2014 12 • gay express december 2014 issue by GayExpress

Auckland Pride

News Exclusive

Rainbow Youth’s 25 Year History

Bruce’s Battles! GABA Divided?

Hot & Wet!

Olympic Rower

Robbie Manson PLUS Gay Sport

Jarrad Mapp’s Sexy Drag Calendar

December 2014

Auckland

Festival 7 Feb-1 March 2015

Auckland Pride Gala

Heroic Gardens Festival

Saturday 7 February, 8pm Q Theatre

Saturday 14-Sunday 15 February

LYC Big Gay Out

Auckland Pride Parade

Bear New Zealand Week

PROUD Party

Sunday 8 February, midday Coyle Park Sunday 8-Sunday 15 February

Saturday 21 February, 7.30pm Ponsonby Road Saturday 28 February, 9pm

Full prograMMe out Mid-January

aucklandpridefestival.org.nz • facebook.com/AkldPrideFest

Contents News Auckland Pride Festival, 4 Auckland Pride Festival, GABA, Barack Obama, Grant GABA, Barack Obama, Grant Robertson, The Simpsons Robertson, The Simpsons and and a a bull, all make headlines. gay gay bull all make headlines. Hottie Family’sOwen OwenSidhu Sidhu 8 Hottie: Family’s JarradMapp’s Mapp’sSexy SexyNew New 12 Jarrad Calendar. Calendar

The Editor’s Oink! It has been an insanely eventful month, from the our cover star Olympic rower Robbie Manson’s essay about his coming out experience becoming headline news to the sad passing of author Leslie Feinberg, who was best known for her ground breaking novel Stone Butch Blues. I know it was a favourite of amazing news editor Levi Joule and I can’t help but feel her final words, which were, ‘remember me a revolutionary communist’, is a sentiment we can all share in these dark ‘blue’ days! Auckland Pride made a lot of headlines this month when www. gayexpress.co.nz broke the story that Festival Director Julian Cook had resigned just three months before Pride’s 2015 commencement. This issue express has opted to focus on the festival rather than it’s inner workings and bring exclusive early announcements of the events you should be getting excited about! Our next issue comes to you on Saturday 17 January. From all of us at express – enjoy the festive season!

VisitBerlin Berlinby bybicycle! bicycle! 14 Visit Wellington’s Sport & Culture 16 on’s Sport & Culture Weekend Auckland’s Weekend and and Auckland’s Outgames. Outgames

FoodYour YourBody Bodywill will 18 Food Thank Thank You You for for.

12 8

Sexyshoot shoot&&exclusive exclusive 20 Sexy interview Olympic interview withwith Olympic Rower Robbie Manson. Rower Robbie Manson Sam Orchard Rainbow 24 Orchard chartscharts Rainbow Youth’s 25 Year History. Youth’s 25 Year History Communitylegend legendBruce Bruce 26 Community Kilmister tells Kilmister bares allall. ParadiseFound Found– –Luxury Luxury on 29 Paradise Norfolk Island!

Giveaways

Olly xx Cover: Robbie Manson by Jarrad Mapp for express. For more: News, interviews, scene pictures, entertainment stories and reviews, updated daily, keep visiting:

www.gayexpress.co.nz gayexpress.co.nz

2 x tickets to Paulo Nutini Scottish rocker plays Auckland’s Powerstation 6-7 April. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

2 x tickets to Beth Hard Contemporary Blues powerhouse sings at Auckland’s Powerstation 27 March. www.ticketmaster.co.nz

2 x passes to WOMAD 13-15 March, WOMAD Festival is headlined by Rufus Wainwright and Sinead O’Connor. www.womad.co.nz

Enter at gayexpress.co.nz

| December 2014 | 3

News

Pride’s New Program As interviews for a new Festival Director were taking place, the Auckland Pride team made some exclusive early festival announcements to express. The Marching Boys will Return:

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

People Editor Oliver Hall 021 206 2902 editor@gayexpress.co.nz News Editor Levi Joule 027 973 3084 news@gayexpress.co.nz Advertising Cameron Hill 021 141 3681 advertise@gayexpress.co.nz

The 2015 parade will include the return of the Marching Team. Executive Officer Linda Heavey tells express, “Starting at the later time of 7.30pm, the parade will be bolder, brighter and more dynamic than before.” The Massive Theatre Line-up will include: - Girl On a Corner: writer Victor Rodger and director Roy Ward’s (Black Faggot, At the Wake) take on the story of Samoan fa’afafine prostitute, Shalimar Seiuli. - Bare: the cult Off-Broadway pop-opera about a Catholic boarding school. - Live Orgy: a stand-up show about what it means to be a woman. Created by performer Freya Desmarais. - Away From Home: fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, about a male escort hired by a premiership football player. - The Legacy Project: returns with six brand new works, showcasing the modern Kiwi GLBT experience. - Two People Like Us: Dedicated to Peter Taylor, inspired by his legendary bar Surrender Dorothy.

Design Patric Seng design@gayexpress.co.nz

Mika & Trannydad will Team Up to Make Totems:

Publisher

GABA Divided?

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 | December 2014 |

Mika returns with multiple Aroha projects including a

Tensions existing in the Gay Auckland Business Association (GABA) executive threaten to stifle the group’s productivity. The recent election of Heather Carnegie, was the first contested presidency in GABA’s history. The close result that saw former incumbent Skot Barnett lose by just a few votes, has created an executive board divided into two camps with separate loyalties to Carnegie and Barnett.

collaboration with London’s underground-club king Trannydad. “We will be working with young GLBT who want to express and explore their gender within their own community and a wider public.” He tells us, in groups they design and make totem poles with a difference. “[This is a] culturally digestible way to disseminate the ideology and values of under represented communities in a society... Our totems are devised to be not only static pieces of art but they can be worn as well.” Designs representing Maori, Asia, Women and the Pacific, and will be worn as part of the Pride Parade on Saturday 21 February. Mika encourages partipants between the ages of 16 and 25 to register interest at: info@mika.co.nz. Heavey says the line up is, “even more varied and interesting than in previous years. Pride is growing up. express readers can expect boundaries to be pushed with content that is edgier, darker and sexier.” Article | Oliver Hall. Read the full article at www.gayexpress.co.nz When asked about the tension, Carnegie denies any knowledge. “There will be others who may be upset, but I’m not aware of that,” she told express. Former President Skot Barnett said that when he joined GABA he told the then board members that he, “would rock the boat… I come from a business centric family and we look at how things can be changed for the best.” He tells us, confirming that he and Carnegie do have different working styles but the two, “get on fine.” A board member who wishes to remain anonymous raised concerns, “I don’t think Heather’s had an opportunity to freely run and manage the executive [the way] she would like to.” They point out that constitutionally; no board member can be removed until the next GABA AGM, still ten months away. Article | Levi Joule. Photo | Evan Donnelly. gayexpress.co.nz

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News

Enter Now! express’ Short Story Contest Closing Soon Short fiction entries are rolling in for express magazine’s writing contest, Alternative Bindings.

