2014 09 • gay express september 2014 issue by GayExpress

John Key David Cunliffe Exclusive sit down Interviews Photographed by Patric Seng

Bianca Del Rio Drag Race Winner

Eliad Cohen Israeli Sex Symbol

Family 9th Birthday News & Pictures

Green Leaders Russel & Metiria September 2014

PLUS Laura Varrie | Opera | Outgames

Lickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natalie Zibung | Scene | Foodie News

Kevin Hague & Jan Logie

Rainbow Spokespeople

Metiria Turei & Russel Norman

Green Party Co-leaders

We Love New Zealand PARTY VOTE Authorised by Jon Field Level 2, 17 Garrett St, Wellington Authorised by Jon Field Level 2, 17 Garrett St, Wellington

Contents 4

News Family’s 9 Years, Auckland Wins Outgames, GABA Charity Auction and Out in the Park!

10 Prime Minister John Key Exclusive interview and pictures.

From the Editor What a huge month we have had in the express office. Our gorgeous Amy was off giving birth to a beautiful little girl, and our director Richard and designer Patric were both away on holiday. So myself, Regan, my assistant Tux and our special guest designer Zakk d’Larté battered down the hatches and sailed the good ship express onwards and upwards. I’m so proud of the job we all did bringing you this amazing election-themed issue! We have exclusive sit down interviews and photoshoots with Prime Minister John Key and opposition leader David Cunliffe (who we shot in his Herne Bay home)! Plus, we pose your questions to Green leaders Metiria Turei and Russel Norman. Away from politics we celebrate Family’s nine years on top, drool over Eliad Cohen, laugh along with Bianca Del Rio, get fit with Laura Varrie and ‘meet’ Lick party organiser Natalie Zibung. I hope to see you guys at Gay Ski Week. For more: scene pictures, stories columns and reviews, updated daily, keep visiting our website: www. gayexpress.co.nz Cover: John Key and David Cunliffe by Patric Seng for express.

16 David Cunliffe Exclusive chat at his home. 21 Green Leaders

We meet Russel and Meteria. 22 Laura Varrie’s Fitness Tips Anytime Fitness PT shares all.

24 Bianca Del Rio Trinity Ice asks the drag star everything. 26 Eliad Cohen Party hunk show off his new line.

31 Meet Your Community Party Girl Lick’s Natalie Zibung.

Giveaways

3 x DBL pass to Jesus Christ: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. Tickets for Thursday 30 October at Q Theatre. Enter at gayexpress.co.nz

3 x DBL pass to Propaganda!: At the Monte Cristo Room and Buena Vista Lounge; headlines by DJ Adam Love. Tickets for Sunday 5 October.

3 x DBL pass to Y Chromozone: All male dance show at Tempo Dance Festival. Pair of tickets for 10 and 11 October at Q Theatre.

NEWS

Nine Years Strong In it’s nine years, Family Bar has remained the most dominant feature of the Auckland gay scene. Express asks it’s owner and his staff about the key to its success.

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 Guest Designer Zakk d’Larté 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 | September 2014 |

“Let everyone in. Mix it up. Make everyone feel welcome!” Says owner-operator Wayne Clark about Family’s mantra, comparing the venue to Sydney’s legendary Stonewall. For years prior to Family’s arrival Auckland’s gay scene had struggled to sustain a large commercial gay bar for more than a couple of years with the popularity of venues like G.A.Y., Flesh and Hydrant fading when new alternatives appeared. “We’ve seen roughly 15 gay bars open in the nine years and Family is still standing strong,” says the club’s artistic director Miss Ribena. She feels Family’s success is in-part because they moved with the times. “The gay bars and clubs used to all be aimed at very European gay men.” She says, pointing to Family’s multi-cultural crowd. “The ethnic diversity of Auckland’s gay scene has changed

and everyone feels welcome here.” Clark agrees believing his inclusive venue also caters for multi-sexualities. “It has merged with the straight scene,” he tells us, “but they stay connected with the community by supporting events all over the country.” “The Family brand is everywhere,” adds Ribena. “From Dunedin Pride to organising free buses for The Big Gay Out.” She also confirms Family, “will have a strong involvement in next year’s Auckland Pride Festival.” A number of Family’s staff have remained with the venue throughout the years. “DJ Wanda is still packing out the downstairs dance floor,” Clark highlights. “Most of the staff that leave here come back,” says jovial barman Aaron. “I went and worked for a couple of straight bars at one point, but they were so boring by comparison!”

Part of Family’s pulling power is there is rarely a dull moment. “It thrives on drama. It’s all part of the atmosphere,” laughs Clark, adding, “I’m always changing it.” His next refurbishment will see a garden bar installed at the back of the venue. Miss Ribena feels at Family, the crowd receive what they want. “Commercial music and camp drag spots!” Clark agrees. “It’s the mainstream bars all over the world that get the most people.” Family is certainly not the only jewel in our scene’s crown. Men’s bar Urge is a K Road institution that has spent seventeen years on the strip. Ponsonby Road’s Poof Bar has made more headlines this year than any other in the country and nightclub Legend is enticing acts to perform from all over the world. Aren’t we lucky! Article | Oliver Hall. gayexpress.co.nz

NEWS

GABA Charity Auction GABA is now calling for donations for its grand annual charity auction!

Bruce Kilmister to Retire Body Positive (BP) have announced CEO Bruce Kilmister will retire at the end of the year. “Bruce’s first involvement in BP was so long ago that no records are available to confirm exactly when that was,” BP Chairman Ashley Barratt tells us.

