEWS

Will Auckland host the 2016 Outgames? Holly Dove meets the organiser trying to make the Auckland Asia Pacific Outgames happen. want to get women and the trans community involved especially because they’re often not as visible [and] we need to get a larger youth voice.”

A dedicated team of regular Asia Pacific Outgames attendees have bid for Auckland to host the games in 2016. Organiser Damien Strogen says the games would be a chance for Auckland to share kiwi culture with the world as Wellington did in 2011. “We’re excited to show off Auckland to the Asia Pacific community. The games create a great sense of Pride.” Ideal, as they will be hosted in February, coinciding with Auckland Pride 2016. Asia Pacific Outgames committee GLISA have accepted the bid and are visiting Auckland

this month to examine the facilities and meet key people and groups involved. Strogen wants to show them that it is an event our whole community will get behind. “We

New Group for GLBT Auckland Asians Emerging from Rainbow Youth’s forums last Pride, EquAsian aims to give GLBT Asians greater visibility and representation with our community. After many gay Aucklanders of Asian-decent talked about the challenges they faced as a ‘minority within a minority’ at Pride 2013, newly formed social group EquAsian aims to provide a safe social meeting environment.

EquAsian will gather at Rainbow Youth’s offices on K’ Road at 7pm on the third Saturday of every month.

Strogen and his team want to create an ‘Incorporated Society’ to help make the Asia Pacific Outgames happen. They are looking for people with skills in marketing, sports, finance, community engagement, communication and human rights. Contact them at info@ aucklandoutgames.com

Transition-Tube 18yo kiwi tells transioning story through weekly Youtube updates. Nikola Pilawa, an 18 year old from the Kapiti Coast who recently qualified for hormone replacemnet therapy has opened up about her transitioning journey through a series of weekly Youtube updates on her channel NikolaTransforms. “I’m so happy that I’m finally on HRT. I feel like I’m on the road to blossoming into who I truly am,” Nikola told express.

More info can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/

Article | Paul Rose.

4 — 27 SEPT MAIDMENT THEATRE MICHAEL HURST THERESA HEALEY CATHERINE WILKIN BROOKE WILLIAMS PETER HAYDEN

COMPELLING CONTEMPORARY FAMILY DRAMA

Book 09 308 2383 www.atc.co.nz

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Wilde Time! These bodacious babes, Jordan Mooney, Eli Matthewson, Oscar Wilson – our hotties of the month –are sashaying around in their Y-fronts for a brand new show Earnest playing Q Theatre 27 Aug – 6 Sept. A reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – you can expect an allmale, dandy inspired show with a live all-female band playing a soundtrack from none other than our gal Cher. This is Oscar Wilde as you’ve never seen him before. Photo | Andrew Malmo

8 | August 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene

Poof Tops Pop Weekends at Poof in July. Photos | Evan Donnelly & Suki Zhang. Three months after a well-publicised namechange owner operator Wayne Clark has returned Ponsonby Road’s Poof bar back to its original title. Clark tells express, “a significant number of people indicated they were not happy with the name change. This prompted us to ask our followers on social media what name they preferred?” The response was overwhelmingly in support of ‘Poof’, with over 340 Facebook users showing support for returning to the original name within the first day of the question being posed. Poof is now better than ever with the ever amusing Aaron behind the bar and hunky new DJ Michael playing 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Whether buying or selling a home, or putting property in trust, it’s important to have all angles covered. Talk to the real-deal lawyers who understand your needs. At LawWorks we pride ourselves on more than 27 years of providing legal advice to the rainbow community in all areas of law.

PROFILE

Robyn: In her first gay media interview, Robyn Malcolm discusses gay actors, getting naked and standing up for what you believe in. It was in Bertolt Brecht’s Threepenny Opera that Robyn Malcolm made her acting debut. She now returns to the stage for ATC’s production of one of Brecht’s lesser performed pieces, The Good Soul of Szechuan. She is passionate about the play because it asks, ‘is it possible in an economic environment of abject poverty to be good?’ She plays the part of Shen Te who begins to run her business into the ground by being too kind to people. Shen Te creates a male alter ego for herself and begins to live more ruthlessly. Her business becomes a success, but at what cost? “Given the nature of politics today: the austerity measures being taken in a lot of European countries, a lot of modern democracies pushing towards the right and casino capitalism, and the gap between rich and poor getting wider, I think it’s an incredibly relevant piece,” she tells us. Malcolm has always taken a stand for the causes she believes in. She remains proud of the stance she took with the actors union campaign against The Hobbit. “It got genuinely nasty,” she tells us about the backlash she faced. “But I totally understood why. That issue divided the industry. It was about jobs security on both sides. The fact that the government changed the employment laws on the needs of one, not all, but just one Hollywood production company was pretty extraordinary.” However now the dust