1 in 2 NZ Gay Men Not HIV Tested Regularly Research has found that less than half of gay and bisexual men in New Zealand have been tested for HIV in the last 12 months. One in five said they wouldn’t bother using condoms if their partner didn’t want to, according to a report released on the 2014 Gay Auckland Periodic Sex Survey and Gay men’s Online Sex Survey. “[These findings] remind us how important personal resiliency is when faced with a partner who wants ‘bareback’ sex,” says lead investigator, Dr Peter Saxton, who also points out that in general the results suggested, “that most men in NZ appreciate the need for condom use.”

The competition welcomes both emerging and established writers to share their stories. Other than a set length of 750 words and a theme “Lost and Found” there are no restrictions on entry.

Andrew Rumbles says entries are coming in earlier this year. The winner will receive $500 in prize money along with publication in express magazine. Those interested in entering can email alternativebindings@gmail. com for full entry criteria. Entries close 9 January 2015.

Alternative Bindings founder

Gay Retirement Group Set to End

Gay Retirement Association is close to winding up as founder Mike Keegan moves on. Established in 2011 by a group of older members of the community who felt the need for GLBT specific age care. The association has not been able to establish it’s original goal of creating a GLBT retirement home despite a number of options being explored. Keegan says there is still a real need for support. “A lot of the older gay men need support, particularly those with no families.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner to Perform in Christchurch Following sold out performances on Broadway and a tour of America and Australia, The Vaudevillians, featuring Ms Jinkx Monsoon will descend on Christchurch as part of the 2015 Scirt World Buskers Festival. The annual festival is one of the biggest street performance festivals in the world and will run from 15-25 January 2015. The Vaudevillians will be performing at The Press Club at Christ College.

‘Gay Bull’ Saved From Slaughter by The Simpsons Benjy, the Irish bull was facing slaughter after a vet decided that his sexual orientation was the reason he wouldn’t breed.

dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he’s gay would’ve been a double tragedy.”

However, The Simpsons co creator Sam Simon has stepped in to stop the killing, paying £5,000 to buy Benjy and transport him to a sanctuary. Simon said “All animals have a

6 | December 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

News

Mark Fisher

Barack Obama Stands Up for GLBTs in Australia

named New CEO of Body Positive

US President Barack Obama delivered a wide-ranging speech during the G20 summit in Brisbane with his brief mention of gays and lesbians sparking emphatic applause from the Brisbane crowd.

The Board of Body Positive has announced that Mark Fisher has been appointed to the role of Executive Director to replace retiring CEO Bruce Kilmister. Body Positive is midway through its current strategic plan which includes the provision of contemporary advocacy and support initiatives to people living with HIV in NZ.

“We’ll advance human dignity by standing up for the rights of

minorities,” he told around 1,000 students at the University of Queensland. “No one’s equality should ever be denied… we will stand up for our gay and lesbian fellow citizens, because they need to be treated equality under the law.”

Grant Robertson Loses Labour Leadership Grant Robertson has lost the Labour leadership election to Andrew Little. Robertson would have become the first ever openly gay leader of a major political party in New Zealand.

Robertson told express magazine that, “being gay is a part of who I am, but it is not the determining factor in whether I will be good in doing the job as leader.” Andrew Little has named Robertson as Labour’s finance spokesperson.

All articles by News Editor Levi Joule. Read the full versions at www.gayexpress.co.nz.

Pride Lights Up Auckland

LYC Big Gay Out

Mr Urge Bear Competition One Night Only, The Bluestone Room

Advertise during Auckland Pride Welcome to the best opportuity you will have to highlight your business to the affluent, well-educated and high-earning niche market that follows express - the Rainbow community of New Zealand. Now is the time to let the community know that you support them in who they are. In turn this fabulous group of people will respond to that support by actively supporting you! express is the only gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex community magazine and website in NZ; therefore the perfect portal to show your true colours this Auckland Pride 2015.

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HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Owen Sidhu Owen’s gorgeous face is one you might recognise from Family Bar, where he has worked for over a year. Owen says he loves the job, telling us he feels so lucky to work in such a fun, crazy environment! Owen came to New Zealand from Punjab, India in 2011 to study his now completed diploma in Business Management. He loves the NZ summers, which he says are very different to his home in Northern India where it gets up to 50 degrees! This summer he is heading down to Taupo to celebrate his birthday by the lake. A bodybuilding enthusiast, Owen recently signed to Bintang Models and says his dream is to make the cover of Men’s Health! With that face and body – we’re confident that his dream will soon be reality! Photo & Make-up | Patric Seng. Article | Oliver Hall.

8 | December 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene

Queens Fight for the Crown Family Bar & Club, K Road. Friday 21 November. Photos | Evan Donnelly. As express headed to the printer we were eagerly anticipating the finals of the Princess to Queen competition at Family. This hugely successful night MCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d by Kita Mean and the Outrageous Miss Ribena has seen the bar even more packed then usual, as followers flocked to support their favourite queens. Our money is on Miss Pinkk Aliciious to win!

10 | December 2014 |

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PHOTOGRAPHY

No Queens Were Harmed in Making this Calendar As a fundraiser for the Cartier Bereavement Charitable Trust, local drag diva Tess Tickle and acclaimed photographer Jarrad Mapp have made a 2015 calendar starring some of NZ’s most talented queens with colourful results.

“I loved the idea of shooting drag queens in their environment to highlight their personalities,” Tess aka Anthony tells express, “So Dallas the lush in a bar, Kita the desert queen in a cafe, Buckwheat the gym junkie!” “Jarrod was keen to do more of a beauty style so we combined the two ideas… Without his editing eye and precision with a camera it wouldn’t have been as professional looking,” he assures. Back in May, Jarrad shot Dallas Vixen and Italian go-go boy Luca at the former Legend bar and club, as a ‘test run’ to show others examples of the look they were going for, to gauge if they interested in getting involved. Enthusiasm was rife! “There were no diva moments,” Jarrad promises us of the five months of shoots he did for the calendar. “Drag queens are used to the cameras so they weren’t shy to work it!” He says that shooting notoriously toned drag queen Buckwheat at the gym, was a personal favourite shot, but says the most memorable shoot involved some very messy cheesecake! “[We shot] Kita Mean at Marcello’s Caffe (28