Following the success of last year’s Ambassador’s Farewell Dinner & Auction. GABA is taking our community’s premier charity event back to its roots, by scheduling this year’s GABA Charitable Auction as a glamorous afternoon luncheon. The 2014 GABA Charitable Auction will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 12 October at the Hilton Auckland on Princes Wharf. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate an item or service for this year’s auction should contact GABA now, or email the event organiser, Julian Cook: juju@goodjuju.co.nz Photo | Last year’s host David Farrier with glamorous assistants Corey Iggo and Leda Petite.

Bar Manager Steven Mawhinney beaten by two men in Wellington.

In the late nineties, Kilmister became chairman of the board of BP and held that position for nearly six years before taking on the permanent position of CEO.

On Friday 22 August, Mawhinney was physically assaulted by two men who had arrived seemingly unaware it was a gay bar. “Once they realised they took great offence and left screaming homophobic slurs,” Mawhinney said.They returned abusing customers from outside the bar, before attempting to re-enter the premises. Trying to protect the customers, Mawhinney “drove the aggressive group onto the street. At least two guys threw a number of punches at me.” Police were called and located the group within 15 minutes. One man has been charged and will appear in court on Friday 29 August after express been has to print.

“Bruce has built the organisation up to provide an extensive range of services and facilities for People living with HIV/AIDS today,” says Barratt. From a small office that BP shared with the Burnett Centre, it has grown to fill an entire building. Kilmister also managed the expansion of the organisation’s services to Wellington in 2013. “Bruce is to be acknowledged for BP becoming a respected charitable trust, with a reputation for providing professional support and advocacy for people living with HIV throughout Aotearoa.”

AUCKLAND 2016 ASIA-PACIFIC OUTGAMES Auckland Outgames 2016 Inc. (Auckland 2016) is being formed to manage the planning, procurement, operation, delivery DQG OHJDF\ IRU WKH $VLD 3DFLÀF Outgames to be held in Auckland 13-20 February 2016. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved in the largest LBGTI event ever to be held in Auckland.

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Attack at Ivy Bar

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CULTURE - HUMAN RIGHTS - SPORTS

NEWS

Auckland Wins Outgames 2016! Barry Taylor, President of Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA Asia Pacific) has announced Auckland will host the 2016 Asia Pacific Outgames . “With it’s three pillars of Sports, Culture and Human Rights, the Outgames will see over 2000 LGBTI participants from across the AsiaPacific region gather in Auckland to compete in sport striving for their personal best, and to celebrate and to affirm our lives through culture, music, dance, drama and the visual arts,” said Mr Taylor.

The Game will be held in February 2016 concurrently with the Auckland Pride Festival, and organisers promise highlights will include: an opening ceremony at an iconic Auckland venue, over 20 different sports, an extensive arts and cultural programme, inspiring keynote speakers, participants marching in the Auckland Pride Parade, parties and cultural events.

Labour’s Rainbow Promises On August 26, The Labour Party formally pledged to tackle a number of issues specifically affecting the GLBT community, announcing their Labour policies.

Labour’s promises included: Making our schools safer, stating it would eradicate, “discrimination, violence and bullying. Improving the lives of trans* and intersex New Zealanders by implementing the Wellington’s Out In The Square changes name and location, but ‘To Be Who I am’ report.” This would promises to be as fun as ever. include adding ‘Gender Identity’ Out in the Square, Wellington’s to Te Papa on the waterfront, to the list of prohibited grounds of famous queer fair which has been will provide more space and a discrimination. Modernising child running as an annual event since nicer setting. Out In The Park will adoption laws, “to ensure equal 1986, will be relocated in 2015 take place on Valentines Day treatment of same-sex couples,” from Civic Square to Waitangi with free entertainment including and says it will, “tackle youth mental Park – prompting a name change local singers, drag queens and health, especially suicide and selfto Out In The Park. Organisers kings, comedians, and circus harm and improve the access to say Waitangi Park, located next performers. and quality of health services.”

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Scene

Legend’s 1st Birthday Saturday 9 August. Photos | Suki Zhang Legend celebrated it’s first birthday in style! Soul diva Shauna Jensen flew in from Sydney especially to perform. The gorgeous Ivy League and hilarious Kita Mean also graces the stage, while DJ’s Wai and James Leuii kept the party goers dancing. Many happy returns!

gayexpress.co.nz

| September 2014 | 9

10 | September 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

ELECTION

The Key to a Third Term? On Tuesday 12 August the express team heading to the National party’s head quarters in Greenlane to meet and photograph Prime Minister John Key. He talked to Oliver Hall about his time in power and what he will do for our community if he stays on top.

This is the third occasion I have interviewed John Key. The last time was for Citymix magazine in 2008 in the run up to the election that made him the most powerful man in New Zealand. Back then, he agreed to conduct the interview in our Newton-based office, sending my then boss into a spin, summoning cleaners to whip the place into shape for his visit. When I remind him of this, he admits to being aware of the ‘rarified environment’ that comes with his job. “Inevitably you live in a world where every business you go to they clean it up, every school - they tidy it, you’ve got to realize it’s not exactly the real world,” he tells me, pointing out that it’s still closer to reality than the likes of Barack Obama or David Cameron experience. He says he tries to remain grounded by doing ‘regular things’ on weekends. He tells me he still loves his job and believes he is getting better at it. “Your knowledge base of NZ and it’s issues dramatically increases, as does your knowledge of foreign policy issues. Your capacity of how to lead on those issues definitely improves… I’m feeling more relaxed [in the job] now then I might have a while ago.” Despite the polls he did not seem certain of a victory. Perhaps he had an inkling that a certain book launch that would take place in Wellington twenty four hours after our interview could change the tide. “If it all ends in 30 odd days, I’ll be reasonably happy with what we did in the six years, if you put everything in the context of global financial crisis, Christchurch earthquakes… we’ve done the best we can.” He says acknowledging his team’s efforts.