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gayexpress.co.nz

PROFILE

Our Outrageous Icon has settled she feels NZ actors are now in a better position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actors Equity is one of the fastest growing unions in the countryâ&#x20AC;Ś Time and distance and hindsight has taught people a lot.â&#x20AC;? For reasons that include having played Cheryl West on Outrageous Fortune for six years, after The Hobbit controversy, Malcolm stopped getting cast on NZ television. She followed the kiwi trend and headed to Oz where she picked up roles in Rake and Upper Middle Bogan and gained critical acclaim for her performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the amazing things about this industry, that you just never bloody know. You can wake up one morning in a state of despair, with no reason to be despairing, and you can wake the next day with ridiculous hope and ambition with no reason to be feeling that either,â&#x20AC;? she says. Returning to NZ to film drama Top of The Lake, she also secured her latest protagonist role on Agent Anna, a show she helped create as an Executive Producer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fluffy title which means I can shoot my mouth off every now and then and I get to be involved with a lot of decisions. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m slowly learning about the whole nature of producing television.â&#x20AC;? However her ultimate goal remains to be, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a really, really old actress and still work. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the best because they have so much experience.â&#x20AC;? Malcolm believes that although things have improved for openly gay actors in her two decade career, there is still a predicament. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an issue now that there are a lot of great gay actors around, particularly in Hollywood, but the gay roles will be played by a straight actor, because the straight actor is the star. There are a bunch of really talented gay actors out there who are not given a look in,â&#x20AC;? she tells us. gayexpress.co.nz

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a nervousness around [openly gay actors getting major roles] because so much of it is about marketability and a broad appeal.â&#x20AC;? It has been Malcolmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portrayal of strong soulful women that has elevated her to the status of gay icon, both here and overseas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apparently I have a really strong lesbian following in San Francisco,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lesbian friend of mine who travels there a lot told me they all watch Outrageous Fortune on Netflicks and are big Cheryl West fans!â&#x20AC;? The saucy role of Cheryl remains Malcolmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognizable work. Gritty story lines, sizzling sex scenes, cast chemistry and buckets of nudity; all contributed to making Outrageous Fortune one of the greatest kiwi dramas of all time, and insured Malcolm still gets asked to take her kit off. At 49, this is a request she remains completely comfortable with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think female bodies of all shapes and sizes are a beautiful creation,â&#x20AC;? she states, telling us that two years ago, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was asked to sign a contract in Australia that had a full nudity clause. I said if you are willing to put a 47 year old unenhanced woman, naked on television then I applaud you,â&#x20AC;? giggling, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but I have to warn you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less Playboy and more National Geographic.â&#x20AC;?

Robyn Malcolmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best & Worst TV shows: #FTU 'BNJMZ (VZ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because nothing is sacred. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all so PC now.â&#x20AC;? Worst â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Game of Thrones: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand that misogynistic bullshit.â&#x20AC;? The Good Soul of Szechuan plays at Q Theatre till Sunday 17 August. For tickets go to www.atc. co.nz.

| August 2014 | 11

Scene

Opening night of ATCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Selecta Saturday 12 July - Basement Theatre. Photos | Evan Donnelly. Selecta was a series of three plays all designed to showcase Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshest young theatre talent. express loved the live electro soundtrack and crazy costumes presented in DNA.

THEATRE

The Prodical Son’s Story

I D

S UR D

ES D AY

ESD

N D A

N D

Article | Sam Orchard.

Trees Beneath The Lake will play at The Maidment Theatre from Sat 6 – Sat 27 September. Tickets from www.atc. co.nz or call 09 309 3395.

and you’ve got to convince yourself that it’s worth it.” He says.

F R

It’s the dismantling of kiwi ideology that Meek seems particularly interested in. “The landscape looks great, but it provides you with nothing - no food, no shelter, and when it’s not too hot it’s bloody freezing. You’ve got to be tough to stick it out,

Campbell was inspired by Meek’s travel abroad, recent return home and, “by the way we go gaga over people who come back to NZ… We tend to trust these people, and vote for them, or give them money to start their own restaurants and put them in charge of companies or whatever.” He tells us. Meek recently spent time in New York after receiving the prestigious Bruce Mason Playwriting Award.

Trees Beneath The Lake tells the story of William Campbell, a former golden boy, returning to Central Otago for his last chance to make it big.

Trees’ seeks to question some of the mythology of those who return to NZ. Set in the small town of Lowburn in Central Otago, using the Clyde Dam as a backdrop to the story. Meek sees Central Otago as a “ a perfect symbol of NZ. It’s got a reputation as this amazingly beautiful place to retire when you’ve sold your start-up, but for the people who were born and bred there, the reality is way more interesting and brutal.”

S U

Sam Orchard talks with ‘Trees Beneath The Lake’ award-winning writer, Arthur Meek.

AU G U S T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 MOREFM

Opening Party

30 AUGUST - 6 SEPTEMBER Queenstown, New Zealand

GAYDAR Presents

Ladies or Gentlemen? FOR THE BOYS: GAYDAR Strip Night FOR THE GIRLS: GAYDAR Girls @ Blue Kanu

CRABBIE’S Presents

TOMTOM PRODUCTIONS

Bingay!

presents

ANIKA MOA Live @

GIBBSTON VALLEY

Life is a Cabaret!

SKYCITY

Queenstown’s

Karaoke!

FAMILY BAR & NIGHTCLUB Presents

‘B’ Word

BELVEDERE Presents

Oh, what a circus!

SASSO

gayskiweekqt.com

Scene

Fabulous Family Saturdays in July. Photos | Evan Donnelly & Suki Zhang. Miss Ribena sure knows how to pull in a crowd! The hostess with the mostess MCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our biggest clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest night, every week. Performers in July included Miss Arabia Le Veil and Caluzzi girl Miss Kola sashaying across the stage. Family has some of the best door men in town. Thank you guys for keeping our community safe.

