2015 01 • gay express january 2015 issue by GayExpress

FU LL FE ST AL IV PR O G R AM M E IN SE RT

Summer's

Hottest

Swimwear

Andrew Christian & Aussiebum's Latest Designs

The People Making Us Proud

PLUS

NEWS SCENE & GOSSIP

Looking's

Murray Bartlett

The Perfect Smile!

January 2015

GIVEAWAYS HOTTIES

gayexpress.co.nz

| January 2015 | 3

Contents News Madaleine & Ladyhawke, 4 ws Madaleine & Ladyhawke, Jonathan The Queen, Jonathan Smith Smith & The&Queen, our Blood Donation our Blood Donation Laws, Laws, Stephen FryElton and John Elton all John all Stephen Fry and headlines. makemake headlines. Louisand ‘Ova and Belinda 9 ttie Hottie Louis ‘Ova Belinda Dunne on page Dunne on page 32. 32. Drugs & Alcohol Diana Rands 10 ugs & Alcohol Diana Rands advices onto how to preserve advices on how preserve our pride. our pride.

A Wild Heart I would like to acknowledge the passing of creative star Warwick Broadhead. When I first started as editor of express, Warwick was working on the magical show called Wild Cabbage with three people who went on to become some of my closest friends Michelle Lafferty, Yvette Parsons and Ben Crowder. I was a little bit scared of Warwick when I got to meet him because I found it impossible to predict what he was going to do next. I just knew it would be funny and shocking and like nothing I’d seen before. He went on to produce some of the most imaginative performance art Auckland has ever seen and touched the hearts of so many people around me. As Ben put it, “He was a rogue star – that brightened and inspired.” I hope his influence will continue to shape this golden age of arts and culture in New Zealand. May the true pioneers never be forgotten.

Scene Christmas, NYE and 11 ene Christmas NYE and 2015from pics all from all your 2015 pics your favourites! favourites!

Making Us Proud Ta’i Paitai, 15 king Us Proud Ta’i Paitai, Matthew Muir, Freya Desmarais Matthew Muir, Freya Desmarais andBarrett Paul Barrett inspire! and Paul inspire! Murray Bartlett Interview 22 rray Bartlett Interview The The sexy Looking tells all. sexy Looking actor actor tells all.

22 9

Swimwear Aussiebum’s 24 imwear Aussiebum’s Sean Sean the hottest AshbyAshby show show us theus hottest new new designs. designs. Opinion Are hook-up 26 inion Are hook-up apps apps our bars? killing killing our bars? The Perfect 28 e Perfect SmileSmile MattMatt Sumner’s toptechniques five techniques Sumner’s top five for a factor! wow factor! for a wow Our Community 34 et Meet Our Community Rotorua Jess Sayer Rotorua starletstarlet Jess Sayer

Giveaways

Olly xx Cover: Model – Andrew Christian. For more: News, interviews, scene pictures, entertainment stories and reviews, updated daily, keep visiting:

www.gayexpress.co.nz 4 | January 2015 |

2 x tickets to Sam Smith Stay With Me singer performs at Vector Arena 22 & 23 April. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

2 x Lush Gift Boxes A gorgeous Think Pink gift box full of fresh hand-made natural toiletries and cosmetics from www.lush.co.nz.

4 x tickets to Perfume Genius Playing Auckland’s Kings Arms 20 Feb & Wellington’s Bodega 21 Feb. Tickets from www.undertheradar.co.nz.

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News

Ladyhawke and Sami Tie The Knot Phillipa Brown aka pop icon Ladyhawke, and comedic actress Madeleine Sami tied the knot in Masterton earlier this month.

Contact Phone 09 360 7671 Fax 09 360 7663 2 Vermont Street Ponsonby, Auckland

People Editor Oliver Hall 021 206 2902 editor@gayexpress.co.nz News Editor Levi Joule 027 973 3084 news@gayexpress.co.nz Advertising Richard Todd 021 441 309 advertise@gayexpress.co.nz Design Patric Seng design@gayexpress.co.nz Administration Levi Joule 027 973 3084 admin@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.

6 | January 2015 |

The pair wed in Brown’s hometown of Masterton. Ladyhawke is a best known for her hits My Delirium and Paris is Burning, while Aucklander Sami starred in Sione’s Wedding and Outrageous Fortune, before landing her own show Super City in which she played multiple characters.

relationship. Prior to her relationship with Brown, Sami previously dated songstress Anika Moa.

The pair have always been very private about their

Articles | Levi Joule.

Gay Blood Donation Law Change A new law has come into effect in NZ allowing men who have not had anal or oral sex with another man for at least 12 months, to donate blood. There was previously a five-year probationary period in place. Dr Peter Saxton from the Gay Men’s Sexual Health research group has welcomed the changes, saying that the group, “accept that maintaining some period of deferral reflects the best scientific evidence currently available. The absolute probability of undiagnosed infection may often be small, but the relative probability is greater for men who have sex with men. “ “The new policy will mean New Zealand has among the least restrictive donor deferral criteria for gay and bisexual men internationally, whilst still maintaining a safe, voluntary and completely self-sufficient blood supply." It must be noted that the one year stand down period for those engaging in oral and anal sex does not apply to heterosexual men.

Jonathan Smith

Honoured by the Queen Jonathan Smith has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to people living with HIV/AIDS. “I’m absolutely honoured and delighted to have received the award on behalf of those living with HIV/ AIDS and those who lost their lives to it,” he tells express. Smith was nominated to receive the honour by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and tells us, “he only just found our about it” as nominees were announced. Smith is one half of the drag queen act Buffy and Bimbo and will be performing at the LYC Big Gay Out on Saturday 7 February, sharing the MC duties with Buckwheat and Miss Ribena. gayexpress.co.nz

Gay Sydney Siege Hero

Remembered at Mardi Gras Tori Johnson the gay man killed in Sydney’siege will be honoured at Mardi Gras. Reports say Johnson was trying to disarm a terrorist when he was shot. His bravery allowed others to escape. The sound of the gunshot also led police to raid the café and kill the armed assailant. Johnson is survived by his partner of 14 years Thomas Zinn. In a statement Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras stated: “If community members wish to pay tribute to Tori as part of their Parade entry then Mardi Gras would support this.”