For a man who runs a country, his ego does seem in check. He has no greater air of arrogance or self-importance than he did in 2008 and even then it was pretty negligible. I’m guessing this is in part, why the people around him seem to adore him. “You guys will love him,” a press secretary had informed me when we were organising the interview. Now another sits by us recording our conversation and later shadows our photographer taking a picture on her phone every time he does. She seems genuinely protective of Key.

difference to me whether they are gay or not.” He tells me, pointing out he feels it is ‘extremely unlikely’ his children are gay, but, “as a parent I want my children to be happy and healthy and happy in their relationship whatever the sexual orientation.” Hence why he voted in favour of Marriage Equality. He realises that coming out at any age can be tough. “I can see how challenging that would be through the high number of youth suicides and mental illness that are linked to

In his six years as PM, Key’s most significant support for the LGBT community came when he voted in favour of marriage equality. “Being Prime Minister and by taking that stance I was going to always be the most high-profile person to do that and I would essentially provide cover for other National MPs or right wing candidates that wanted to vote for it because attention was always going to be drawn to me and not them and I was more than happy with that.” He says. This is one of numerous occasions he references his vote for marriage equality in our interview. At times, it feels reminiscent of a boss who in July is still dropping into conversation the bonus he gave you last Christmas. (Think Ricky Gervais’ David Brent in The Office.) But I am left in no doubt that he has genuinely come around on LGBT issues since he voted against the Civil Union Bill in 2004. I ask him how he would react if one of his children came out. “I would love them just the same… It wouldn’t make a blind bit of

people’s sexuality. The reality is not every family is going to take a considered view into these matters or be comfortable with it.” In an email following our interview he states that National has allocated $100,000 to support LGBT youth, “including $55,000 to help strengthen health and services.”

ELECTION In this same email he points out that National are, “a centre-right party which has quite conservative roots,” and is pleased ‘on balance’ with the level of support the party gave Marriage Equality (50% in favour, 50% against). He is clear that Colin Craig’s Conservative Party is one National, “could potentially work with,” but does not believe this should concern LGBT voters. “The truth is if that happened, I don’t think that’s going to make any difference to gay and lesbian rights in NZ, because they are conscience issues… I have never detected any appetite to unwind gay and lesbian rights... I’m happy with the vote I undertook. I have no intension of changing it.” So National would have no intension revoking our communities rights, but would they further them? Back in 2004 Georgina Beyer introduced a member’s bill in Parliament that suggested ‘gender identity’ be added to the lists of prohibited grounds of discrimination in Section 21 of the Human Rights Act. At the time it was turned down on the basis that gender identity was already covered by ‘sex’ discrimination. But a follow-up Human Rights Commission report on the issue disagreed. When Louisa Wall tried to get an amendment made to the definition of sex discrimination to include gender identity, Justice Minister Judith Collins again knocked it back labeling it ‘controversial’. Key says that he cannot comment on specific details as he does not have the information to hand, but he would certainly hope, “they were protected already... I would hope in NZ that people aren’t discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality. In so much that we would make comment to make sure we protect them – yes we would do that. We want people to be treated fairly and equally.” It is a hugely positive answer for the transgender community, yet interestingly as I transcribe our interview I realize he never uses the term ‘trans’ in his answers, referring just to the ‘gay and lesbian community.’

Commonwealth games. He is clearly proud of NZ’s 45 medals. I ask if he feels as a Commonwealth leader whether he can advocate gay rights on world stage, pointing out that in 42 of the 53 competing countries homosexuality is still a crime. “I’m surprised that number is that high,” he says comparing the situation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, where, “we stood up really strongly and said that was wrong and we would be sending our team, and people would be there on their merits in the sports they were participating in, and if he [President Putin] didn’t like it, tough luck!” He confirms he could raise this issue at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. “If we are Prime Minister that’s an issue we could advocate for [sic].” He notes that he has, “raised the issue of gay and lesbian rights at Pacific Forum Meetings,” before, though sadly seems unsuccessful thus far to have altered the views of other pacific leaders. “It’s only moral persuasion so we can’t force them to change their position, but what we can point out to people is that change has been [made] in NZ and it’s been a positive thing… If their political leaders deny that, they are free to do that, but it’s not reality.” Moving forward he believes change will come. “Over time I think you can make progress,” he says positively. For express’ shoot he is completely obliging to every pose our photographer requests. During it he raises a few rather clunky topics of conversation with me: asking how many gay people there are in New Zealand? Asking me if AIDS in still a big problem and informing me of the number of pink shirts and ties he owns (red ones apparently don’t suit him). Again Ricky Gervais in The Office comes to mind, but I can’t help but think it’s quite sweet of him for trying.

Article | Oliver Hall. Photos | Patric Seng. Our conversation moves on to the

12 | September 2014 |

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Scene

Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9th Birthday Sunday 24 August. Photos | Evan Donnelly & Suki Zhang Nine fabulous years on Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rd for Family Bar! What a night! One of the busiest of the year and the bubbles were flowing! The fun never stopped, from the non-stop drag shows to the buff LYC boys (Paris!), if you missed it, you missed out!

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ELECTION

All Behind Cunliffe? His road to leadership has been a bumpy one, but a determined David Cunliffe got what he wanted. Can he put Labour back in power, and is it what he really wants? Oliver Hall meets face to face to find out.

“Where would you like to do the interview?” Simon Cunliffe, David’s Media Director and first cousin inquires. “His house?” I ask, in trepidation that the suggestion will immediately be shot down. “I was thinking of a ‘getting to know David angle’,” I say responding to the silence at the other end of the line. “I’ll ask,” he replies, confirming what I felt, that this was a long shot. Yet on returning to the office after interviewing John Key, I am greeted with the news that we are on, to interview and shoot David (photographically speaking) at Casa Cunliffe on Friday 15 August. Squeals of excitement are induced.

think how quickly she would get my vote. She volunteers for make-up duty herself. I ask her how it feels to be involved in the election run-up. “We knew it would get nasty, but didn’t realize how nasty,” she says candidly. My heart sinks. She confesses missing him as he spends days away on the campaign trail and worrying about how little sleep he gets (less than five hours a night). It reminds me of the infamous comment he made to The Listener in 2008, denying he would ever want to be Prime Minister: “it’s a bastard job and I have a young family,” he had told them. Obviously in the six years since, he has changed his mind. I feel less sure she has.