14 | August 2014 |

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PERFORMANCE

Cirque Du Strength

Cirque Du Soleil have spent the last twenty years revolutionising what we can expect from stage shows, influencing the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Pink along the way. Their new show Totem comes to Auckland this month. It is currently one of 19 shows Cirque has simultaneously performing around the world. It is hard to believe that the company which now employs over 4000 people worldwide was formed by 20 unemployed street performers in Quebec in 1984. Cirque’s brand of contemporary circus performance went on to eradicate traditional circuses that used exotic animals. Combining

gayexpress.co.nz

highly-technical acrobatics with lavish costumes and make-up, performed against haunting live musical scores; the groups popularity spread throughout the US. In 1998 they debuted their first Las Vegas residence show O. Housed in a custom built theatre at the Bellagio hotel, the show proved so popular Cirque went on to take over the Vegas strip with eight different shows now being performed every night. The critically acclaimed Totem proved that Cirque is still as innovative as ever when it won the award for Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience at the Drama Desk Awards in New York in 2013. The show examines man’s evolution

from amphibious beings crawling out of the sea to cell-phone-armed suit-wearers. Cirque’s storylines have a signature abstract style that give their shows a dreamlike feel allowing audience members to interpret them very differently. Totem features some of the largest set pieces to ever feature in Cirque’s touring shows. These will be put to good use as platforms to launch performers to death defying heights. A must see! Totem will be performed under the big top at Alexandra Park, Auckland from Friday 22 August till Sunday 28 September. For tickets visit www. cirquedusoleil.com

| August 2014 | 15

GAY SKI WEEK

An Unmissable Week of Sun, Snow & Slopes Gay Ski Week from Saturday August 30. Oliver Hall gets the low down from organiser Sally Whitewoods.

Gibbston Valley’s Life is a Cabaret – Wednesday 3 September: Taking place at The Skyline, Queenstown’s restaurant at the top of the gondola, Gay Ski Week’s first cabaret night will be rather special. Hosted by Sydney’s live-singing drag sensation Prada Clutch expect lots of cheeky banter, followed by performances from one of Queenstown’s best live bands LA Social Club, all with the best views of Queenstown reflecting back up at you!

Sally Whitewoods is the co-organiser of Gay Ski Week along with her wife Mandy. After famously taking over the event in 2011 the two have been working hard to make sure Gay Ski Week is growing every year, which seems to have had an affect on Queenstown itself, as Sally confirms their local GLBT community is, “definitely getting bigger,” and is one of the few towns in the South Island where, “everywhere is gay friendly!” Approximately 1000 people attended last year’s event and Whitewoods says organising the festival is now a full-time job. “I do it for the love of the event... I am in a lucky position to have another business to help support this one,” she says referring to the Aspen Lodge backpackers that the couple own. “The hostel is insanely busy, but I have a fantastic wife that seems to be covering my share indefinitely at the moment,” she tells us. Gay Ski Week has been attracting a steadily growing crowd every year and Sally’s fingers are tightly crossed that 2014 will see an influx of hot Americans joining our party! “We had a stall at San Fransisco Pride. It was a great way to test the water with the American market. Gay Ski Week was very well received and I already know of people jumping on a plane this year. It is much easier with direct Air NZ flights from San Fran or LA to Auckland!” With Queenstown’s heady mix of snow

16 | August 2014 |

Sally’s Top 5 Gay Ski Week Survival Tips? covered slopes, adventure sports, vineyards and natural beauty we know our foreign guests will love it as much as we do! It’s a Party Night, Every Night: Gay Ski Week QT’s Eight Packed Night’s of Entertainment. The More FM Opening Party Saturday 30 August: Taking place at quirky pop-up bar The Find (run by the same people as the always-packed World Bar) from 6pm. Hosted by Miss Ribena, this will be the perfect chance to plan the week and check out all the hotties you will be spending your week with! Gaydar presents ‘Ladies Or Gentlemen?’ – Sunday 31 August: Clearly we’re being separated for talking too much and being naughty! The Girls will gather at newly opened Blue Kanu for dinner and a live performance from singer/ songwriter Tori Reed. While those dirty old boys will gather at nightclub

Vinyl Underground for a strip night hosted by Miss Ribena featuring two muscle bound thong clad hunks and music from DJ Mykel Kelly. But if you want to break the trend and go to the other event or even drop in at both, you will welcomed with open arms! Crabbie’s present Bingay! – Monday 1 September: This Bingo night like no other, will be hosted by Miss Ribena and Aunt Pippy at the Ballarat Trading Co, a venue that holds 140 people, yet still feels intimate. This event was packed last year, so get in quick!

1. Drink lots of water. 2. Suncream/lipbalm. 3. Paracetamol. 4. Massages. 5. An Empty credit card.

SKYCITY Queenstown’s Karaoke – Thursday 4 September: Traditionally an extremely busy night as it is the only free event of Gay Ski Week. Miss Ribena hosts, it will be a giggle to say the least.