Hillary Clinton Wins Award From Grindr

The former secretary of state and rumoured 2016 Presidential candidate has been given an award by the gay hook up app. Grindr users in the United States have named Hillary Clinton ‘Straight Ally of the Year.’ Clinton has been an outspoken supporter of the GLBT community during her time as US Secretary of State and pledged her support for same sex marriage. Grindr users, ‘Biggest prediction for 2015’ is that Clinton will announce her presidential campaign, which according to most political observers is an all but certainty.

gayexpress.co.nz

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News

17 Year Olds Charged in Epsom Murder Case Leonard Nattrass-Berquist and Beauen Wallace-Loretz, both 17, have appeared in Auckland District Court charged with Ihaia Gillman-Harris’ murder. They will remain in custody until next month when they are due to appear in the Auckland High court. In addition to Gillman-Harris’s

Marriage Equality Legal in Florida

murder, NZME reports that the two 17 year olds were also accused of robbing Mr Gillman-Harris of cash, a cell phone and bank card as well as unlawfully taking his Range Rover.

Marriage equality began in the US state of Florida on the 6th of January.

The victim is known among many in the gay community and was a frequent customer of at least one of Auckland’s gay bars.

Elton John Marries David Furnish (Again!) Elton John has married long-term partner David Furnish exactly nine years after they entered into a civil partnership.

partnership on December 21, 2005 and and they picked the poignant date to officially wed.

Elton John shared photos from the wedding on Instagram. He captioned the intimate moment: ‘The exchange of vows. #ShareTheLove.’

Same sex marriages became legal in England in March and to celebrate, Elton and David set about planning the lavish ceremony.

The Supreme Court handed down the decision in December, denying a request by the state of Florida to put same-sex marriages on hold pending the outcome of appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. The decision is a result of an earlier one in which the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta struck down Florida’s ban on same sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is now legal in 70% of North America.

John and Furnish entered a civil

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News

Michael Sam Reveals Other Gay NFL Players Michael Sam has told Oprah Winfrey that there are multiple other gay players in the NFL and that they thanked him for coming out before he was picked in the 2014 NFL draft.

Stephen Fry Engaged Stephen Fry, 57 is now engaged to his 27-year-old partner Elliott Spencer. Spencer is also a comedian and writer. Their relationship began in November last year and on December 23, the pair made a formal application to marry at a register office in Dereham, Norfolk – Fry's home county. A personal assistant for the comedian has said that no wedding date has yet been made due to Fry’s busy schedule.

gayexpress.co.nz

“A few reached out to me and

gratitude and how thankful they were that I had the courage” Sam was recently cut from the Dallas Cowboys side, but has said that he will continue to pursue a career in the NFL. There are no openly gay players currently in the NFL major league.

pretty much just told me their

Ground Breaking Gay TV Queer as Folk creator Russell T

long-term boyfriend Lance in the

Davies is back with three new

aftermath of ‘the worst date night

groundbreaking series.

in history.’ Banana, will use up-andcoming talent to tell stories from

Cucumber, Banana and Tofu will

all corners of the GLBT spectrum,

be broadcast in the UK starting

while online documentary series

Thursday 22 January on three

Tofu focuses on sex and sexuality

different channels as an adult

relating to the other shows’

show, teen-focused standalone

storylines.

stories and a net based web series, respectively. Cucumber

An NZ screening date has not yet

follows 46-year-old Henry and his

been set.

| January 2015 | 9

Scene

Kicking off 2015! Family Bar, 270 K road, Auckland. Saturday 3 January. Photos | Suki Zhang and Evan Donnelly. Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest gay nightclub first Saturday of the year was another huge night with a beavy of tanned hotties turning up to party! With queues stretching down K road on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, hostess The Outrageous Miss Ribena promises 2015 will be even bigger. Check out the Miss Drag Pride competition starting of Friday 6 February!

10 | January 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

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Friday 19 December. Photos | Evan Donnelly. Limelight Cabaret presented their ‘Let’s Get Loud’ comedy Christmas show at the Dog’s Bollix in December, giving the Newton a show like it has never seen before! The all-star line up of performers included Miss Anita Wigl’it, Kita Mean and Tess Tickle who all delivered hilarious shows. A colourful delight! gayexpress.co.nz

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OPINION

So Urge closes thanks to Grindr? Was the closure of Urge really a result of new hookup apps such as Grindr? Richard Todd and Levi Joule take a closer look. Editor's note: This opinion piece was first published on www.gayexpress.co.nz on 30 December. It rapidly reached over 10,000 readers. The original Sunday Star Times article can be found at http:// www.stuff.co.nz/business/smallbusiness/64366375/ hookup-apps-put-gay-bars-outof-business Anyone wishing to comment on this opinion piece can do so at http://www.gayexpress. co.nz/2014/12/urge-goes-thanksgrindr/ In a rather superficial article in Sunday Star Times on 21 December 2014, writer Jess McAllen claims “Social Media Apps are killing the gay bar scene, claiming as their latest victim New Zealand’s longest-running gay venue.” Really? What direct evidence is there for this claim? Because a sociologist says so? In reality the gay bar scene has never been busier according to Wayne Clark. And with the majority of the market, his 3 clubs/bars in Auckland are at record turnover levels. Wayne says the key to success in this market is “constant innovation.” “Those that fail to move with the times and innovate get left behind!” Interestingly, Wayne also says that he had more bar