On Friday morning myself, our photographer Patric and my assistant Tux, descend on their Herne Bay residence. We are a woman down, as our make-up artist has had car trouble. His wife Karen greets us (David and team have been delayed) and is utterly delightful; warm, bright, I can’t help but

After he has arrived and we have settled on his patio, I ask Cunliffe if his own party really want him to be PM. “I have worked hard and our team has reciprocated to ensure we have a unified caucus and unified party going forward,” he says assuring me he has their full support. He denies that an

16 | September 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Anyone But Cunliffe contingent still exists. “It’s been renamed All Behind Cunliffe,” he deadpans, before assuring me he respects Phil Goff and David Shearer, “enormously.” So why is National polling better? “It goes into this election with several historical advantages. Including a PM who has been around a lot longer then I have and has enjoyed the benefits of incumbency. With Nicky Hager’s book out that mask is rapidly coming off.” He tells me. Hager’s Dirty Politics was released two days before our interview and has caused quite the stir. Cunliffe feels the book is helping to ensure that, “people understand behind [John Key’s] smile there is an apparatus of dirty tricks including some of the most abusive and personal tactics ever seen in NZ politics.” He tells me that Labour are within a few percent of being able to form a coalition government and, “victory is within our grasp.” He believes that it is not just LGBT issues that should encourage our community to vote Labour. “The gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and wider, so if gay people know what it’s like to experience discrimination and disadvantage – how about the fact that 10% of New Zealanders own more that the other 90%? A quarter of our kids are growing up under the poverty line, that’s wrong and it’s also not smart. How are you going to have a productive, highly educated workforce?” He questions. “There’s always the risk that when another generation come along who haven’t had to fight for it that they take it for granted,” Cunliffe admits when I ask about younger people voting in an age where marriage equality is established. However highlighting the strength of his team’s rainbow caucus and Labour’s consistent support on LGBT issues, he says he feels confident, “the gay vote will come home for Labour.” Cunliffe tells me, “by world standards,” he believes New Zealand is a good place for young LGBTs to grow up, but could still be improved. “We still have: incidents of bullying, discrimination in the workplace, some areas of our culture where for religious reasons or others – there is persistent stereotyping of LGBT people. And we aren’t yet at the ideal where everybody is accepted and respected for who they are.” He is quick to point out that he himself is a religious man, choosing St Matthew in The City as gayexpress.co.nz 17 | September

2014 |

his church of choice. It is one of the country’s most progressive churches; on Sunday nights housing a dedicated rainbow community service. Just like his church Cunliffe believes we as a nation need to build, “a culture that consistently celebrates diversity and respects human rights.” I ask him if he believes this attitude should stretch beyond our own culture and see our leader advocating gay rights to our commonwealth cohorts and pacific neighbours. Like John Key, he says he is shocked that homosexuality is still punishable in 42 Commonwealth countries. “Those are not good numbers... Of course being gay shouldn’t be a crime. If we have bilateral contact with commonwealth countries who are actively discriminating against gays, I could certainly see us raising that as a human rights concern in bilateral discussion.” Labour’s LGBT caucus, Rainbow Labour, highlights a striking contrast between our two major parties. Currently National’s only out MP is Chris Finlayson, who declined to be interviewed by express and voted against marriage equality. Cunliffe believes Rainbow Labour brings, “an awareness of disadvantage and discrimination which fires them with an even greater passion to overcome that for others.” He says out MPs like Grant Robson and Maryan Street are, “top flight heavy hitting MPs… amongst the best of their generation,” but saves his highest praise for Louisa Wall. “Louisa is a phenomenon: a double national sports representative, a very bright person, who is also very strong in herself.” He contemplates whether Wall’s orientation, “has contributed to that sense of strength, because she has had to be very clear about who she is, knowing that it’s not always going to be easy.” Sounds like she will make a great Prime Minister one day. Article | Oliver Hall.

Photos | Patric Seng.

Scene

Lick at Libertine Saturday 9 August Photos | Suki Zhang Lick Auckland is NZ’s biggest night for girls who love girls. The crowd were enthusiastic to dress up in the night’s ‘beauty and the geek’ theme. DJ’s Marjorie Sinclair and Zeisha Fremaux served up some house, R&B and hip hop music to the hungry crowd.

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HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Kate Monroe The DJ known as “The First Lady of House”, will be returning to New Zealand to play the closing night party of Gay Ski Week, ‘Oh, What a Circus!’ on Saturday 6 September. One of Sydney’s hardest working and most requested DJs, Kate is regular at Mardi Gras, played the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve and is a resident at Darling Harbour’s legendary Home nightclub. As 3D World magazine put it, “In a city flooded with electro-house wannabes, Monroe is unafraid to forge her own sound. And it’s fu**ing fantastic.” We whole-heartedly agree and can’t wait to see her rock Queenstown!