Organisers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods

sso – Tuesday Anika Moa live @ Sasso 2 September: ck out our For more on this, check th Miss exclusive interview with sso is one Moa on page 18. Sasso of Queenstown’s bestt Italian n have dinner restaurants so you can before hearing one of NZ’s greatest live performers wow you at this intimate gig.

gayexpress.co.nz gay ga g ayexp ay exp ex xpre re essss.c s...c co o.n o. .nz .n

GAY SKI WEEK Family Bar & Nightclub presents B Word – Friday 5 September: Oh dear – this is going to get messy! After a week of flirting on the slopes with the other ski bunnies, prepare for the ultimate hot tub party! Those very naughty boys and girls from K Road’s Family are taking over the roof terrace at the Rydges Hotel which boasts it’s own heated pool and hot tub! There will be a BBQ and towels provided and Melbourne’s DJ Haylenise proving the beats! Go for dip in the hot tub, and host Miss Ribena might even join you. You have been warned. Belevedere presents Oh, What A Circus! – Saturday 6 September: Circus is the theme of this year’s closing party, which will take over a yet to be announced venue! Dressing up is encouraged so think randy lions, crazy clowns, expert ball jugglers, strong men and

bearded ladies. Expect amazing tunes from Sydney uber DJs Adam Love and the returning Kate Monroe. Get your tickets quick, this is an annual sell out!

The Gay Ski Week stats: Who am I going to meet there?

All tickets available from www. gayskiweekqt.com/tickets/ Article | Oliver Hall.

30% in their 20’s and under, 60% in their 30’s and 40’s. 10% 50 and over.

80% male, 20% female

Gay Ski Week Hostess Miss Ribena

Kiwi 40%, Australian 45%, American 5% and 10% from other countries.

GAY SKI WEEK

Songstress of the Slopes Anika Moa looks set to become Gay Ski Week’s favourite Snow Queen, when she plays an exclusive gig at Queenstown’s intimate Italian restaurant Sasso on Tuesday 2 September as part of the festivities. Oliver Hall caught up with express’ favourite kiwi crooner to find out more.

What can we expect from your set at Sasso as part of the Gay Ski Week celebrations? My set will be full of laughter and lots of great story telling! I play lots of old songs, a few new ones and some good old covers! Like what? I have a few gems up my sleeve! Taking requests too if anyone wants to hear their favourite song. A bit like a traveling karaoke machine I am. I hear you like getting the audience involved? I like to interact with the audience and bring people up to the stage to dance, sing and basically take the piss out of them! It’s always fun and never the same show twice! What artists are you loving at the moment? I’m loving a lot of new great music at the moment. Artist like Banks, SOHN, Lana Del Ray, Angus and Julia Stone, Jessie Ware and Future islands. There are some fantastic songs coming out on the net at the moment.

sad but it’s okay. I just have to drink whiskey while other people snowboard and ski. (Laughs) Is motherhood what you expected? What has surprised you about it? Motherhood is all types of good, hard, fun, brilliant, lovely, naughty and so much more. It’s cool. I’m cool. Do you plan to attend any of the other Gay Ski Week parties/activities? I would love to attend some other parties so am trying to get down early for the celebrations. I can’t wait! Why should express readers attend Gay Ski Week? It’s in the best part of the country. It’s a chance to take a break and reflect, spend some time on the mountains or hit the bars and of course to come see me sing my pretty little heart out!

Anika’s Top NZ Artists to Check Out: Do you ski? Or snowboard? Are you any good? Aldous Harding, Benny Tipene, Marion Williams, I used to snowboard a lot, but I had knee surgery She’s So Rad and never went back to the snow. It makes me

Anika Moa will play will play Sasso, 14 Church St, Queenstown on Tuesday 2 September, as part of the Gay Ski Week celebrations. Tickets and more information from www. gayskiweekqt.com/tickets/

HOME FEATURE

Home, Living and Interior Design Starting From Scratch. New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Inclusive New Home Builder GJ Gardner explains the benefits of building you own home.

Building your own home is a dream that many people hold dear. It can often be more affordable than most people realise. If you are in a position to buy an existing home, you are in a position to build one. There are many reasons to build a new home. You may find the perfect section and need to build a home. The quip; location, location, location, may be over-used, but its importance holds true. Alternatively, there may be no houses that suit your needs in the area you wish to live, therefore prompting you to build. Building your own is also a chance to express your personality, and to meet your individual gayexpress.co.nz

needs. These may be anything from extra space for a boat, a purpose-built home theatre room, or incorporating special spaces for pets. Another reason is to get all those little annoying details with a previous houses right! Things like having a step down into a living area, a bathroom with no windows, or not being positioned for the sun. It is all possible when building your own home, (depending on your budget). There is currently an abundance of building activity around Auckland, with plenty of subdivisions offering sections for sale. The rest of the country and especially Christchurch also has a high level of building developments. Prices of sections obviously vary depending on location,

size, and desirability. While house building can also vary depending on your area, relative to local consents, contractors, and local materials. GJ Gardner have made a name for themselves as one of the most inclusive home builders in the country. From producing kitchens that cater for specific dietary requirements to supporting all sectors of the community; they are inclusive of their customers diverse needs. For more information on building your own home visit www.gjgardner.co.nz or call 0800 42 45 46. Photo | GJ Gardnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grant & Ellie Porteous.