12 | January 2015 |

openings and closures before Grindr and other social media apps appeared Urge with its 1970’s Castro theme has, like bell bottom trousers, come to have little appeal to the new young gay party and bar goers. So Paul Heard, owner of Urge may wish to claim he is a victim to soothe his own ego but in reality he is in business failure blame denial. Surely his inability to compete in this rapidly changing market is the problem. If gentrification of the upper end of K Road has driven up rents you move on to the next up and coming spot. Updating the appeal of this 1970’s themed bar might

have gone some way to helping too. And surely social media apps such as Grindr with their strong sexual innuendo would be hurting gay sauna businesses even more than bars if the social media apps argument is to be believed? But market leader Centurian, has according to manager Gabe Clifton had “steady numbers” and our “orgy nights are insane!” He also says “student nights too are very popular” – and this is the key social media apps user profile! In summary, gay bars come and go just like “straight” bars. Many last only a matter of weeks if

they fail to attract a good level of support. In Sydney, like New York, many have closed as a result of other factors such as new restricted liquor licensing laws, not the Internet. So no, gay bars are not closing because of social media apps. Some within the gay community may well be sad to see Urge close, but other bars are within walking distance and are successful. They will no doubt be happy to take the customer base that Urge once attracted. Article | Richard Todd and Levi Joule. Photo | Tux Hika. gayexpress.co.nz

Scene

Silly Season Never Stops Eagle bar, 259 K road, Auckland. Saturday 3 January. Photos Suki Zhang. The festive season just keeps on going at Eagle bar with everyone letting their hair down! Party animals were seen jostling to get to that juke box to blast out their new year’s jam – we’re surprised no blood was spilt!

ADVICE

Preserving our Pride CADS Auckland’s Diana Rands’ advice on taking it easy this party season. Don’t you just LOVE summer – many of us are on holiday, the sun is shining, and our moods are lifted. It is a very social time, whether it be BBQ’s, picnics on the beach, in the park or of course parties! Like most of our community members, I love parties. It is my opportunity to dance, to catch up with friends and usually to drink alcohol. I have to admit that at times I drink a few too many, and suffer the consequences the next day – groan, other times I don’t, and feel great the next day – yay! Alcohol is so normalised in our

14 | January 2015 |

society that it is extremely difficult to socialise without drinking. Even drinking moderately is somehow seen as being ‘lightweight’. There is the hypocrisy from many people who damn ‘drug users’ while throwing back their drug of choice (alcohol).

harm and mental illness. This is not surprising as we live in a trans and homophobic world, in which many of us have experienced negative messages and abuse just for being queer or trans, and alcohol and other drugs can give us some respite from this.

This pressure to drink excessively was highlighted in recent research from the Health Promotion Agency (HPA). They found that if people did not drink to perceived norms they were seen as ‘pikers’ and often felt left out of their social group. This research was the foundation for their “No Beersies” campaign.

It is up to all of us to challenge the belief that more substance use leads to more fun. This is a myth perpetuated by the alcohol industry, motivated by profit.

So – if you are hosting a party (BBQ etc), please remember to include non-alcoholic choices and food. Jugs of water i.e. No Beersies, is cheap and effective, food that is not too salty is great, and ensuring your guests do not drive under the influence of any drug. When we do this we are making the statement that we care about our community, we want to keep our dignity – we love and respect each other, and we want to feel real pride at the Pride Festival.

We know we can have heaps of fun without being completely intoxicated – in fact we can have more fun and we will remember what happened. We will also keep our dignity; we can hold our head up and be proud. Our bodies will certainly thank us for it!

If you have concerns about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use, or if you’d like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.

As queer and trans people, research has shown we are more ‘at risk’ of alcohol, other drug

gayexpress.co.nz

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Sun, Sand and Sexy Swimmers 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 bluesm 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. 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 Andrew Christian's outrageous designs!

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.

For express’ first annual Swimwear issue, we spoke with CEO and chief designer of Aussiebum Sean Ashby about the hottest trends in men’s swimwear.

“The latest trendsare thatbecoming are really changing the As trans people market are more about the attitude all men more recognisable in the are taking fashion overall. Mainstream media - dotoyou believe people men were governed by what are becoming more tolerant/their girlfriends purchased. Gay men were very much the understanding? trendsetters in the next There has beenstyle, a lothowever of growthtoday in generations of men are not classed by their the last few years. More people sexuality,” Ashby tells express. then ever are learning the word transgender and what it means. “The new generation areI think not interested in That alone is a big step. labels aretolerance consistently being there isthat more than theremarketed to them. They are more interested used to be. But there can be a in discovering labels that no onetolerance else knows about or they big gap between and have been influenced via social media understanding. I think we are recommendations.” Ashby believes today’s moving in the right direction but consumers are looking for more personal our mainstream culture still doesn’t designs to their allow forconnecting breaking down thelifestyle or culture, and the latest trends are, “a reflection of labels barriers and boxes it created for us. that are listening to their audience.” For anyone who wants to get to “Australia NZ what are typically know yourand band are thethe real trendsetters in swimwear globally three most important songs theyas it’s the first place for summer in the new season.” This should hear? summer Ashby expects to Blues, see, “a resurgence The Body Electric, St Roch in the men’s Nylon Brief style swimwear and and I Know It’s Wrong. the square legs (hipsters) getting shorter and shorter.” Happy days! Article | Oliver Hall. Ashby thatShoemaker. year’s ago he could see Photo notes | Joshua a distinct difference in what his straight and gay were looking for in Read theclientele full interview at their swimwear, but not today. “In some www.gayexpress.co.nz instances the straight male is overtaking the gay male in style with respect to trying new colours or cuts that are pushing the boundaries.” He says. Looking to the future of swimwear Ashby forecasts, “ a greater diversity in styles

and ideas with no set expectation… men will become more conscious and educated about the different styles and basically what they look good in. The fabric and treatments of the fabric will become more technical in all different ways. For example seam free. No stitching, everything is glued or heated into place. Form molding to compliment a persons figure will also be more relevant.” Article | Oliver Hall

Aussiebum’s top markets: Australia – “still classic brief driven in style.” USA – “slightly more conservative. They prefer the hipster, square cut shape.” France – “more brief style driven though the hipster is becoming more popular.” Germany – “the most unique… willing to try new ideas and choose a style plus accessory items like a tee to compliment their swimwear.”

SWIMWEAR

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The Boy from Oz that Everyone is Looking at From Neighbours to Sex and the City to acclaimed ‘gay’ show Looking, out actor Murray Bartlett has done it all. With Looking returning to our screens this month, Oliver Hall pinned Bartlett down to talk about representing gays, brunch with Sarah Jessica Parker and hugging Hugh Jackman.