12 | December 2014 |

College Hill, Freeman’s Bay). It was very early on a Sunday morning, right as Marcello’s was opening. Kita had worked that Saturday night, so was running on about 30 minutes sleep. You would never have known it! She was a trooper and did a fantastic job. Right at the end we did a few funny shots where she is messily eating the cheesecake with her fingers - she might not let us show those!” He laughs. The Cartier Bereavement Charitable Trust started in 2002 to raise funds to assist with the funeral costs of people passing away from HIV-related illnesses. Founded by Karen Ritchie, in tribute to her late friend drag queen Courtney Cartier. “Courtney Cartier was a very humble person with a beautiful soul,” Karen tells us, saying, “she would be overwhelmed and so very proud that the Trust is helping many others with the last part of their journey.” Anthony hopes the calendar will raise awareness of the Trust and it’s work, not only in our community, but beyond. “I know that many of these calendars are going to people at Buckwheat’s gym who love drag but, would not know what we do as charity work and are now aware.” gayexpress.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHY

She hopes all community members will get behind the charity, even those who are not fans of drag. “I know drag is not for everyone and some say they don’t like to be represented by a man in a frock and I understand [that], but as a whole we are all one community with a common goal and if one of us is sick and dying from a HIV-related illness and cannot afford funeral expenses, Cartier will be there to cover it no matter if you are a drag queen, bear, twink or whatever other persona you identify with. We are all here to support each other. I think sometimes we forget that.” The calendar can be purchased for $20 from the NZ Aids Foundation, Encore cabaret restaurant, Marcello’s Caffé, Caluzzi cabaret restaurant, Urge Bar and Kryolan in Newmarket or by emailing: cartierdragcalendar@gmail.com. Article | Oliver Hall. Photos | Jarrad Mapp.

express has two copies of the calendar to giveaway. Visit www.gayexpress.co.nz to enter.

gayexpress.co.nz

TRAVEL

Berlin and Beyond by Bicycle Aucklander’s Peter Macky and Yuri Opeshko skip Aotearoa over the winter months, migrating to Europe to work at their Berlinbased business Easy Cycling Tours, where they invite guests to see the sites by bike. Oliver Hall talks to antipodeans who have chosen these tours to discover their highlights. One of the most exciting and affordable European capitals, visiting Berlin should be on everyone’s bucket list. As star architect David Chipperfield’s recent essay in The Guardian pointed out, the city is a unique blend of political capital and, ‘charming hippy town of

14 | December 2014 |

pop-ups and clubs.’ In addition, it’s gay scene, which truly caters for all tastes, remains legendary. Easy Cycling Tours offers three separate tours, offering guests the chance to see Berlin and beyond by bike. Auckland’s Dr Roy Knill and partner Alister Hartstonge have experienced all three tours, starting with a half-day tour of Berlin. They tell us it is, “a great way to orient yourself when you first arrive.” “Peter took us from West to East to many of Berlin’s highlights such as Tiergarten, the Reichstag, Jewish

Sydney-sider James George who also booked on to all three tours, again recommends the experience. “Germany in general, and Berlin in particular, are best seen astride a bicycle. The terrain is flat and the organisation of the tours outstanding!”

The tours are conducted in small groups, which James tells us, “means that the experience quickly becomes one of cycling with a group of friends, and the pace is personalised to the needs of the group. There is also plenty of time for photos, explanations of history and landscape, and breaks at cosy cafes and restaurants serving authentic food; the typical tourist traps are avoided.”

Their second tour is a full-day trip where you cycle from Berlin to Potsdam, through the outer suburbs of Berlin, through the Grünewald forest and taking you past the many spectacular palaces.

The experience is clearly very different from cycling in New Zealand! “There is an outstanding network of bicycle paths separated from the traffic and designed for experiencing the beauty of the

Holocaust Memorial, Check Point Charlie, Alexander Platz and many amazing architecturally significant buildings.”

gayexpress.co.nz

EASY CYCLING TOURS

GERMAN CYCLING TOURS Berlin - Potsdam - Dresden

country. Where motorists are present, they are respectful of cyclists as cycling is very much part of German culture. The cycling is easy, both in terms of terrain and pace, but the paths might be difficult to follow without an experienced guide… Peter or Yuri look after routes and logistics.” James tells us. The final tour goes for four days, from Berlin to Dresden, through countryside and forests. Covering around 40km per day, with a detour on last day to take in the beautiful town of Meissen. Staying at B&Bs and old palaces with your luggage delivered to the door along the way, James tells is, “the accommodation was outstanding, particularly the moated castle on the Dresden tour!” Peter guided both James and Roy & Alister’s trips. “His enthusiasm and joy added greatly to the cycling experiences,” says James. “His contacts throughout the country make the trips more personal

and authentic when it comes to accommodation, restaurants and general points of interest.” Roy and Alister tell us, adding, “our highlight of our Berlin-Dresden trip was a spontaneous meeting of an artist friend of Peter’s who took us for a late night visit to a deserted Nazi airstrip to view a massive art installation he was constructing. Something we would not have experienced if not for Peter’s outgoing inclusive nature.”

DATES

2015

JUN

JULY

AUG

www.easycyclingtours.net

Yuri and Peter are quick to point out that due to the nature of cycling in Germany, lycra and crash helmets are not required. The flat cycle paths are ‘easy’, and even the four-day trip only requires a moderate level of fitness. As for what to do with the rest of your time in Germany? As James cheekily assures us all at express, “you can never spend too much time in Berlin!” Article | Oliver Hall

Peter Macky and Yuri Opeshko live in Berlin during the Northern summer months. They are passionate about Germany and about Berlin, Potsdam and Dresden in particular. They enjoy taking their guests on cycling tours and sharing their enthusiasms with you.

For more information email: info@easycyclingtours.net Mob: 021 682378

OUTGAMES

Wellington’s Sporty Weekend Wellington is hosting a Rainbow Sport and Culture weekend from Friday 23 January. The weekend is an informal GLBT social weekend encouraging participation in both social and sporting events.

during the weekend, including swimming, badminton, tennis, running, ten-pin bowling and same sex dancing while on the social side of the ledger we’ll be hosting a sports party and dinner.”

The event will has been organized that to coincide with the Auckland Anniversary Weekend, and organizers are hoping to attract people from across New Zealand. Martin Kaulback, one of the event co-ordinators, states that it is a “great opportunity to celebrate and promote GLBT sport, involvement, community and identity. Several organisations are running events

The Rainbow Sport and Culture weekend is partly inspired by Auckland’s successful bid to host the 4th Asia-Pacific Outgames in February 2016, and to “encourage the growth of the GBLT sport and culture community in New Zealand”. “Wellington’s rainbow community has a strong track record in hosting successful sporting and cultural events, including the

2nd Asia-Pacific Outgames in 2011,” Martin states. The weekend is set to be packed full of sporting opportunities. There will also be a brunch and Rainbow dinner for “anyone in the GLBT sporting community, and beyond, to come together to celebrate diversity, community and celebration. There will be a brief awards ceremony as part of the dinner.” There will also be a planning session to prepare for the Human Rights Conference that will take place as part of the Asia Pacific OutGames in 2016.