ELECTION

Putting our Environment First Green Party leaders Metiria Turei and Russel Norman on why we should be ticking their box this election. What do you think are the three greatest problems facing NZ at the moment? Our rivers and beaches being dirty and at risk from pollution and oil spills, inequality, child poverty and an economy that is not working for everyone. Do you have a message for people who are thinking about coming out? Metiria - Remember that you are a perfect, amazing person and the world deserves to know the real you. Russel - You are a wonderful person, inside and out. You deserve to be happy and be the person you want to be. Do you think NZ is a good place for young gay people to grow up? At the moment, New Zealand is a hard place for most young people to grow up in. There is a real need for us to become a society that is fair and equal for everyone. What will The Green Party do to improve health and well-being of the rainbow community? Our policy is for: Full legal equality; Clarify gender identity as a ground for discrimination to be illegal; Resourcing for community centres, support services, events and outreach programmes; Create safe environments in schools and all other institutions; Ensure the availability of health services specific to the needs of rainbow communities; Take an active role in promoting human rights for rainbow communities around the world. What do rainbow voices bring to Parliament? Parliament needs to represent the diversity we see in our society. Rainbow voices bring a great pool of knowledge and personal understanding facing the queer gayexpress.co.nz

community. We are proud of the fact that all of our MPs have always voted the right way on rainbow issues in Parliament. In 42 Commonwealth countries homosexuality is still a crime. As a commonwealth leader do you think our Prime Minister has a responsibility to advocate gay rights on a world stage? New Zealand and our leaders, especially our Prime Minister, have a responsibility to stand up for human rights everywhere. Do you have an unsung rainbow hero that you feel should be recognised? Metiria - The many young men and women who set up the Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth Network in 1989. Now the great support organization Rainbow Youth! Russel - Alan Turing. He is considered the father of modern computing but he was prosecuted for his homosexuality in 1952. I admire him for his work and the fact he acknowledged his sexuality despite knowing this would result in a conviction. Why should our readers give you their party vote? We have a proven track record of being the lead voice of opposition this term in Parliament on issues that are important to New Zealanders such as asset sales. But at the same time, we have also worked with National to deliver practical results like the home insulation package. We bring fresh, modern thinking into Parliament and we are the only party that is not afraid to tackle the big issues, like climate change and poverty, head on. Article | Oliver Hall.

Read Metiria and Russelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full interview at www.gayexpress.co.nz.

| September 2014 | 21

FITNESS

Spring is for Shaping Up Laura Varrie is personal trainer at Ponsonby’s Anytime fitness (the world’s largest 24 hour co-ed fitness company) and a proud member of our community. She shares her top tips for burning off those extra Winter pounds. Laura recommends simple bodyweight/resistance exercises that can be done either in the gym with the use of equipment or at home as a really effective way for anyone to start getting into shape. She tells us that exercises that use bodyweight can be really effective, because they utilise multiple muscle groups, get your heart pumping and can burn lots of calories because they combine cardio and strength training. They’re also easy for beginners, can be modified to suit all fitness levels, and when performed as part of circuit training burn more calories than a long walk or jog. Before starting: always make sure you warm-up. Ensure you get your heart rate up and your muscles warm first before going into your circuit to help prevent injury. You can do this by running on the spot, using a skipping rope or using a stationary bike. Your circuit is: r Y #PEZXFJHIU 4RVBUT r TFDPOE 1MBOL r Y #JDFQ $VSMT r Y -VOHFT FBDI MFH

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Repeat these 2 - 3 times. You can add resistance to your exercises to challenge yourself further once bodyweight exercises become easier to do. Once you have completed your workout, always stretch. Your muscles have been contracting whilst working and need to be stretched back out. “For those with a more advanced level of fitness and are looking for something more challenging, come along to our Ponsonby gym and we can discuss a tailored training program so you can reach those fitness goals in the fastest way possible!” says Laura. Anytime Fitness is located at 100 Ponsonby Road, Auckland and can be contacted on 09 360 5488. Photos | Tux Hika.

22 | September 2014 |

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INTERVIEW

Hurricane Bianca Hits Auckland American insult-comic and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Six Winner Bianca Del Rio is coming to NZ for a one-night-only performance at Legend Bar. Local queen and über fan Trinity Ice gets to know the man behind the makeup. What’s next in the pipeline for you, once you’ve travelled around the world to see us? It’s been such an amazing journey [since winning drag race]. I’m having the time of my life. At this point, the sky is the limit! Stay tuned. Could you tell us about the movie you are starring in Hurricane Bianca? It’s a revenge comedy that we’ve been producing about a gay schoolteacher that gets fired and returns in disguise to get back at the homophobic staff. It’s a fun way to deal with a serious topic. We’ve been crowd funding to raise the money, and it’s been going over really well. Check us out at www.HurricaneBianca.com. What would you like your fans in New Zealand to know about you? That, I’m a man. Who are your inspirations in life? Joan Crawford, Ghandi and Bozo the Clown. How old were you when you came out? Who said I was gay?!

Tell us one thing we definitely won’t know about you. I’m gay. Out of all the Season Six cast who did you learn the most from? I learned how to do a “death drop” from Laganja! What inspired you to start doing drag? I started out doing theatre. I was working backstage with costumes and wigs. Then started performing, it just seemed like a natural progression for me. What advice would you give to people thinking of giving drag a go? Always carry a disposable razor in your purse. No one likes a hairy lady! What’s your best make-up tip you? White eyeliner makes everything bigger! Which comics have most inspired your work? Joan Rivers, Don Rickles and of course, the hilarious Sarah Palin.

What do love most about insult comedy? I don’t call it comedy. I call it ‘the truth!’ What do you take on tour to remind you of home? My wigs because they look a lot like my dogs. Who’s your favourite queen from all the seasons of Drag Race? Michelle Visage. Bianca’s Hunty Party comes to Legend on Sunday 14 September. Tickets from www. dashtickets.co.nz.

Article | Trinity Ice. Trinity Ice is a Wellington showgirl who has been working on the Auckland drag scene for three years.