Murray Bartlett still displays that persona of wide-eyed innocence that only a boy from Perth can. Combined with those big blue eyes and handsome face – it’s no wonder he has scored roles on almost every major soap opera Australia and America have ever produced. Our interview however begins in a slightly unusual fashion: Murray: How are you? express: I’m good how are you? Murray: I’m good. You sound like you’re talking to me from a bathroom? express: Well my office is about the size of a bathroom. But don’t worry I’m not taking a shit while interviewing you! Murray: Do you promise? express: It wouldn’t be the first time, but I have too much respect for you to do it… Though imagine if you heard a flush!

18 | January 2015 |

Murray: You need to print this in your parenthesis and then finish with a flush! Schoolboy humour concluded, we ask about his career highlights and he quickly raises scoring the role of Oliver Spencer on Sex and the City as, “a thrill.” Bartlett had only been on holiday in New York, when he picked up his first major US role. “I hadn’t gone there thinking I would stay and work. I was just hanging out in city doing some acting classes and then a few days later I was sitting opposite Sarah Jessica Parker having brunch.” The story of how he got the role is so typically New York. “There was a group called Naked Angels, where playwrights would come with new work and pick actors to read it. It was this real hot house… I became friendly with this guy, who was friends with this woman, who was best friends with one of the producers of Sex & The City!”

The show wanted a non-American to play the part of a gay man who Carrie begins a fauxboyfriend relationship with. Bartlett met Sarah Jessica Parker for his script reading on the set of a shampoo commercial she was recording - and she decided he was worth it! However SJP is not the biggest star Murray has rubbed (more than) shoulders with. He describes his Boy From Oz co-star Hugh Jackman as, “one of those actors who actually connects with you and makes real eye contact and is listening with you, not just in their own world.” The two played lovers in the musical, which toured arenas around Australia. “Oh my god. He is this beacon of good energy. He is such a generous wonderful person through and through!” Bartlett gushes, but admits despite playing partners, there was no kissing between the two. “Just lots of hugging and singing love songs to each other.” But is Wolverine a good hugger? “Absolutely! gayexpress.co.nz

TV He’s such a wonderful professional actor, you have to just take his lead.” Oh Murray, we’d love too! Despite his successes, turning forty made Bartlett question his career and he travelled to Egypt to find himself. “I was looking back at my life and asking how I wanted to move forward, and whether I wanted to continue as an actor. Asking a lot of big questions about what makes me happy and what I wanted.” He tells us. “It was a really tumultuous time for Egypt, looking at that whole revolution process and seeing what people go through was an amazing life experience and made me realise that I was worrying about crap.” It was in Egypt that he was contacted by director Andrew Haigh to audition for Looking, a ‘dramedy’ revolving around three gay men in San Fransisco that was being produced for legendary US TV channel HBO (home to The Sopranos, Game of Thrones

and Sex and the City). Murray had met Andrew in 2012 at a queer film festival where there respective features August and Weekend were screening. “I was ready to really throw myself into something. Egypt had gotten my priorities straight and given me this renewed passion.” Murray had been a huge fan of Haigh’s Weekend. “I just thought if [Looking] is going to have that sort of tone and subtlety and reality to it – that’s something I want to be part of.” He says. Debuting in 2013 Looking was met with critical acclaim for what has been dubbed it’s ‘postgay’ approach. In it’s first season the show ignored typical gay storylines like coming out and homophobia, instead focusing on broader issues about getting older and expectations for the future. Murray tells us, “for the most part people have been very positive about the show. It presents the characters in a very real way that steers away from gay stereotypes.”

trying to represent the community as a whole. “It can’t represent everybody. It would be a mistake to do that.” He says that Season 2, which debuts on Sky’s SoHo this month, “goes a lot deeper and becomes more complicated for the characters.” He says he is excited to see relationships between his character Dom and business partner Lynn (played by Quantum Leap’s Scott Bakula) and flatmate Dorris explored. Importantly - he promises more nudity from the show! “Yeah, you get to see a fair bit of skin,” he confirms. Looking screens on SoHo 9.30pm Thursdays, repeated 6pm Tuesdays. Article | Oliver Hall.

However he points out that the show is not

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| January 2015 | 19

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Louis ‘Ova Our January Adonis Louis grew up in Tonga and moved to NZ back in 2010. Now 22, Louis is a studying Computer Science at AUT and hopes to get into software design, but has a passion for showing the world – especially Tonga what he’s got! Louis says his passion for fitness modelling stems from wanting to show the people in his home country that they can achieve anything. “I want to be a successful model, because a lot of Tongan’s think industries like modelling are too good for us. I want to show them, nothing is too good for us!” His dream is already coming true, starting this year Louis will be featured at the new face of L’or Espresso. Well technically not just a face as his pecs, abs and biceps will, thankfully, also be on show! Photo | Danilo Santana David for express. Styling | Kaz Elizabeth from FaceMe makeup

20 | January 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene

Jazzing it up! Shanghai Lils, 212 Ponsonby Rd, Auckland. Saturday 3 January. Photos | Suki Zhang. Shanghai Lil’s guests were serenaded by the jazz band consisting of Olivia on vocals, Billy on piano, Jeff on drums and Denny on bass. The new year has been greeted with a new feature at the bar – the gorgeous bamboo lined back garden complete with pot plants and astroturf (coming soon)!

Thought about RIDING to the LYC Big Gay Out?