| August 2014 | 19

HOME FEATURE

Real Estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Boy security and generally takes pride in owning their own home. What has helped the market immensely is the release of inner city and city fringe freehold apartments where young people can purchase a home without the worry of buying out of CBD in vain of finding an affordable home in line with their income. That is why he took on the role of selling Summit on Symonds and will take a rest from the multi million dollar mansions until the selldown is complete. Michael and his partner have three dogs, who take up most of their time when dropping off to doggy day care and collecting them on the way home. Holidays are difficult when you love your animals. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true passion is riding, he plays Polo in the summer and hunts with the Pakuranga Hunt in winter. Michael Boulgaris is a household name in real estate, particularly when selling luxury property in NZ. When express asked Michael how long he has been selling real estate, he would not give us an accurate answer, he was more concerned that the younger staff in his office tease him that he has been in real estate before they were born. We worked out over two decades.

Michael is an encyclopaedia of knowledge for buyers and home owners and disperses it with a jovial sense of humour. He says, dealing with someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest asset has to be taken seriously, the average Kiwi relies entirely on their property investment for future wealth and

With a passion for property, interior design, singing as a baritone, a manager, boss, mentor and horsing around, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine how Michael finds time to do everything. He said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up at 4.30am most mornings and often does not get home from work until after 8pm. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment!

House Hunter with Michael Cootee 1) Do your market research â&#x20AC;&#x201C; keep visiting websites like www.realestate.co.nz to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available, target an area you want to buy in and learn all you can about why people would want to live there. Go to open homes and attend auctions to get a feel for the market and what your money can buy. Keep an eye out for urgent sellers, talk to different real estate agents you meet along the way and tell them what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for and task them to find it. 2) Do your homework on your chosen house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you find a property you like, make sure you know exactly what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to ask tough questions or else get an experienced house

22 | August 2014 |

buyer to ask for you. Look carefully at surrounding properties and avoid bad neighbors. Do your due diligence including reading all the documentation available and obtain a professional building inspection report. 3) Shop around for mortgage deals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just assume your current bank is the best place to look; talk to friends, family, colleagues and mortgage brokers about what financing deals are on offer. Remember that the mortgage market is constantly changing. 4) Seek professional advice on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;extrasâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Carefully review the insurance, ownership structure

options, and estate planning strategies needed to provide long-term security around your investment. 5) First home or maybe a â&#x20AC;&#x153;second chanceâ&#x20AC;? QVSDIBTF Find out from your KiwiSaver provider if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eligible for a home deposit withdrawal and see if Housing New Zealand can provide any subsidies. Michael Coote is an authorized financial adviser at AMP who can advise on mortgages, insurances and KiwiSaver, contact (09) 337 7374 or Michael. coote@amp.co.nz. A copy of his disclosure documents is available free on request.

gayexpress.co.nz

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| July 2014 | 23

HOME FEATURE

Reading the Small Print George Ireland discusses the importance of legal advice when buying property For most New Zealanders buying and selling a home is an exciting time. For most it will be the biggest investment in their life and it is therefore important to involve your lawyer as early as possible in your decision making. Your lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure that the proper checks are made and pitfalls are avoided. If possible, consult a lawyer before you sign the agreement. Your lawyer can advise you whether any special clauses should be added to the agreement. Once the agreement has been completed the lawyer will check that it has been signed properly and then guide you through the conditions. If your building report or LIM reveal defects, your solicitor will advise you on the

options available to you. That may include negotiating a reduction in the purchase price or delaying settlement until the defect has been remedied. You should discuss the ownership structure with your lawyer as soon as possible. You can purchase a property as the sole owner, jointly with another owner or through a trust or company. If you are in a relationship your lawyer can advise you on the implications that property ownership might have to your relationship property and how you can protect yourself, your partner or your children in the event of the relationship ending. Normally your home will be an asset, which will form part of your estate when you die. It is therefore important to consider whether

you should obtain life insurance to repay your mortgage and also to complete a will and consider the need for an enduring power of attorney for property matters. Article | George Ireland. Photo | Tux Hika

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Wallpaper Revamped from past eras – the 30s, 50s, 70s and 80s. But there is nothing old-fashioned about the new collections. Modern colours, some with metallic shimmers, offer a fresh spin on old.

express talks to Resene colour consultant Sarah Gregory about wallpaper’s return to vogue. From bold florals to vintage-style graphics to opulent textures, the writing, for 2014, is on the wall. Wallpaper, in all its guises, is here to stay. Digital technology has seen an abundance of design options for 2014, making wallpaper one of the most prevalent trends for the coming season. “Wallpaper is no longer your bog standard printed flowers,” says Gregory. “Thanks to digital technology, we now have animal skins, vintage plates and lace stripes, among other designs, as well as gorgeous prints like Audrey Hepburn repeats.” Designs, styles and colours are varied, but if there’s one underlying theme, it’s nostalgia. Many of the new wallpapers take their inspiration

“The big floral patterns, when they first came out, were bright florals against a light background,” says Sarah. “Now they are more soothing, something you could have on all four walls rather than just the one – and that is something we are seeing a lot of.” Texture, too, is a dominant trend, with many of the new wallpapers mimicking slate, wood panelling and brick. “There are lots of lovely textures,” says Sarah, “many with a velvety touch, or a contrast of shiny surfaces with matt areas to give additional dimension to a wall.” View the extensive wallpaper range at www. resene.co.nz.