PERFUME GENIUS º TOO BRIGHT Out September 19 Includes singles ‘Queen’ and ‘The Grid’ “A q u i e t t r i u m p h ” ★ ★ ★ ★ — UK Guardian

BEAUTY

Eliad Cohen The Iconic Face of Gay Masculinity Fresh from a sexy photo shoot with BCNÜ clothing; model, entrepreneur and social media celebrity Eliad Cohen spoke to express about family, fame and fabulous parties. Since 2012, 25 year-old Eliad Cohen has become the iconic face of gay masculinity, gracing magazine covers around the world. Determined to be more than a model, Cohen created the Papa circuit party brand and expanded it from his hometown of Tel Aviv into an international touring phenomenon. 2014 was the party’s first taste of Australasia, when it touched down in Sydney last February. He promises New Zealand is in his sights. “I always wanted to be an actor,” Cohen tells us of his childhood ambitions, saying he developed a taste for the stage in high school. However growing up in Israel, he had to undertake three years of compulsory army service which changed his priorities. “I learned a lot about myself, the world, health, fitness and a lot of hard work. I’m very glad that I had the opportunity to challenge myself at such an early age… It definitely set the stage for the drive to achieve my goals and constantly push myself harder”, he says, referring to his service with an unexpected glow. Cohen came out to his family aged 20. He denies that his time in the army was hindered by his sexuality, or visa versa. “It’s hard for many people to be gay when they’re 18 years old. I was still figuring out my sexual orientation, working really hard and sleeping very little. My social life wasn’t exactly exciting while I was in the army, but I had one important personal relationship with a senior commander that would inform my gay identity as I grew older,” he reveals, conjuring up a bevy of camouflage-clad fantasies.

For Westerners surprised that someone from Cohen’s background can have such selfacceptance of their sexuality, he is quick to set them straight. “Tel Aviv is a very liberal city... Israel as a whole is slowly improving… Currently, samesex marriage is not legal in Israel, but same-sex marriages from other countries are recognised… I’m very lucky to have such a supportive family,” he says, confiding he is especially close with his mother. Cohen is clearly proud of his heritage, demonstrating it with the pendant he wears around his neck. “It says ‘chai,’ which is the Hebrew word for ‘life.’ It’s a good luck charm and it’s supposed to protect you. I never take it off.” Cohen does not get to spend much time in his home country these days, despite having his family and his business Gay-Ville (a gay-friendly accommodation website) based there. Most of the year he is hosting the ever-expanding circuit of Papa dance parties that he produces and took on the road after successfully launching at Tel Aviv Pride in 2010. A year later the Papa parties were filling arenas in New York. One of the parties’ unique features is how they have been promoted with social media videos, renowned for their stylized concepts and quirky, often-controversial humour. They also allow Cohen to tap into the inner-actor that he dreamed of becoming in his school days. His personal favourites include the promo for an NYC party co-starring a lycra-clad midget and transsexual model Amanda Lapore (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rMpPhKqtw4). Depictions of Eliad and his hunky model costars in traditional Middle Eastern dress in many of the videos have raised conservative eyebrows (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rMpPhKqtw4), as have the comic depictions of domestic violence

| September 2014 | 27

BEAUTY (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNeJyrU6hYQ) Cohen has presented with frequent collaborator Israeli drag queen Uriel Yekutiel to promote their Tel-Aviv-based Arisa parties (which exclusively play traditional Israeli Mizrahi music for their LGBT audience).

will hit our shores. “You can count on it,” he tells us. “We’re planning on coming back to Australia and [visiting] New Zealand before the end of the year, so I’ll keep you updated!”

“I’m most proud of is the artistic direction of the parties. I spend a tremendous amount of time working on themes, musical direction, costumes, visuals, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it’s fantastic! We want the parties to be a positive and upbeat experience, where people leave happier than when they arrived,” he says.

Photos: BCNÜ FIT Iconic Tri-colour Hoodie & Retro Gym

The fame Cohen has received since becoming the cover model of the Spartacus International Gay Guide in 2011 that catapulted his profile, has been both a blessing and a curse. “I love getting to travel all over the world and meet new people. It’s great to be known in that sense, so that I get a chance to meet people that I never would have met. I guess the worst part is people assuming things about me without actually having a conversation with me,” he admits. Whatever people may assume about him, Cohen’s brand has become an internationally sort-after success, as his latest gig as the face of Aussie Sportswear Label BCNÜ proves. “I often describe the BCNÜ style as addictive, masculine, sporty & cheeky – the same words could be used to describe Eliad, making him the perfect ambassador for the brand,” BCNÜ’s Director and Founder Paul Zack tells us, explaining the partnership will see Cohen add ‘fashion designer’ to his resume as he will release his own line for the label. Cohen promises it won’t be long before Papapandemonium (his equivalent to Beiber-fever)

28 | September 2014 |

Article | Oliver Hall.

Shorts (page 26), BCNÜ FIT Bermuda (Gym/Swim) Shorts (right). All clothing is available at www.bcnuclothing.com.

IMMIGRATION

$YRLGLQJ 7KH ,PPLJUDWLRQ 0LQHoHOG David Cooper is the Director of Client Service for Malcolm Pacific Immigration. David has worked for Malcolm Pacific for 26 years, and prior to that was involved with creating policy at the Department of Immigration. He sat down with express to discuss the immigration issues affecting our community. What are the most common difficulties New Zealanders face when attempting to acquire residency for a foreign partner? The most common difficulty New Zealanders face attempting to gain entry for their foreign partners is being able to spend enough time living together to satisfy Immigration NZ they have a genuine and stable partnership. The rules require a couple must have lived together for 12 months before the foreign partner can qualify for residence. Partners who come from countries where being out is not acceptable or legal then it can be very hard for them to get the evidence Immigration NZ require to prove the genuineness of the relationship such as mail to show the couple are living at the same address, joint bank accounts, or letters from family and friends recognising the relationship. Are there any additional complications if the partner is trans? Quite often the complications are more perception than reality. As far as the NZ government is concerned a trans partner will be treated as any other partner applying for entry; the same rules apply. However, there can be complications with documents if names have been changed post op but not through a lawful process or birth certificates re issued but errors made. Problems with documents are quite common and this is a major problem as the government is very tough on identity issues. They want absolute assurance of who they are dealing with so getting the