Bicycle parking & bike mechanic provided at Coyle Park • Go by the Northwestern Cycleway 10 minutes from the park • Take your bike on the train to Baldwin Ave Station; 14 minutes by bike (limited capacity) For more cycling activities visit cyclingsthego.co.nz Travel by Bus • LYC Bus from K Rd – every 15 minutes from 11.30am • Outer Link Bus to Meola Rd every 15 minutes • Bus 030 to Coyle Park every 30 minutes Visit AT.govt.nz for routes

Join up with new & old friends for the Pride Ride: Meet 11am Queens’ Wharf or Western Park 11.50am. For more information visit www.facebook.com/cycleprideakl

14-28 February Westpoint Performing Arts Centre Tickets available through www.iticket.co.nz BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiNTM THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE, NEW YORK

PRIDE

In anticipation of our most exciting month of the year, express gears up for Auckland Pride by interviewing four community members who make us feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Pride’s New Hero

NZ’s top dance companies but it introduced me to the arts

Chosen for the role of Festival Director by the Auckland Pride Board for his connections with arts and Pacific Island communities and experience in event administration and project management, Ta’i Paitai is now in the deep end. He talks to Oliver Hall about his hopes for the festival and representing our changing community.

communities.” He tells us, "the arts are a community where everyone, supports each other. Whether they were dancers, writers, filmmakers or musicians. I was always helping someone else out on their projects, which gave me the opportunity to grow a huge network of contacts.” For Pride 2014, Ta’i worked on the Pacifica float, which went on to

Ta’i Paitai grew up in Ponsonby

be awarded the parade’s best

and remembers watching

float award. He says the highlight

the Hero Parades as a young

for him was, “seeing the input of

gay man. “I remember a very

the young people into that float

packed and buzzing Ponsonby

and how that came to life.”

Road.” He reminisces. “I remember rehearsals for the

For Pride 2015 Ta’i says his key

Hero Party. Maori and Pacific

objective is to make the festival

communities working together

a success by giving it back to

for a show that Mika was

the community it is for. “I want as

heading… The freedom back

much community involvement as

then was different – we were

possible and for the community

a different community back

to feel they really have

then,” he says, but quickly

Prior to his appointment as

– two of the country’s most

ownership of this festival.” To help

dodges requests to elaborate on

Festival Director Ta’i was best

successful and respected dance

achieve this he says his primary

whether we have changed for

known for his work as a dancer

organisations. “Not only was it

focus is ensuring, “every colour in

the better.

with Black Grace and Mau

an honour to work for two of

our rainbow is represented.”

22 | January 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

PRIDE Justice Served

How did you and James meet? I met James in the context of

On Friday 5 December Matthew Muir became NZ’s first ever openly gay High Court Justice. He spoke to www.gayexpress.co.nz about the significance of his history making appointment.

the great decriminalisation debate of 1985/86. Because of his high profile he was asked to assist a young gay man who had languished in Mt Eden prison, after being arrested on theft charges laid by his mother. James attended a first mention

For how long has being a High

at the Pukekohe District Court

Court Judge been a goal of

but was advised that he needed

yours?

to organise legal representation.

For about five years. I believe I

I was, at age 25, one of the few

reached a point in my career

openly gay court lawyers in the

typical of many as they enter

country. The rest, as they say, is

their fifties whereby you have a

history.

desire both to give something back and to take on a new

Of your work as a barrister is

challenge.

there a case you were most proud to work on?

What do you hope to bring to the

I was asked to represent a

role?

young Indian boy who was

Civility, humanity and good

diagnosed with leukaemia while

judgment. As a gay man I

in NZ temporarily. His medical

would hope also to bring a

insurance had a repatriation

sensitivity to difference and to

provision which would have

minority interests which, were

seen him returned to India. His

it not for the fact that I am

twenties whether that was ever a

My partner James [Peters]

only hope of survival was a

part of such a minority myself,

realistically obtainable objective

was part of the Gay Taskforce

bone marrow transplant and

I may not have. T im Cook the

in my lifetime I would have said

which worked alongside the

there was no available sibling

gay CEO of Apple has recently

no, but the pace of change has

politicians and particularly Fran

match. All the medical evidence

spoken about the empathy,

been remarkable. I think it a

Wilde and David Lange to effect

out of India was that if he

which he considers his sexuality

great testimony to my profession

[Homosexual Law Reform]. As

was sent back there he would

brings to his life and his work

and to the country as a whole

his partner there was never a

not survive. The insurers were

and how enriched he is

that it has embraced difference

shortage of work to do, whether

ultimately convinced to fund the

therefore by it. I have exactly

with the speed it has.

obtaining financial and moral

procedure here, which was, in

support from members of the

turn, a complete success. James

the same view of my own. When you were sworn in, Chief

legal profession, lobbying

and I have become close friends

Was there ever a time you

Justice Elias spoke of your,

politicians or planning and

of the family. I felt that, among

thought your sexuality would

‘significant role in bringing about

executing another march down

a sea of relatively anodyne

prohibit you from becoming a

change by advocacy in the

Queen Street. It was an exciting,

commercial disputes, I had done

High Court Judge?

1980s’ – could you tell us about

motivating time with a great

something that really mattered.

I think if you had asked me in my

that time?

sense of mission.

gayexpress.co.nz

| January 2015 | 23

PRIDE Expressing Everything! Freya Desmarais is comedian from Tauranga who will be performing her show Live Orgy as part of the Auckland Pride Festival. Freya suffers from bipolar, but chooses to express her feelings and frustrations through confronting queer comedy. What makes you proud? I'm proud to be me, I quite like me. I crack myself up. That Freya girl, she's such a card. The Ace of Hearts to be specific, ladies. To me, being proud means owning myself, my mind and my body, my dreams and my past, present and future. I'd never own up to a fart in an elevator though, I'd draw the line there. Just stare straight ahead. I have bipolar (type two) which can be quite debilitating at

Can you tell I've been through

In my show Live Orgy I'm mostly

consent and mutual respect and

times. I experience very high

therapy? Is it that obvious?

trying to fulfil my dream of

kindness in sex is actually really

highs and very low lows. Quite

As obvious as black polka dot

bursting out of a five foot high

basic, yet we are taught to slut

simply it's a pain in my backside,

undies under white pants.

vulva onstage and rap about

shame and reject ownership

getting sperm in the eye without

of our bodies and minds. It's

getting arrested. It's art.

gross as, so I decided to write a

but I refuse to let it define who I am and I battle every day to

As a performer, what are you

overcome it so that I can reach

trying to express?

my potential. That makes me

In the wider world I try to express

Do you feel this is giving back to

pretty proud.

kindness, as trite as that may

the community?