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Foodie Bites

A little bit of Vietnam in Ponsonby We recently checked out Le Vietnamese Kitchen in Ponsonby and liked what we found. The back courtyard reminds us of the little restaurants by the water in Hoi An and the food is tasty, bright and fresh. We recommend the tasting plate of spring rolls, chicken skewers and any of the salads. No more trekking out to Otahuhu or Mt Albert for good Vietnamese nosh, it’s right on our doorstep. Perfect for a first date or a bite to eat in a big group before a night out on the town.Le Vietnamese Kitchen, 107 Ponsonby Rd , Ponsonby www. facebook.com/levietkitchen

Breakfast in Bed As if the seven-course degustation at Clooney could get any better, they now give you a lovely little gift to take away with you at the end of the night so you can extend the pleasure and have a Clooney breakfast the next morning. Handmade Brioche and bespoke jam plus a bag of coffee makes the luxury last longer. Especially good if a first date goes really well! Clooney, 33 Sale St, Auckland Central www. clooney.co.nz cloo

Market Stall of the month

Auckland Restaurant Month August is officially Auckland Restaurant Month with a stack of over 20 great events lined up. Street Eats at Queen’s Wharf, Mexican Street Fiesta at Besos Latinos, Long Lunch at Vivace, Fromm wines at Euro. You can even be cooked for by our favourite gay chef, Peter Gordon at ‘A Taste of Federal Street’ on August 13th when he, Al Brown, Sean Connolly and the rather gorgeous Nic Watt join forces for a dining experience of epic proportions. www.heartofthecity.co.nz/restaurant-month

Craftiness out West If you’re out west in the weekend you need to check out new bakery Crafty Baker. Nestled in amongst less-than-inspiring surrounds in Glen Eden the pies, pastries and cakes are to die for. They even churn their own organic butter for their baking. All meat in the pies is organic or free range and you’ll be utterly charmed by the lovely Lee and Calli Morgan who run the place with Lee’s parents. Don’t leave without trying the salted caramel slice and the sticky date toffee cake.

There’s nothing lovelier than a Sunday drive out to Clevedon Village Farmers Market and one of our favourite stalls is the Curious Croppers tomato stand. If you’ve been to any of the top restaurants in Auckland, you’ve probably already tasted their amazing vegetables as they are favoured by some of our most well-known chefs. Their tomatoes taste like tomatoes used to, full of flavour rather than water and the Curious Croppers have even collaborated with Sean Connolly (of the Grill and Gusto at the Grand fame) in making limited edition passatas and pasta sauces. Curious Croppers, Clevedon Market, www.curiouscroppers.co.nz

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EAT

The littlest restaurant in Auckland What do you do when you are a gay actor who is also passionate about cooking but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t commit to a restaurant job because of your acting work? You start Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s littlest restaurant at your kitchen table, of course. Todd Emerson (with fellow gay actor Andrew Lang as front of house) runs Little Kitchen Club where people come in groups of six to indulge in his gorgeous three course meals without knowing what will be on the menu. Judging by the backlog of bookings, people have been pretty impressed. www. facebook.com/thelittlekitchenclub (Photo credit: Candi Crown Photography.)

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Scene

Loud & Proud Legend Weekends in July. Photos | Evan Donnelly & Suki Zhang. July was an eventful month for Legend from Adore Delanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance to a mascaraed party. The drag shows were on fire - literally - Tess Tickle set a can of hairspray on fire, for her Hairspray The Musical tribute! The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first birthday will be celebrated on Saturday 9 August.

28 | August 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Nikki Lee Carlson Nikki Lee is a former New Zealand Idol finalist who is in the early stages of transitioning. Following her first ever interview as ‘Nikki’ which published in express in April, Carlson has returned to the spotlight, wowing audiences at fundraisers like Wigarama. She tells us, “It is so different to perform in a dress. You’ve got to learn how to move differently. You are standing there as this totally new persona. I feel I am growing though. When I first started dressing as a girl I was too scared to leave the house, let alone sing in public!” The reaction she has received since the interview has inspired Carlson professionally. “I am currently looking at what courses I can do to best help me to become a social worker. I’d like to specialise in working with gay men and trans youth to show people that you can be yourself.” Photo | Evan Donnolly.

gayexpress.co.nz

| August | July 2014 | 29

OPINION

Can the GLBs Really Understand the Ts? - though this certainly exists in the LGB community - but due to an experiential chasm. Like a lot of gay men I use the term ‘LGBT’ but without consciously thinking about the T’s, simply because the condition is so far from my experience or frame of reference.