Auckland Outgames The Asia-Pacific Outgames look set to be a highlight of Auckland’s 2016 calendar. The Outgames board, made up of Paul Heard, Phylesha Brown-Acton, Prue Kapua, Martin King and Kerry Underhill, collectively tell express what we can expect from the event. What is the purpose of the Outgames? To bring together GLBT people from the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate and achieve in sport, culture, and human rights. The Outgames are inclusive and open to all, regardless of sexual orientation. In your view, will there always be a place for an event such as the Outgames? Absolutely! Sport plays an

16 | December 2014 |

important role bringing people together and encouraging inclusion and participation. The Outgames is also a key forum to discuss and advance GLBT human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. It is very important for communities who share interests to come together and discuss their own issues amongst friends. What are the biggest challenges an event such as the Outgames faces? Too many fabulous people in the one city at the same time! On a more serious note, in a small country with many different interest groups and voluntary organisations, raising funds, engaging volunteers and winning public support are

our biggest challenges. How significant is it to the GLBT community in New Zealand that Auckland will be hosting the next Outgames? For many GLBT people in the AsiaPacific region, there is still not full legal protection or the enjoyment of equal human rights. Through inclusion in sports, and through an equal emphasis on the Human Rights Forum, Auckland can lead by example in the Asia-Pacific GLBT community. Auckland has a reinstated celebration of our community through the Pride Festival, and with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act we are at the forefront internationally for GLBT human gayexpress.co.nz

Jerry Clayton BMW

The organizers are encouraging people to get in touch about participating or volunteering for the weekend by emailing email info@rainbowweekend.co.nz. Prior experience or involvement with the sport is not necessary in order to volunteer.

or on their Facebook page. Article | Sam Orchard.

The opening event will be a Meet and Greet at S&M’s on Friday 23 January. All are welcome, whether you are participating in other events or not. Further information about the weekend is available at: www.rainboweweekend.co.nz

What is your vision for the next Outgames? To have a spectacular week of fun and camaraderie that captures the imagination and support of all New Zealanders. We want the Auckland Outgames to celebrate and reflect Auckland’s diversity, and to demonstrate strong Maori and Pasefika elements which are Auckland’s point of difference on gayexpress.co.nz

AT ONE WITH THE MACHINE.

the international stage. What are some of the ways that the local GLBT community can be involved? We want the organisation of the Outgames to include as many people from across the community as possible. There are lots of ways to be involved – as a volunteer, a sponsor, a competitor or as a registrant. We are encouraging people to come along to our Launch event on Saturday 6 December 2014 at the Viaduct Events Centre, where they can learn more about becoming involved and pre-register for the Outgames. Article | Levi Joule.

THE ALL-NEW BMW M3 SEDAN AND M4 COUPÉ.

The all-new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé are built to dominate the road, the track and every surface in between. With 317kW inline six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engines offering 550Nm of torque, these turbocharged beasts reach 100 km/h in a heart-pounding 4.1 seconds. Carbon fibre is used throughout the vehicles, reducing weight for exceptional agility, balance, and speed, opening the floodgates of adrenaline throughout your veins. Pound for pound, there simply is no lighter, faster, or more powerful performance machine on the planet.

From $159,900* drive-away. BMD0042_M3_M4_GEM

rights. However, our community still faces significant issues – lack of access by GLBT youth to health services, the lack of protection from discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and adoption laws following on from marriage equality – these are examples of issues which need to be discussed openly in the Human Rights Forum.

Jerry Clayton BMW 445 Lake Road, Takapuna. (09) 488 2000. www.jcbmw.co.nz *Drive-away Price based on the BMW recommended retail price for the purchase of a brand new unregistered BMW M3 Sedan. It includes GST, first full tank of fuel, 12-month registration, and all other costs required for final delivery of the vehicle.

HEALTHY EATING

Your Body Will Thank You

All of a sudden it feels like everyone is following some kind of healthy eating plan. Keto, Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy free, Norefined sugar – everyone seems to be thinking more about what works best for their body and that can’t be a bad thing.

The food market is responding with health products available online, in specialist shops and even in supermarkets. But what happens when you go out? Alexia Santamaria brings you express’ guide to places to eat that your body will thank you for and won’t taste like cardboard mixed with sawdust!

Mondays 503b New North Road, Kingsland www. mondayswholefoods.com A relatively new kid on the block, this is the baby of two prominent health food bloggers – Eleanor Ozich and Hannah Horton. Choose from raw superfood smoothies, spelt flatbreads, raw vegan treats, gluten-free baking, good coffee and a breakfast and lunch menu that will leave you feeling virtuous but sated too.

18 | December 2014 |

Raw Power 10 Vulcan Lane, Auckland Central One of the first health-oriented cafes in Auckland, Raw Power has been around for more than two decades. It serves simple, fresh vegetarian salads and hot meals – we’ve heard it does a great tofu burger – and its questionable claim to fame is that Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan. Grab a table by the window and watch the gorgeous city folk below!

Revive 33 Lorne St, Auckland Central, 24 Wyndham St, Auckland Central, www.revive.co.nz Revive is now a bit of an Auckland institution too. The food is entirely vegetarian with a focus on wholegrains; honey and date puree as sweeteners; all natural

flavourings; minimal use of dairy products and no deep-frying. We love the salad bar and their famous hot pots (which rotate daily).

Misters 12 Wyndham St, Central City, www.misters.co.nz We love this new hot spot in the city with its Ranchero Beans, Griddle Cakes and Rice and Noodle Dons all with a healthy twist (for example the noodles in the Noodle Don are made from Spiralised Daikon, Zucchini and Carrot instead of wheat. Check out their juices and smoothies too. Queues are currently out the door and we can see why.

Wise Cicada 23 Crowhurst St, Newmarket www.wisecicada.co.nz One of my favourite spots for

healthy vegetarian food. Fab juices, smoothies and salads with big flavours (not just lettuce numbers either, more substantial rice, quinoa and noodle salads too). There are lots of amazing refined-sugar-free sweets as well. Bonus is it’s a health food shop too if you need to stock up.