What are your future aspirations?

seem. I'm a cynic by nature but

I am giving some serious hope,

I want Rose Matefeo to kiss me

I think everyone has their own

I do have a romantic heart. I try

change and freedom through

on the cheek again. On my face,

daily battles and I truly believe

to make sure I always have time

puns about rubbers and rub-hers.

not my bum; to be friends with

that it's those little things that we

to pat a dog on the street, smile

do to be authentic and true to

at strangers, be helpful and kind

In light of the despicable Roast

ourselves that we should be so

where I can. I'm pretty much

Busters case I wanted to talk

Live Orgy is on at The Basement

proud of.

Dora the Explorer.

about rape culture and how

Theatre from 9-11 February.

24 | January 2015 |

comedy about it.

Stephen Fry.

gayexpress.co.nz

PRIDE Undefeatable Attitude

How did you come to manage your Tourettes?

Actor, Singer and Musical Director Paul Barrett picked up the gong for Artistic Achievement at this year’s national Attitude Awards, which celebrate kiwis living with a disability.

I wish I had an answer as to how I’ve managed to control the tics as much as I have, but I really don’t know. I always rejected the idea of any sort of anti- depressant medication (frequently prescribed for Tourettes sufferers) as I was

Despite suffering from Tourettes syndrome from a young age, Paul has become one of NZ’s most in demand actors and musical directors, lending his hand to over 150 professional productions.

worried it would dull my mental and physical alertness, which are essential to the performer. I think there was also a sheer bloody- mindedness, an instinct acquired from my mother that regarded any sort of plea for help as a weakness. I’m still like that, for better or for worse.

He tells us about living with a disability, but not letting it hold you back.

Read their full interviews at

When did you first start

Articles | Oliver Hall.

www.gayexpress.co.nz

experiencing what’s known as motor ticks? My compulsive behaviour first became apparent at about the age of 10. I was walking to

written work, not to mention

or actually physically bullied

school with one of my friends

piano playing, a challenge.

for either the twitching or my gayness during those early teen

when I felt an overwhelming need to keep turning on the

It was a rather unfortunate

spot- first one way, then the

affliction to have, given that

other, to ‘balance’ it.

I had also inherited a musical

Were you concerned it might

and acting talent. I have

affect your acting career?

I remember her asking me why

described it as like sending out

The need to perform was so

I was doing it, but I had no

two conflicting signals at once-

strong, that it never occurred to

idea; it just felt good, it was just

look at me, because I want to

me to take an easier path- all I

something I had to do.

entertain you, but don’t look at

wanted to do with my life was be

me because I’m so ashamed

an actor and musician, so I just

The tics were worst during my

of my uncontrollable tics, as

had to teach myself to control

teens- endless sets of head jerks,

if being gay wasn’t difficult

the motor tics, at least in public,

eye flicks and tense jabbing of

enough back in the seventies.

especially when I was standing

extended fingers, which made

I was regularly either mocked

on a stage or at the piano.

gayexpress.co.nz

years.

| January 2015 | 25

HEALTH & BEAUTY

What’s Touching Your Skin? Eyes may be windows to the soul, but the health of our hair, skin and nails is a direct reflection of what we are within. Health 2000’s Stu Cook gives us his guide to the skin care ingredients we should all avoid. As skin is our largest organ, absorbing everything we put on it, what may seem great for skin today, could impact on our internal health over long-term use – and often the first warning signs of that are seen in our hair, skin and nails. Skin nasties that should be avoided: • Artificial colours – in lipsticks, skin creams and foundations. Linked to a wide range of conditions including allergic reactions, migraines and conditions affecting vital organs. Experts can’t agree, as some are banned in one country and not others, but we can say that consumers ingest surprisingly large amounts of these products over their lifetimes! • Petroleum by-products – found in tumours and shown to cause premature skin aging and acne. Known to smother skin so it can’t breathe, decreasing its ability to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. • Artificial fragrances (parfum) – can cause allergic skin reactions, and often derived from petroleum by-products. • Parabens – preservatives used to kill bacteria and fungi in body products. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, and butylparaben adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and male reproductive function. Many researchers believe there is a link between parabens and tumours. • Sulphates – surfactants foam and clean, but

strip natural oils leaving skin and hair dry, and cause irritations. • Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – biocide shown by some studies to cause damage to brain cells. • Lanolin – a moisturising agent from sheep sweat used in skin products, lotions, creams and baby oils. Poisonous when ingested, and may contain pesticide residue, which can accumulate in fat tissue. Can cause allergic reactions. • Isopropyl myristate – helps other products absorb, can dry skin and clog pores, causing acne and inflammation. • Formaldehyde – preservative in cosmetics, linked to numerous adverse reactions and classified as a carcinogen.

According to dermatologists, it takes 8-12 weeks for a little pimple to form on your face – not overnight, as it usually seems. So if you want to move from synthetic to botanical skin care and really “feed” your skin with nutrients, remember that it will take about that long for your pores to unclog from what you used before. Then you will have living, breathing skin that is healthy! Article | Stu Cook.

• Animal derived products – many skin care products contain animal products like ambergris (sperm whale vomit), civet extract (from its musk sac) and tallow (meat waste from slaughterhouses). Not to mention the animal testing of questionable compounds! When there are safe alternatives available, why bother? Using natural plant based ingredients with today’s advanced science and technology has created skin care products that are gentle, healing, soothing and more in tune with people.

Stu Cook With a passion for Natural Health, Stu joined the industry 10 years ago in the UK. As the Health 2000 Marketing Manager he is constantly looking for ways to engage consumers to think about ways to live naturally healthy. Photo | Denise Short.

26 | January 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene Naughty or Nice? Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 49 Cuba St, Wellington Saturday 20 December. Photos | Alex Kachfi. Things got a little straighter than usual at Ivy’s packed out ‘Hospo’ New Year’s Eve party. The same cannot be said for this seriously camp Christmas party hosted by Mama DeZiyah. Ivy will also host the official Out in the Park after on Saturday 14 February.