Michael Hootman wonders if our community is too diverse to all live under the same acronym. As a gay man I support equality for women as, I hope, would the rest of the community. However, if it were suggested that a ‘W’ be added to LGBT, I’d say that while we should certainly help the cause of feminism, women’s experiences, the battles they have to face, are just too different for them to be linked to the LGBT cause in a meaningful way. Similarly, I support transsexual rights but believe that the differences between loving someone of your own sex and feeling that you’re born in the wrong body are far too great for a genuine group cohesion. I am happy with my sexuality - it’s an important part of my life and something that is patently not a problem. This instantly puts me at a remove from transsexuals who consider their condition a medical problem, one that quite often needs to be corrected through surgery and hormones. To make it perfectly clear: I’m not saying that this means transsexuals are in some way inferior, I’m pointing out an important difference. Namely, most gay men don’t feel that they suffer from a ‘condition’ that needs treating; most transsexuals do. It’s probably best if members of a group have a commonality of experience, or are at least able to relate to each other. I can imagine, to some extent, the sort of struggles lesbians must go through. Even if it’s just the experience of walking hand-in-hand with their partner down

30 | August 2014 |

But the gulf between loving someone of your own sex and suffering from what is essentially a debilitating physical condition is perhaps too large for the majority to understand the minority. As a marriage I’m not sure LGBT is working out. I think it might be time for LGBs and the Ts to go our separate ways. Perhaps what’s needed is an amicable divorce. So, no fighting over who gets the Breaking Bad box set. And we’ll stay in touch, really. In fact we’ll possibly see more of each other, and maybe even get on better, the second the decree nisi drops onto our respective doormats. Article | Michael Hootman.

"I think the GLB community should help the transsexual community, should share spaces, resources and give moral and practical support. " the street. Or being denounced as suffering from a moral sickness by religious bigots. But I’m afraid I find it hard to get into the head space of, for example, a man who was born in a woman’s body or to understand what he must go through on a daily basis. I was recently at a focus group of

about a dozen gay men and when the subject came up, at least one professed ignorance of what the term ‘transsexual’ meant. Given that some LGBs don’t even know what being transsexual entails, it seems that many won’t have any insight into trans lives which can lead to some transsexuals feeling marginalised. Not due to transphobia

aduating in psychology, After graduating Michaell Hootman became a ce arts journalist freelance writing on film and theatre. He has had ber of short a number ublished stories published er getting and, after his own page on IMDb,, can ally technically describe himself as a film r. producer.

gayexpress.co.nz gay ga g aye ay ex xpress.c s.c .c co o..n o.n .nz

OPINION

Our Trans Community and Supporters Respond: Sam Orchard

Phylesha Brown-Acton If divorcing the “T” from LGBQI is being contemplated then what a sad day for NZ transsexual or transgender people. Let’s not forget the investment of activism by Trans peoples alongside LGBQI peoples during civil rights movements in this country, how soon we forget the battles we have all fought in solidarity. LGBTQI people’s are not heterosexual or cis-gendered let’s make no mistake about that, mimicking heterosexual lifestyles, privilege or attitudes are at the detriment of our LGBTQI communities wellbeing and are a contributing factor to excluding the issues that impact heavily on trans peoples lives. Where is the compassion and solidarity among ourselves towards people in our own LGBTQI communities? This privilege and ignorance needs to be addressed! It is what disconnects our community from caring for each other or coming together as one.

I’m sorry to hear that you don’t think that women are already a part of the LGBT umbrella, but I’m afraid you’re mistaken. The women’s movement and feminism is deeply and intrinsically linked with the LGBT communities and, specifically, lesbian communities. So too, are Trans people – our gender identities/sex assignments don’t stop us from having sexualities! Look at Fa’afafine, and other pacific identities – sexualities and genders aren’t separate in ways that pãkehã identities are – so excluding the T from the LGB is impossible to do. Your trans sisters and brothers have

face as trans people. What’s more, we know what it’s like to be told by the DSM and Medical communities that we have an illness (just like you, but luckily homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1986), and there’s a growing movement within trans communities to depathologise our experience. There’s a lot of us who don’t feel like we have a ‘condition’ or ‘medical problem’ and we find that model really offensive.

who came before you and those who fought the good fight so you could sit there and ponder about dismantling a community that you did not build or even respect. Cause if you did - you’d realize that a lot of us don’t necessarily understand the life journeys of others in our community, however we accept people for being who they are. That’s not what makes us different, it’s what makes us the same. Louisa Wall

Ramon Tewake I don’t want to get too upset cause it might affect my “debilitating physical condition of being a transgender woman.” As you pointed out I experience a lot of “suffering” and need to “correct myself through surgery,” because that is just all we are and all that we do!

The initials LGBTIQ are intended to emphasize the diversity of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and is sometimes used to refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender instead of exclusively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer or questioning. What this article ignores is the collective experience of suffering discrimination and inequality based on some cultural, religious and societal definitions of what constitutes acceptable sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

stood alongside you in the trenches since the very beginning of the LGBT rights movement in Aotearoa, and globally. Google Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, and our very own Carmen Rupe, and get know our history. A lot of the bullying and discrimination faced by ‘butch’ lesbians, and ‘femme’ gay men has huge overlaps with the gender policing and discrimination that we

I get it, we should have a, “commonality of experience,” but we’re just too different for you and your life as a gay man to comprehend. It’s about understanding those

Therefore, the LGBTIQ community has come together in solidarity and it is through collective efforts that the eradication of inequality and discrimination against any of us, and all of us can occur. Read their full unedited comments at www. gayexpress.co.nz