Wilder and Hunt 15 Maskell St, St Heliers and 65 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby www.wilderandhunt.co.nz This is a great place for paleo folks and those who want to eat clean, healthy, unprocessed food but are still happy to eat meat. You won’t find anything with refined sugar or grains in this place, and you’ll never believe cupcakes can taste that good without any of those ingredients. Check out their take home fresh and frozen meals too. gayexpress.co.nz

HEALTHY EATING

Zest Organic Store and Café

Little Bird

8 Victoria Rd, Devonport Zest does lovely green smoothies in whatever degree of greenness you’re up for, and gorgeous wraps (baked from scratch onsite) Their rice paper rolls and salads are good options too and if you are looking for something in the comfort food range, their vegetarian sausage rolls made from gluten-free pastry with a walnut and sunflower seed will totally hit the spot. Trust us on this one. a health food shop, is Ethos Cafe. It has an onsite bakery, is fully vegetarian and almost totally organic. The salad bar is great and if you are really lucky they’ll have the raw chocolate

Ethos Cafe East West Organics Superstore, 34D Portage Rd, New Lynn, www.eastwestorganics.co.nz Another cafe tacked on to

cheesecake - vegan, gluten-free raw food has never tasted so good. It’s a great place to take a mixed group as it has all degrees of healthiness - yes you can still have your eggs benedict!

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1A Summer St, Ponsonby, (also 385 New North Rd, Kingsland) www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz Another of my top spots, most people will have heard of Megan May and her husband Jeremy’s wonderful cafe. It was one of the first places to bring super nourishing and healthy food into the mainstream. All the food is raw and vegan (except for a little honey in a few sweets) but nothing has been lost in the flavour department. I love their soft, raw corn tacos filled with jalapeno slaw, capsicum salsa, chimichurri, guacamole and dirty rice and their blueberry cheesecake. Article | Alexia Santamaria.

OLYMPIAN

Our Olympic Dream

When kiwi Olympian Robbie Manson wrote an essay for Outsports about his coming out experience he was shocked to find it made headlines the world over. He talks exclusively to Oliver Hall about coming out to his teammates, family, and future dreams.

At 25, Robbie Manson is shaping up to be one of the best rowers this country has produced. In 2009 he won the Under-23’s World Cup Championships with doubles partner Joseph Sullivan, represented NZ in the 2012 London Olympics (placing seventh) and in 2013 won all three World Cup regattas, partnered with Michael Arms. Robbie had already been ‘out’ for two years when Outsports approached him about writing an essay on his coming out experience. Yet when the article was published, many media organizations treated it as an announcement. “My intention wasn’t to come out publicly,” he tells express. He says his aim was to show people who struggle to come to terms with their sexuality, “that there is nothing wrong with being gay. Also possibly encourage other athletes to do the same, and to show everyone that being gay is already accepted in sport, or at least in rowing.” While he hadn’t realized the article would create so many waves, he says the reaction has been ‘really positive’.

20 | December 2014 |

gayexpress.co.nz

OLYMPIAN “I think it has shown some of my straight friends how hard, internally, growing up gay can be.” He tells us, admitting there have been, a few ‘who cares’ and ‘why is this news?’ comments on social media, which, “I totally agree with… The fact that people feel that way is a good thing.” Robbie grew up in a rowing family. His parents were both professional rowers as is his younger brother. His older brother who recently repatriated to Christchurch from Sydney, is also gay, and was the first person Robbie ever came out too. He says he was, “obviously very supportive,” he describes telling him on a drive home from the Picton ferry. “It was the first time that I ever said that I was gay out loud, so it was such a huge step for me.” The life of a professional rower revolves around an intense training schedule – one that Robbie must stick too if he wants to keep his incredible track record in tact. “We train two-three times per day, six days a week, 11 months a year. Every day I get up at six and have breakfast then bike seven-km to the lake, have a bit of a stretch and warm up and then on the water just before 7.30am. We usually row between 18-24km in the morning, then another stretch and bike home. Some days I’ll have a gym session around midday followed by about an hour on the erg (Rowing Machine) and other days I have a second row of around 16km.” He tells us he enjoys his time off on Saturday afternoons and Sundays but still tries to avoid alcohol and eat healthy to keep him in good shape for the week ahead. He admits the intensity of his schedule makes it hard to have a relationship, but the experience of getting to the Olympics is worth the sacrifice. “It’s like spending two weeks in another world,” he tells us of his London experience. Lighting up as he remembers the ceremony. “It was one of the most unreal moments of my life, standing in the middle of the stadium with British music blasting out all around and thinking to gayexpress.co.nz

myself I can’t believe I actually made it to the Olympics!” That’s not to say it’s it all fun and games. Despite the hard work athletes must put in to get to the Olympics, qualifying is only beginning. “There is an extraordinary amount of pressure to perform,” Robbie explains as he begins to describe the mental and physical toll of the event. “You also know how much the race is going to hurt. Rowing although it might look relatively graceful to watch; On the inside you’re in a world of pain. The lactic acid build up is almost unbearable.” On top of that, Robbie had to field questions from his teammates about whether he had a girlfriend. “They were going through my Facebook friends trying to figure out who it was. I kept giving them clues until there was only one person left and it was a guy. My heart was racing and I was pretty nervous and I think they were a bit shocked to find out, but after they were fine with it… It’s funny looking back at it now how worried I was.”

So would he go through the pain and anguish again for the chance of winning medal? “We wouldn’t have dedicated our lives to this one goal if we didn’t 100% want to be there and have the chance at chasing the ultimate: Olympic Gold!” He confirms, “I’m aiming for Rio in 2016. The Olympic Rowing team will be named in March 2016 but there are a number of trial and qualification processes to go before then.” We wish him all the best! Article | Oliver Hall. Photos | Jarrad Mapp.

| December 2014 | 21

MUSIC

The Fiddler’s Way Fresh from their first ever NZ gig, Oliver Hall interviews, Hurray for The Riff Raff’s trans fiddler Yosi Perlstien. Hurray for the Riff Raff are one of the most exciting bands on the US Americana scene, a genre that combines blues roots and country. Their latest album Home Town Heroes has been named one of the best albums of 2014 by Rolling Stone. When did you first get into fiddle playing? I started playing fiddle when I was 20 years old. I had played drums throughout high school but was traveling a lot and couldn’t bring drums with me. What musicians have most influenced you? I’ve been inspired a lot by Itzak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma and Dolly Parton. They are all masters at what they do and they all share an ability to put pure joy into their music and performance.

22 | December 2014 |

What is your most favourite song and album of all time? I’m not good at having favorites, but I always need Otis Redding near by. When did you come out as Trans? I came out as trans to myself when I was around 17. At that point I only told my queer friends about it. Then I came out to my parents in my early twenties. Somewhere in between there I told my brothers. Now everyone knows. Do you think being trans has affected you as a musician? The music world tends to be very straight. That means sometimes its uncomfortable for me to be in. But then again most of the world is like that. I just have to push harder sometimes. As trans people are becoming more recognisable in the media - do you believe people are becoming more tolerant/ understanding?