gayexpress.co.nz

documents right is very important to avoid expensive errors once the visa application is already lodged. Are there any particular immigration rules that may surprise some of our readers? What many in the GBLT community don’t realise is that there is a restriction on how many foreign partners a New Zealander can bring into NZ. The government only allows a maximum of 2 overseas partners to be sponsored with a break of five years before a second (and last) partner can be sponsored. What are the most satisfying areas of your job? One of the most satisfying and interesting areas of work has been working with organisations like Body Positive to effect change in immigration policy where HIV positive partners of New Zealanders have at long last a pathway to live in NZ which simply didn’t exist before. What is the current situation with HIV+ partners seeking to migrate to NZ? HIV+ positive partners who have not lived with

their NZ partners for 12 months will still face uphill battles getting entry to NZ. In these cases they must still disclose their status and need professional advice to navigate a success pathway. HIV+ partners who have lived with their partners for 12 months or more will not be tested for HIV and their status will not be a barrier to entry. Are there any pitfalls readers involved with immigration cases should be careful to avoid? Giving ‘immigration advice’ is regulated by the Immigration Advisers Act. There is a law governing the provision of immigration advice so the GBLT community needs to know only deal with a licensed immigration adviser. But don’t just rely on the advisers license make sure they check out the person’s experience and knowledge before engaging their services because the immigration process can be a potential minefield. Article | Oliver Hall. Photo | Tux Hika.

| September 2014 | 29

Scene

GABA’s AGM Wednesday 20 August. Photos | Evan Donnelly. GABA’s Annual General Meeting at the Empire Tavern saw a changing of the guard. Heather Carnegie went head to head with incumbent President Skot Barnet. After each candidate roused the crowds with their intentions, the results were close but it was Carnegie’s hand raised in victory. 11 new executive board members were also elected.

Kiss & Tell r Which shameless “Stylist” was

Meet Your Community

falling over himself at the opening of NZFW begging for invites to every show. When he got what he wanted, our boy had a few too many bubbles

Lick Party producer Natalie Zibung. How was life growing up in NZ and why, like so many Kiwis, do you choose to live in Australia? Growing up in Auckland was fun but tough for me. In the years prior, my family moved countries often, so I never stayed in one place for long. When we finally came back to Auckland and settled, it was in my teen years and I was going through the coming out phase. My parents had just gone through a divorce so I felt it was time for my feet to find new ground and move to start an independent life elsewhere. I sold everything I had and left Auckland with a suitcase and few hundred dollars in my pocket, randomly chose Melbourne as my getaway city and the rest is history! How old were you when you came out? I was 17 when I came out; first to my sister. I sat her down in my room and was so nervous to tell her because I had never gayexpress.co.nz

talked about it with anyone. Since I was in kindergarten I was always attracted to the same sex. She was really happy for me and made me a little present afterwards, then two weeks later she called me into her room and came out to me! How important is it for you to be involved in the Community? People play different and crucial roles within every rainbow community and it’s important for not only me but as many people to be involved with the same passion and hindsight. What makes me strive is bringing people together, bridging the gaps and making those connections between different communities. It’s important to have different events that cater to everyone. What was your concept for Lick parties? After I made the move from Auckland to Melbourne, I found

and hadn’t realised he was it hard to make friends within the community. I wanted to create a space where there would be no judgement or segregation, I wanted a space to be all-inclusive… Lick launched in December 2009, it sold out a week prior, then the numbers just started growing from there. We had to change venues when it went from 350, to 650, to 800 then finally our biggest party reached just over 1100 girls in 2011. Now we are the only entertainment company that holds dedicated events for girls within the rainbow community in all of the major cities in Australia as well as in Auckland. Do you plan to take your parties anywhere else in NZ? Absolutely. We have been getting regular messages from girls in Wellington and Christchurch so that is something I am working on at the moment.

wearing most of his drink. r Which mother hen is back in the game? “Best Shit Around” apparently! But be careful darl, it’s not been a year yet! r Dancing queens can breath a sigh of relief. “If there ain’t no love, then there ain’t no use!” r So the city’s top award winning queen has to audition, but she finds out others were handed their spots. A storm is brewing! r What snap-happy shutterbug is busy flashing his wealth and his car to all his friends. But on the down-low is borrowing money from his parents and collecting WINZ. The car is leased, the house is rented. Be careful about falling out with friends who are known for their big mouths darling.

Article | Oliver Hall.

| September 2014 | 31

OPERA

Seducing the Wrong Sex

Among its gritty urban settings, a nightclub pole dancer, a blow-up doll served with cornflakes, and a rather hot ending (!), NZ Opera’s latest action-packed production, Don Giovanni leads to one conclusion: the world’s greatest lover is gay. English leading man Mark Stone is a trim, fit figure as Don Giovanni, but his character fails to score with the ladies in all three attempts in the opera. He sings that he has bedded a total of 2065, but, like the doll, that could just be inflation. Mark Stone’s gorgeous, rich baritone voice, sailing over the full Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, is certainly a highlight, but the climax Giovanni boasts of is not reached by the serial seducer. “He can’t get it up!” exclaims Auckland critic and historian, Dr Nicholas Reid, who has written some of the production’s programme notes. “Let us take poor Don Giovanni and lay him on the psychoanalyst’s couch, for he causes many

32 | September 2014 |

problems in our popular culture now - especially under his original Spanish name, Don Juan.”

ways) from either latent homosexuality or a mother complex.”