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DENTAL

Achieving the Perfect Smile! Over the last decade the products used for cosmetic dentistry solutions have vastly improved. Accent Dental’s Matt Sumner gives his top five techniques for achieving a traffic-stopping grin.

Whitening – the easiest and cheapest method for improving the colour of your teeth. But making sure all the tooth and gum structures are healthy is an important first step. It is also imperative to ensure a reputable whiting product is used. Many ‘off the shelf’ products are too aggressive and can be destructive. The results of whitening treatments will differ person to person and heavily coloured food and drinks will also impact how long this process lasts.

28 | January 2015 |

expensive. These procedures also involve removal of tooth structure in most situations, so only appropriate in some cases where tooth structure is comprised. Removal of gum tissue - can assist people with a ‘gummy-smile’. A laser is a great way to manage this process and is often much less traumatic than it sounds and can dramatically improve a ‘look.’

Braces – are great for repositioning whole healthy tooth structures, but will not improve or change individual tooth shape. This process does require dedication as it can take twothree years.

The celebrity smile everybody wants: Julia Roberts still has the smile many aspire to. This is mostly because she shows a lot of teeth, which are framed very well by her lips. However, her smile will only suit certain face shapes.

Plastic fillings – can be purely additive avoiding any tooth structure removal, however they will discolour as they slowly absorb water and any colouring in that water (i.e. coffee/red wine). They are also UV sensitive, therefore the harsh NZ sun will gradually affect them.

If the teeth are the actors in a smile, then the lips and gums are the curtains and stage. If one of these is too prominent in relation to the others the overall performance is impacted.

Veneers, Crowns and Implants – will give more permanent results as the ceramics involved are very durable. However, their construction can be time consuming and the good ones are individually customised by highly skilled ceramic dental technicians, and therefore

Read Matt’s full interview at www. gayexpress.co.nz

Accent Dental is located at 332 Ponsonby Road, Auckland. Phone: 09 376 4374.

Article | Matt Sumner & Oliver Hall. Photo | Evan Donnelly.

gayexpress.co.nz

Scene Asia Pacific Outgames Launch Viaduct Events Centre. 161 Hasley St, Auckland Sunday 14 December. Photos | Evan Donnelly. This event introduced the team behind Auckland Outgames 2016 (including sexy little spark-plug Martin King). Executive Director Damien Strogen said the event will cost " upwards of $1 million."

Natural looking Cosmetic Dentistry, Full Range General Dentistry and Dental Hygienist. gayexpress.co.nz Dr. Matt Sumner

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www.accentdentists.co.nz | January 2015 | 29

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Belinda Dunne International flight attendant and all round babe Belinda Dunne is tougher than she looks! Belinda has been promoting fight nights for 15 years now. She got into the fight game to ensure that women got the same opportunities to pursue professional fight careers as their male counterparts. At the end of November Belinda staged Princesses of Pain (w w w. p r i n c e s s e s o f p a i n . c o . n z ), NZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second ever all female MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) night to sell out success. With the likes of UFC champion Rowdy Ronda Rousey scoring major film roles in the Expendables 3 and the Fast and Furious franchise, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a matter of time before Belinda helps launch the career for our next big kiwi star. She is also working with a big name local director on a film about what she went through to get kiwi female fighters the equality they deserve. Dunne tells express she would love to hear from any girls looking to get into MMA, and any hot boys who would like to pose as a sexy ring boy at their future events. She can be contacted through her website. Photo | Adele Krantz.

30 | January 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

EAT

Foodie Bites

Market Stall of the month If you like old school Americanstyle brownies, try the raspberry and white chocolate numbers from our Market Stall of the Month. Real Good Brownies can be found at Silo Park, Mount Maunganui, Clevedon, Coatesville, Matakana and have a flavour to suit all tastes from traditional chocolate to peanut butter or lemon. Just don’t blame us if you end up a bit more Dawn French than Angelina Jolie. Moderation is advisable.

Zambrero We love the new Mexican on K-road for so many reasons.

Scarecrow We popped into Scarecrow last month and look forward to seeing it popping up again through 2015. It’s a temporary store in the CBD (will be closed for some of January but looks set to be open for at least the first part of 2015, maybe longer) and is filled with local artisan products plus food and drink to go. We can vouch for the coffee and the pastries personally. Scarecrow have a lovely seasonal approach to food and are very environmentally conscious too. 33 Victoria Street East, corner of Kitchener St, Auckland.

Seafood Fest Fab Feb Stuff the last of those scorched almonds down your face and make sure you get your fill of cocktails this January, so you can participate in Fab Feb which starts next month (we thought we’d give you some notice). This is a new initiative encouraging folks to give up sugar for the month of February to raise money for organisations who help families of kids with disabilities. Great cause and good for you to boot. Sign up now at www.fabfeb.org

gayexpress.co.nz

If you’re around Auckland on Anniversary weekend, make sure you pop into the ASB Auckland Seafood Festival (24-26 January) at Halsey Wharf. Aside from gorging yourself on bluff oysters, whitebait fritters, garlic prawns, steamed mussels, juicy scallops and more delciousness you can watch cooking demonstrations, listen to live music, have a beer in the Beer Garden and hang with the charming festival ambassador, Brett McGregor. www.aucklandseafoodfestival. co.nz

Nice, clean space; super friendly staff; great food and every time you buy a burrito or taco from the lovely folks at Zambrero, they donate a bowl of food to someone in the developing world. Better still they’re open till ten most nights making it the perfect stop before a night out. There has never been such a good reason to eat burritos ever. The more you eat, the more people you help. It’s selfless really. Zambrero, 238 Karangahape Rd, Auckland www.zambrero.co.nz 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.