Meet Your Community Writer and Director Max Currie Tell us about your earliest memories of realising you were gay and how you felt about it? As a primary school kid I had lots of girlfriends. I joined them in chasing boys round the school trying to kiss them. I was into dance and gymnastics. And I was really happy. Then at high school I started hearing other boys snarling about someone they didn’t like being a ‘faggot’ or ‘gaybo’ - and so began the stomach-knotting realisation that there was something different about me… Maybe there’s something wrong with me? And it’s called being gay. Yet the way people, guys especially, talked, these faggots and gays sounded like such despicable people, didn’t match up to my impression of myself. I was never cruel or untrustworthy or ‘bad’. And I knew I was loved. Later, when I met other

32 | August 2014 |

out gay people, I started to realise that most of what I heard about being gay was just bad press. Which is why the pride movement was (or is?) important - it helps to deprogram all the shitty ideas society has taught them to think about themselves. As a former Queer Nation presenter, do you miss NZ having original gay programming? Minority programming creates great visibility, but it’s also ghettoised. A gay program is a bit of a fantasy land, where everything is gay, gay, gay. I think more powerful than gay specific shows are out gay celebrities and gay characters on TV. Trumping all of this, though, is an out, gay school teacher. I think the biggest battle ground for NZ GLBTs now are our youth. They’re hard to get support to, because accepting help means

accepting you’re gay. Which brings us back to the importance of out gay role models in young people’s lives. How did you get into movie making? I was walking home from a late night edit on my segment for QueerNation, and this idea came to me out of the blue… holy shit - I could write and direct a movie. I’ve never had a moment like it, where you know something with such lucidity. It took ten years, and a lot of scripts and pitches that never saw the light of day, to actually come to fruition. What’s Everything We Loved about? It’s a suspenseful, psychological drama about a travelling magician called Charlie, who tries to get his wife and family back with gayexpress.co.nz

his greatest and most dangerous illusion - a little boy. I want audiences to fall in love with this family, this beautiful family - even though they shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Were you anxious of casting and directing a child actor? God yes! And not just a child actor, but the youngest ever NZ actor in a leading role. Ben Clarkson auditioned when he was four-andthree-quarters and we shot with him when he was barely five. Ben was the biggest risk of the film, but it paid off. He was such a natural as an actor - his performance has been praised by The Hollywood Reporter in a review adult actors would kill for.

Other than movie making and Germany, what are you most passionate about? Cycling. If the bicycle was invented today it would be seen as a stunningly eloquent solution to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems: congestion, our oil addiction, air pollution, obesity, cardio health, depression, cheap public transport. Dear employers, put decent showers in at work so your staff can do the world and themselves a favour and cycle to work! Max Currieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film, Everything We Loved, is BWBJMBCMF UISPVHI WJEFP PO EFNBOE BDSPTT /FX ;FBMBOE 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO PO UIF film and how to watch it online, visit www. everythingweloved.com

Kiss & Tell r Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s odd that you view yourself as a celebrity when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not even a politician, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just plain crazy to go

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the craziest job youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever had? When I was about fourteen I worked as the handyman at the Ilawara cat hotel in Palmerston North for $2 an hour. It was an OSH nightmare. The owner was a lady with a hunchback, who was always heading off to the beauty parlour, and the ceiling on the cat kennels was really low so I had to stoop for five hours everyday, cleaning up cat shit, killing my back. I had to start the lawnmower with a powertool. They wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let me in the house to use the bathroom, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just pee in their garden. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best city youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever lived in? I have a thing for Berlin, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shopped around a bit. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grit and history and graffiti - sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit dirty sometimes, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brazenly beautiful as well. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favourite language? My heart belongs to German. For me, German is fused with some of the best experiences of my life, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connected to Berlin, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connected to a hundred different varieties of delicious cake. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connected to a feeling of freedom, where I can easily talk to strangers. And German will also always be connected to my sexual awakening, because my first relationship with a man was in Germany. The first time I hooked up with a guy once I was back from Berlin in New Zealand, I started speaking German mid-coitus and it freaked him out a bit. I learnt pretty quickly to have sex in English.

gayexpress.co.nz

Read Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full interview at www.gayexpress. co.nz

drinking on the South Island gay scene

Photos | Jennifer Raoult.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;no photos, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m famous!â&#x20AC;? Hope the leg is

and end up falling on the floor yelling, healing well! r I love a man who knows how to apply a good foundation! Now if he wants to experiment, and is greeted by members of our gracious community on one knee, no, sorry, two knees, surely thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for him? Sad he was ejected from the party by his own employee and is now being frowned upon by others, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? r Why does the money always go missing? Our most recent penny-pincher shares his name with one of our greatest living divos (so not Elvis or Michael). He returned the money, then took it again. He was quietly fired, but a lot of people are asking about his quick exit. Time to get your stories straight! r We are missing your clubbing kids already! Why did it end so quickly and what happened to those wonderful prizes? Enjoy your time in the land of men who wear dresses. (How appropriate!) We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for this dramaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next episode!

| August 2014 | 33

Scene

Awesome Eagle Bar Weekends in July. Photos | Evan Donnelly. There is no place quite like Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eagle Bar. The top 40 and classic hits soundtrack suits the rawkus patrons who believe singing along is essential! The four bar tenders breaking into a choreagraphed routine when HIAM were played, made express ecstatic.

34 | August 2014 |

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