Don Juan’s story started as a straightforward warning against the sins of seduction and fornication, says Dr Reid. “Though the old story still condemned Don Juan to Hell, he was the man who most male members of the audience secretly wished they could be.” Yet Reid feels Don Giovanni is “bored shitless by all this love.”

But don’t worry. The flames of Hell await Don Giovanni not because of his libido but because he committed murder. In the Molière play based on the character, he seems so bored with this reputation as a lover that he’s almost relieved to be dragged off to Hell. On it’s way to the great doom-laden chords of damnation, the opera mostly bubbles along brightly with some of Mozart’s most sparkling music. It is, says Dr Reid, “a sly celebration of eroticism.” But for the great lover, “I think he’s over it!”

The opera’s plot shows a series of attempted and unsuccessful seductions. “Isn’t there the faintest ironical suggestion that in sexual terms, this Don Giovanni may be a bit of a flop? We don’t see him consummating his lust in the opera; his reputation is not played out in front of us. ‘Don Juan-ism’ is now defined as a man’s inability to truly relate to women as equals. His desire to conquer as many women as possible springs from doubts about his own masculinity or (as both Freud and Jung argued in their different

Article | O.G. Fermin. Don Giovanni will play from Thursday 18 to Sunday 28 September at Auckland’s Aotea Centre and from Saturday 11 to Saturday 18 October at Wellington’s St James Theatre. Tickets from www.nzopera.com. gayexpress.co.nz

EAT

Foodie Bites

Get Fishy

Get Real Real Pasifik will be screening its second series on TVOne from Saturday 13 September. Check out some of our most talented gay chefs, authors and TV personalities in action. Robert Oliver travels to several Pacific Islands and explores Auckland’s own Pacific culture seeking out ways of rejuvenating existing traditional dishes to give them a modern gourmet twist. You’ll be drooling halfway through the first episode. www.realpasifik.com

Get Schooled For keen foodies, The New Zealand School of Food and Wine is holding a two-day event on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 September featuring wine and food tasting as well as several master classes including some by US-based Master of Wine Tim Hanni and renowned cheese expert Juliet Harbutt. This is an amazing chance to learn from some true experts in the culinary and wine appreciation fields. www.foodandwine. co.nz

Get More Three of our favourite spots have recently become so popular they’ve e opened up an additional branch. The wonderful Best Ugly Bagels, by Al Brown, has found a second home in Newmarket; Wilder and Hunt have brought their tasty-but-healthy delights to Ponsonby and our local favourite Il Buco has opened up in Vulcan Lane too. Happy days. Best Ugly Bagels, 3A York Street, Newmarket www.bestugly.co.nz Wilder and Hunt, 65 Mackelvie St, Ponsonby www.wilderandhunt.co.nz Il Buco, 35c Vulcan Lane, Auckland Central www.ilbuco.co.nz

W recently checked out new We Herne Bay local, Fishsmith, and H lloved what we found. It’s the first ttime we’ve ever been stumped as tto what to have in a chippy! They do all kinds of wonderful extras d ssuch as fish and prawn wontons, fifish tacos and chickpea bites, as well as excellent fish and chips. The w man in charge, lovely Scott Brown, m is formerly of the Sofitel – no wonder it’s a bit more upmarket than most takeaways. Fishsmith, 200 Jervois Road, Herne Bay www.fishsmith.co.nz Il Buco photo | Brendan Karanagh

Get Tasting Last month saw the 2014 Farmers Markets Awards presented in Feilding, where the local market was once again named the ‘Farmers’ Market of the Year as voted by Consumers’. Many of our favourite artisans also took out awards such as Mount Eliza Cheese from Tauranga, Curious Croppers from Clevedon and Mulleez from Hobsonville Point. www. farmersmarketsawards.org.nz

Article | Alexia Santamaria. Alexia xia is the co-author of popular blog www. w. cheapeats.co.nz the Auckland guide to eating great food without ut going bankrupt.

BUSINESS

Planning for the Piggy Bank Why First Mortgage Trust is the smart choice! Planning for future retirement is often a subject most of us do not want to think or talk about, however, it is inevitable. Taking the opportunity now to put into place an investment plan to secure your comfort in retirement is the smart thing to do. First Mortgage Trust is the largest non-bank mortgage trust in New Zealand, have been in business for over 18 years and have provided competitive returns to investors that have exceeded bank term deposit rates. None of their investors have ever lost any capital. The dedicated team at First Mortgage Trust are available to offer personal, efficient service and put your investment to work for you.

The minimum investment is $500 and you have the ability to make regular contributions by Automatic Payment or Direct Credit. With competitive rates of return and investor income paid quarterly, you can sit back and watch your investment grow with the option of compounding interest. A major advantage of investing with First Mortgage Trust is that there is no fixed term and all investments are secured by registered first mortgages and New Zealand bank deposits. For more information, please call the team at First Mortgage Trust on 0800 321 113 or visit our website www.firstmortgagetrust.co.nz.

Wingate Warms Up Hot Tub makes waves at unique rainbow venue. Avondale’s Wingate is a unique venue for men to meet men with it’s enormous lush gardens, outdoor pool and steam room. The new hot tub has been making a splash with regulars and with the weather warming up for Spring it is hard to imagine a nicer place to be. Renovations on the venue’s dry sauna continue. express got an exclusive look at the architect’s plans and it will be quite palace when completed! Photos | Evan Donnelly.

34 | September 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene Poof on Ponsonby Weekends in August. Photos | Evan Donnelly. Poof continues to switch things up on the scene. Having waved goodbye to Steven Oates’ popular Tuesday quiz nights, Thursday nights now boast eclectic live music line-ups. as well as great music from hunk DJ Michael!

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