There has been a lot of growth in the last few years. More people then ever are learning the word transgender and what it means. That alone is a big step. I think there is more tolerance than there used to be. But there can be a big gap between tolerance and understanding. I think we are moving in the right direction but our mainstream culture still doesn’t allow for breaking down the barriers and boxes it created for us. For anyone who wants to get to know your band what are the three most important songs they should hear? The Body Electric, St Roch Blues, and I Know It’s Wrong.

Article | Oliver Hall. Photo | Joshua Shoemaker. Read the full interview at www.gayexpress.co.nz

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene The Vodafone NZ Music Awards! Vector Arena, Auckland CBD. Thursday 20 November. Photos | Oliver Hall. express’ roving reporters came close to getting an interview with Lorde, asking her if she has a message for your gay fans?” Before her security shoved us out the way. “Why did you push him?” she exclaimed, as they made a rapid exit!

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The history of R ‘25 Years, 25 more’ was the theme for Rainbow Youth’s quarter century birthday. The organization has had a huge impact on the community over the years, and it shows - they had to shift their celebration to a bigger venue. I sat down with about half a dozen people who have been involved in RY over the years, to talk about how the organization has grown and changed, and how it has shaped them. Each person I chatted to had been involved in the organization for different reasons, many of them came to Rainbow youth as young people, and found themselves volunteering and working as co-ordinators, facilitators, board members and/or staff. Rainbow Youth seems to have a way of attracting incredible members of the community and helping them to build and flex their leadership muscles.

The Beginning: Shaun Hawthorne was involved with the organization from the beginning. However back then it was known as Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth (ALGY). At the end of March 1989 the idea for ALGY was floated during a gay and lesbian conference held in Auckland. Two weeks later Shaun found himself in the first ALGY meeting. Borne out of a need for an inclusive group of young people where gays and lesbians could come together in a safe space. “We had the capability to do it, with the support of [adults]” Says Shaun.

In 1995 ALGY became an incorporated society and was renamed Rainbow Youth. They had obtained offices in Youthline and followed them from Grafton to Ponsonby. By this stage it was connected to other youth organisations but mostly operated on a volunteer basis.

In those days ALGY looked very different to how it does today. Most of the meetings for the first few years were trying to figure out what we were there to do, as well as some social outings. Shaun became one of the two of the organisation’s first paid employees of ALGY.

In the late 1990’s the board and staff worked to transform the organization into a more professional outfit. They created new groups, which still exist today, such as I.D. and G.Q, and began a new phase of their education package, which was mostly run by volunteers, but they still faced communication challenges. Ellie Lim, then women’s Co-ordinator reflects; “we had a computer and were just doing emails, but there was no social media, or way to publicise things… apart from picking up the phone, snail mail or faxing posters”.

A Time of Transition:

From the late 90’s until 2005 Rainbow

1989

Established as ALGY as a part of Isherwood Trust on Federal Street

1990

Moved in with Youthline in Grafton

1995

ALGY became an incorporated society and was renamed Rainbow Youth. Moved to Maidstone Street with Youthline

Rainbow Youth Tamati and Samantha took out the show and provided Rainbow Youth with a sizeable donation that went towards a myriad of national based projects, including hosting NZ’s biggest youth led queer and trans hui. Toni Reid, who cites the win as a highlight of her time at Rainbow Youth reflects, “I remember thinking at the time how great the donation was, but even better that on mainstream TV someone from my community was enacting the words that “being GLBTFFIFABULOUS was ok”.

Youth changed offices almost half a dozen times; from Maidstone Street, to Mt. Eden (where it was to host a queer drop-in and emergency housing project that didn’t get off the ground), Pitt St, and finally at it’s current spot at 281 Karangahape Rd. The organization worked on their volunteer run education programme, added a few more social groups, including Gender Quest for gender questioning group, and added Transgender and Takataapui representation to the board. Dancing to a new tune: In 2009 Rainbow Youth underwent a restructure and established an Executive Director role, which was soon filled by Tom Hamilton. On Tom’s second day at work, before any of the other staff had been appointed, he opened the door to Tamati Coffey and Samantha Hitchcock, who confirmed that they wanted Rainbow Youth as their chosen charity for Dancing with the Stars.

Rainbow Youth Today: Today Rainbow Youth has a dropin centre, as well as pop-ups, a well-respected peer run education and professional development programme, a large social media presence, and a number of staff and interns. They work hard on local projects and national ones. Duncan Matthews, the current General Manager, is especially proud of their ‘I’m Local’ project, which aims to get

resources to rural young people. Everyone I chatted to in researching this article talked to me about different challenges that existed over the years; from newspaper attacks to steep learning curves training new board members, communication problems and creating sustainable infrastructures. One challenge that popped up again and again was funding, and that’s the same challenge Duncan reiterates; “all of our funding is currently year-toyear/ad-hoc which means that it is very difficult to create long strategic growth.” In a country where same-sex attracted young people are nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide, it’s not easy work, but it’s important. Article | Sam Orchard.

2001

2005

2009

2011

Rainbow Youth moves to Mt Eden Queer Space and then Pitt St

Moved to K’Rd drop in

Tamati Coffey and Samantha Hitchcock win Dancing with the Stars

Rainbow Youth hosts largest Queer and Trans youth hui run by youth for youth

retrospective

Bruce’s Battles for our Positive Present Bruce Kilmister is stepping down from his long-term role at Body Positive after over 20 years working for the organisation. Levi Joule looks back at his remarkable career.

hurdle.” He explains that there is no funding for HIV education, something the ministry of health has now recognised. The discrimination those with HIV/ AIDS face is even present within the GLBT community. “Even the gay male community will discriminate against those with HIV,” Bruce tells us. He hopes one day everyone will realise, “We are more than HIV, it is part of our lives, but we don’t need to change because of it.”

Bruce says his time has gone in a flash. Over the 20 years, things have changed a lot at Body Positive. “Back in those days, there were only two or three of us working five hours a day.” Now the organisation employs 10 staff (five full time) across Auckland and Wellington.

The biggest trial for Body Positive as an organisation has been the issue of funding, which has been, “a constant struggle.” Bruce expects there to be a greater demand on services going forward, “because we were are keeping more people alive through the antiretroviral medicines.”