COMMUNITY

Whangarei breeds the best Hospitality Oliver Hall sat down with Fred’s Sam Te Kani and Tara Ogle the Whangarei hospitality duo making some of Ponsonby’s best coffees. “I used to work in a café in Wellington, where over half the staff were from Whangarei! My boss believed it bred the best people in hospo.” Says Tara Ogle owner of Franklin Road cafe Fred’s. Tara currently has one staff member from Whangarei, Sam Te Kani who is also www.gayexpress. co.nz new movie reviewer. The two admit being from New Zealand’s northernmost city does give them a bond. “There’s a jokey solidarity,”

32 | January 2015 |

says Sam. Tara picks a mutual opposition to Reggae music as an example. “If Reggae music comes on in the cafe, Sam and I are always like, make it stop! You didn’t grow up in Whangarei!” She says, justifying that there is certain music that is just inescapable there and once you leave you never want to hear it again. Sam agrees and adds Ska music, Steely Dan, Tracy Chapman and Sarah McLachlan to the list. Musical institutions aside Sam found it was generally okay to be gay in Whangarei. “There is a little community… it tends to be older guys who have come out of marriages and have kids,” says Sam. “There’s also a lot of gay personalities in hospo in

Whangarei who are not only accepted but, adored and idolized!” Tara points out, listing Sam as one of them. They admit there can be some small town homophobia, but say, “it’s not really, ‘you’re gay, I won’t talk to you,’ it’s more, ‘you’re eating eggs benedict and that’s a faggy thing to do!” explains Tara. Sam confirms giggling, “yeah, I don’t think quinoa is a thing in Whangarie!” Both hailing from the same small city and working in hospo Tara and Sam were destined to meet. It happened one fateful night when Sam was working his first job, bartending at Whangarei’s Saloon Bar. Tara who did not work there was enjoying a debauched night out so much

that she ended up behind the bar serving herself drinks, while casually informing a wide-eyed Sam how much she loved the latest Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album. She tells us that feeling hungover and regretful the next day she prayed she would never lay eyes on that boy again. It took a couple of years. Sam returned to Auckland and was working at legendary K road eatery Coco Catina (owned by friends of Tara’s). She was so shocked to lay eyes on him again – she offered him a day job, and he took it! Tara who had previously worked at the likes of Zus & Zo and Little & Friday had always wanted to have her own café. She and gayexpress.co.nz

COMMUNITY business partner Matt took over when Fred’s was known as Agnes Curran. Originally owned by Cameron Woodcock as a café/ antique gift shop and named after his late grandmother. Renaming it after Tara’s late father Fred, “felt really right.” The café is fun, friendly, warm and inviting and Tara says, ‘all about the local community.’ Fred’s also serves Tara and Matt’s own brand of all natural milkshake syrups (a NZ first) called Master Milkshakes, which specialize in unusual flavours like Apple Pie and Earl Grey Tea. Both Tara and Sam say they will always work in hospo. “People, food and alcohol are my three favourite things,” smiles Sam.

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Proving that you truly can take the boy out of Whangarei, Sam confesses that these days he barely leaves the Ponsonby, K Road bubble. “He thinks going past Grey Lynn is a Safari,” jokes Tara.

Fred’s is located at 181 Ponsonby Road (entrance on Franklin Road). Article | Oliver Hall. Photos | Tux Hika.

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.

Contact us to register your interest in advertising advertise@gayexpress.co.nz or phone 09 360 7671 express is proud to annouce it is the official media partner of The Auckland Pride Festival 2015 gayexpress.co.nz

FOR THE BEST POSITIONS CONTACT | January 2015 |US 33NOW!

Meet Our Community Jess Sayer is a production assistant for Rotorua’s Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret.

Kiss & Tell • Rugby hero? Those of you who didn’t see him getting dragged off the pitch by an angry ex-business partner during training, think so! He got over that embarrassment, but new reports of his penny pinching (and I mean handfuls!)

How did you get into this whole theatre lark? By accident really. I was half way through my Bachelor of Communications and a group of us went to see Creditors by August Strindberg. I fell in love with everything about it and I decided I needed to leave uni immediately and become a playwright… You work with your partner, Darlene Mohekey, quite a bit. Tricky or tremendous? Tremendous. I pretty much just get to hear her sing all day for a job, so, stoked!

are surfacing and date back to Hero! You remember the festival that went underwhen funds went missing… Coincidence? • Which out star of radio and TV got so drunk on the Auckland Christmas party circuit that he showed everyone his thumb-sized penis? • Even our furry friend is finding the foundation difficult. He tried coming up with ways they could partner up for the good of our community, but they don't want to share their funding. How sad! • He’s the face of his own brand and he preaches health and wellbeing. But reports are coming in that he was so wired this festive season, it couldn't have been from apples! • It is succeeding in a space where so many failed, but is it all going to the host’s head? One disgruntled little birdy cheeped that he couldn’t keep his hands to himself! Lets see if the new mixologist leaves as quickly!

34 | January 2015 |

What’s your latest collaboration with the Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret about? It’s a mix of fabulous singing, magic, comedy, dance… I don’t want to say too much – but there will be sequins. So many sequins! What’s the craziest thing you’ve done onstage? At a recent Blue Baths gig, I rode in on a horse to the tune of ‘Little Donkey’ as a pregnant Virgin Mary with a thick kiwi accent and a mono-brow. What are the most important lessons your parents taught you? That everyone deserves your time and a smile. Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with people I don’t know. I recently talked for three hours with a man called Tony who lives in a car across the road from my house. We laughed and cried and ate kebabs. What’s the best thing you cook? I am the worst cook probably ever. Although if Vogel’s vegemite toast counts... What are the three things you are most passionate about? People. Animals. Writing.

What can’t you live without? Cheese. Hands down. If you could walk a mile in a famous GLBT person’s shoes, who’s would they be? I don’t know how much fact there is in this one, or if it’s just a fabrication of the rumour mill. But I pick Virginia Woolf. I pick her, A) coz she’s seriously awesome and B) she was very brave and C) she has the same size feet as me, so, I wouldn’t get blisters. The Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret runs from 13 Jan – 20 Feb at the Blue Baths, Rotorua. Directed by Rima Te Wiata and Choreographed by Taiaroa Royal. www.bluebaths.co.nz. Read Jess’ full interview at www.gayexpress.co.nz. gayexpress.co.nz

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