Bruce started off as a volunteer, before being elected to the board and then ultimately CEO. He has spent most of his adult life working for the GLBT community, beginning with his work with Fran Wilde to get through the homosexual law reform bill in 1986. He says while he enjoyed the campaign, but would never want to go back to it. “Those were very ugly times,” he says, noting that the culture of acceptance towards the GLBT community has grown over the last 30 years, to something that would never have been dreamt of three decades ago. Body Positive has served HIV+ New Zealander’s for 22 years. It was incorporated in 1992 serving as one of only two of New Zealand’s national HIV+ peer support organizations. The other organization of course is the NZ AIDS Foundation (NZAF). Bruce was on the founding board of the NZAF. He says the

26 | December 2014 |

main difference between both organisations is how the two deal with the issue of HIV/AIDS. “Their main focus is to provide prevention education. Once somebody becomes positive, they are referred onto us. We provide counselling only to positive people. Whereas the NZAF provide counselling to anybody impacted by HIV.” He notes the importance that both organisations have to the community. “Fortunately most members get on with their lives, comfortable knowing that we are here to support them.”

During Bruce’s time at Body Positive HIV treatment methods have rapidly changed. “Certainly science and medicine have made incredible advancements.” He notes, but concludes the virus has never been easy to deal with. “Giving somebody a positive diagnosis is always a challenge. It grounds you in the reality of HIV.” But no problem has been greater than that of the issue of stigma. “Sadly however we have made little progress on issues of stigma and discrimination. Stigma I think is the big issue now. It’s the last major

Reflecting on the wider issues facing the GLBT community, Bruce thinks more focus should be made on supporting rural New Zealanders. “There is still a lot of work beyond the gay ghettos of Auckland and Wellington.” Bruce says he has no regrets of his time, except having to watch so many of his friends pass away. Despite his retirement Bruce promises to remain involved in Body Positive and the wider community. His work and support will not be forgotten. Article | Levi Joule. Photo l Tux Hika. gayexpress.co.nz

SUMMER FUN

Summer’s Hottest Camping Destinations express brings you an insiders’ guide to the sites that will be putting the camp into camping this New Year.

Uretiti

Vinegar Hill

Uretiti beach is a Department of Conservation campsite with limited facilities. It’s not exclusively gay and will refuse entry to anyone they, “believe will not contribute to the family atmosphere.”

Vinegar Hill is more than just a camping site with some history - it’s an anticipated social event! You will find it located just shy of Hunterville, a little over five hours drive from Auckland.

The un-official ‘gay side’ is to the right of the DOC hut when entering the gates, keep an eye out for the rainbow flag by ‘Bruce’ - the bus!

The nights at Vinegar Hill boasts more fairy lights (solar of course) than Franklin Road. In the run up to NYE it hosts: outdoor movie nights, Guys v Girls softball games and Toga parties. The New Years Party boasts a bonfire bigger than you could ever have dreamed of building in your most frenzied fire fantasy!

If you’ve pitched a tent and noticed a distinct lack of late-night music prepare to be woken by the early risers who’ll be pumping out Gaga and Gaynor from first light. Over the festive season, people start arriving from Boxing day, filling their days with surf casting, kai-moana, or sunbathing. Go to the right-side of the beach to sunbathe, it’s nude friendly with a local cruising spot know as the ‘The Library’ situated in the sand dunes that protect the camp site from the beach (but beware of gorse)! Once the 29th hits, Uretiti becomes a sea of sexy bodies, champagne flutes, rainbow flags and competing sound systems as new campers arrive and the join the festivities. This continues till New Years eve where things kick up a notch, the count down can be heard all over the camp site where bit by bit revelers head to the beach and enjoy illegal bonfires. gayexpress.co.nz

In the daytime the hours are spent drifting down the neighbouring river on anything that floats and enjoying the sun. Each year a camp, ‘Queen’ is appointed to organize additional activities. Bring warm bedding, the nights can be cool & sometimes that new ‘friend’ you have just made isn’t enough to keep you warm. The shops in Hunterville stock enough food to get you through and if roughing it is not your style, the Hunterville Motel offers hot showers and great cooked breakfasts! Article & Photos | Tux Hika & Evan Donnelly.

| December 2014 | 27

Scene

This Christmas’ Must See Musical Q Theatre, Queen Street. Saturday 1 November. Photos | Suki Zhang. Jesus Christ Superstar uses the Q theatre space like never before. The venue is so intimate you feel like you’re in the show, and you will be if you attend Friday 5 December’s sing-a-long performance!

Norfolk Island’s luxury 5 star accommodation property. Absolute seclusion and relaxation. Highly personalised service. Created with you in mind. P: 0800 TINSHEDS | E: tinsheds@norfolk.net.nf | www.tinshedsnorfolkisland.com WINNER 2014

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Luxury in Paradise Found

Oliver Hall discovers that Norfolk Island, Australia’s smallest territory is also its most forward thinking. Back in September Norfolk Island caused a stir when the self-governing landmass put forward a bill to allow same-sex marriages on their shores, even when the mainland did not. That bill has yet to be decided in the courts, but it says a lot about the feisty little community who reside there. Only an hour and a half’s flight from Auckland, a few things set this 34.6 square kilometre paradise apart from many of the Pacific’s other islands. For one the mild subtropical climate has little seasonal variation, so there is no monsoon season to avoid. Secondly the food is actually decent and you don’t have pay (in Australian dollars) through the nose for it. Norfolk Island’s laws prohibit the importation of fresh fruit and vegetables, so produce is grown seasonally and mostly organically on the island. There are over 30 cafes/restaurants on the island picking their produce daily from their own gardens. They call this the ‘paddock to plate’ food experience. The Island’s delicious offerings were celebrated last month at their first annual Taste of Norfolk Food Festival. Taste joins the many other exciting festivals the Island has to offer such as the renowned Country Music Festival in May, which many visitors base a holiday around. Though small and embracing of a slow pace of life (the speed limit is 50 km/h) the island still gayexpress.co.nz

EXPLORE

offers plenty to do such as fishing, snorkeling, and hiking through the National park. Culture too is in abundance, the island even has its own unique language,‘Watawieh yorli’ means, ‘hello, how are you all?’ The newly established gay-friendly holiday accommodation ‘The Tin Sheds’ has brought a new level of luxury to the Island. The Tin Sheds offer 5 star modern, sophisticated apartments secluded in beautiful gardens; complete with pool and pleasure centre! Providing you with a true Norfolk relaxation experience The Tin Sheds go beyond the typical, offering packages tailored to their guests, such as combining the use of Norfolk’s World Heritage listed golf course for sport enthusiasts. They also give guests the chance to really explore the island with complimentary full use of a cute little Fiat 500 convertible for the duration of their stay. Air New Zealand flies direct to Norfolk Island every Sunday. While daily flights to and from the Australian centers, present the opportunity to ‘do the triangle’ and party hard in Sydney for a weekend before heading to Norfolk for some R&R before returning home. Captain Cook described Norfolk Island as ‘paradise’ when he found it 1772. Isn’t it time you discovered paradise too? Visit www.tinshedsnorfolkisland.com and www.norfolkisland.com.au for more details. Article | Oliver Hall.

| December 2014 | 29

EAT

Foodie Bites

Market Stall of the month We love the Al’s Deli market stall at La Cigale, a mobile part of his successful cafe on Upper Queen St. This Canadian makes his own bagels and brioche and smokes his own salmon and other cured treats. The results are divine, especially the to-die-for bread and croissant butter pudding with salted caramel sauce. Check out his shop too where he does healthier meals to go as well as his indulgent treats.

Cute Face, Good Food The day we checked out this pretty city newcomer the queues were out the door and for good reason. Misters is one of the new healthier establishments around town providing food which is both nutritious and super tasty. We loved the spiralisedDaikon, zucchini and carrot noodles with snowpeas, sesame and Vietnamese dressing topped with slow braised five-spice Wakanui beef, and the extremely cute waiter who served us too! Misters, 12 Wyndham St, Auckland. www.misters.co.nz

30 | December 2014 |

New Bird’s A Hit Peasant is a welcome replacement for the very average Two Monkeys

A Stress-free Christmas

on Dominion Road and like our

If this is the year you finally decide to give the awkward, tense, oddrelative-filled family Christmas a miss you’ve got some cracking options on the 25th in Auckland. Eight at the Langham has some gorgeous things planned as always, De Bretts Kitchen and the Sugar Club are both doing four course lunch or dinner options and The Grill is doing a three course dinner option too. Masu and Gusto are also open as usual and you know it’s going to be so much better than Aunty Sue’s dry turkey – and no washing up or weeks of ham sandwiches to follow either.

absolute favourite Indochinese haunt, Parkside, provides Vietnamese food with a decent flavour hit. It has become a firm favourite for many food writers despite only opening so recently and we can see the interest isn’t going to lessen any time soon. You’ll

Fed St’s Tick of Approval

find twists on the classics like house-

Like we needed any more reason to frequent the wonderful establishments of Federal Street, the fact that they have just been awarded the rainbow tick as part of the Sky City group gives us even more excuse to eat there. This did happen last month but after we had gone to print and we wanted to make sure all of you knew that Masu, Gusto at the Grand, Bellota, The Fed and Depot are now even more fabulous than they were before (if that was possible). http://www.skycityauckland. co.nz/restaurants

smoked tea salmon in the summer rolls and tamarind pork belly served with granny smith. Get there soon. Peasant, 191 Dominion Rd, Eden Terrace. Photo | May Lee-Wong.

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

Scene SKYCITY is proud to be recognised for providing a welcoming and inclusive workplace for our LGBTTI team members.

GABA make a Big Splash Hilton Hotel, Auckland Waterfront. Sunday 9 November. Photos | Tux Hika.

skycitycareers.co.nz 5637

GABA’s annual charity auction was moved to the afternoon this year, successfully turning it into a celebratory luncheon. The auction was a lively affair MC’d by Mika, and many successful bidders partied into the night at Ponsonby Road’s Shanghai Lil’s. gayexpress.co.nz

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Meet Your Community Kiss & Tell • She’s the TV celeb that likes rock stars! In fact she’s been with two of the country’s hottest! The current one won’t even stand next to her at functions in case anyone realises they’re a couple. The former, sadly likes to hit the bottle and when she’s got a few drinks inside her, the bottle isn’t the only thing she hits hence the break up. So who is this ‘super’ star of the small screen? I would never tell! • Darl, have you been spending again? Seriously the community begging letter and now you’re booking more flights! Don’t be asking for another handout again

Writer Sandi Hall You new book is titled Public Sex in Paekakariki. Why this title? Because sex is so public! People dancing/kissing say it, pregnant woman say it. In magazines, beautiful bodies invite thoughts of sex, and tv and film – crammed with it. But also because I wrote a play, Public Sex, which we put on in Paekakariki.

soon papi. • So now he’s gone some are calling him a saviour and others say he was an acidic bully who only hired his friends. Which is the truth? Darl, when someone is too much of a

Are all the characters queer? No. My stories reflect reality, where we queers are just part of the population. So, is there lots of sex in the book? Quite a bit, yes. It isn’t written as erotica, though.

diva to deal with, you hire someone else to do the dirty work for you! • You were a vision in white winning all those awards, but why did you have your girlfriend with you? Cause the buzz in the music biz is that you like boys! Afraid of losing all those lucrative holy gigs?

32 | December 2014 |

Does sex sell? Of course it does – it’s the one act of pleasure most humans want. Most of us are eternally curious about sex and eager to learn new things about it. You describe Public Sex in Paekakariki as a ‘magical realism’ story. What is magical realism? It’s a kind of writing which blends real people and places with fictional characters, and adds

happenings which are beyond what we call reality. Paekakariki is a real place, of course, and has a rather magical atmosphere. I also mention, with their permission, several people who live there. At the heart of the story is a magical happening. By the time readers get to that, they will have become involved with the characters and therefore accept the magical happening as real. Why did you set the story in Paekakariki? Paekakariki will always be a village as it cannot get any bigger, bordered as it is by the sea, a railway line, a highway, then hills. So it has a rather timeless quality, which I deeply enjoyed when I lived there. The village itself is one of the characters. Have any bookshops been interested in carrying it? Yes - it’s at Unity Books, both in Auckland and Wellington, The Women’s Bookshop here in Auckland, Paper Plus in Ponsonby and Coastlands – and can be ordered through any bookshop. Article & Photo | Anne Speir. gayexpress.co.nz

Scene Rainbow Youth’s 25th Birthday Viaduct Floating Pavilion. Wednesday 19 November. Photos | Evan Donnelly. Rainbow Youth celebrated their 25th in style! Keynote speakers included MP Louisa Wall who gifted a painting of Tamati Coffey and championed the need for organisations like RY saying, “The ultimate goal for our community is we are normal New Zealanders but can come together for times like this and celebrate the wonderfulness we can give to the world.” gayexpress.co.nz

| December 2014 | 33

Scene

LYC Gear Up Launch Party Urge Bar, K Road. Saturday 22 November. Photos | Evan Donnelly. Urge got busy as one and all turned up to pose for pictures with the hunky stars of the NZAF’s new LYC Campaign, ‘Gear Up’. Gear Up’s message is to always wear a condom – whatever you’re into, and It was standing room only as bar-owner Paul Heard introduced the boys and kick started the night’s celebrations.

34 | December 2014 |

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| December 2014 | 35