2015 09 • gay express september 2015 issue by GayExpress

September 2015

Celebrating Our Multicultural Community

+ Adam Lambert Exclusive!

+ Welcoming the Newcomers to our Beds + Ramon on Being Takat達pui + Tips on Importing a Partner!

PLUS Outgames in Auckland | Elton John | Family's 10th Birthday Photos

What's Inside 4-5 News News What’s What’s making making headlines headlines locally locally and around and around the world. the world. ^ Academy Cinema’s Cinema’s GLBTGLBT 8 Academy Movie Movie nights:nights: We preview We preview upcoming upcoming films Holding films Holding The The Man and Man Tangerine. and Tangerine. 10–21 CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY. MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY. 10 TipsTips on Importing on Importing a a Partner: Partner: The The challenges challenges cross-cultural crossculturalcouples couplescan canface facewith withNZ NZ immigration andand howhow to to immigration overcome them. them. overcome Welcoming 12 Welcoming The The NewNew Comers Our Beds: Comers to Our to Beds: Stephen Rainbow Stephen Rainbow on howon how multiculturalism is transforming multiculturalism is transforming Auckland Auckland gay life.gay life. 1 20 GayGay andand Asian Asian andand a a New New Zealander: Zealander: Max Max LinLin writes on writes on thethe issues issues thethe GLBT GLBT community community must must address address in order to in orderbecome to become more more culturally culturally inclusive. inclusive. 24 Fabulous, Fabulous, Famous Famous andand a a Queen:Queen: Levi Joule down Levisits Joule sits down with pop with sensation pop sensation Adam Adam Lambert Lambert in a remarkably in a remarkably candidcandid and exclusive and exclusive interview. interview. 28–29 Family Family Celebrates Celebrates 10 10 years! years! All of the best snaps from from Family’s 10th birthday Family’s 10th birthday bash! bash!

From The Editor For this month’s cover story, I had the privilege of sitting down with visiting American pop star Adam Lambert for a remarkably candid chat about his style, music career and the radically changing nature of gay culture worldwide. ere are a number of factors contributing Auckland’s very own gay scene has changed too. While there to this, I believe that a large part of it can be put down to migration - which has changed the very essence of what it means to be gay in this city today. I’m proud to bring you this issue in which we celebrate our ur multicultural community. ural diversity and be It is important to acknowledge and celebrate our rich cultural vigilant for the xenophobia that all too often rears its ugly head – something we have seen lately around Auckland’s housing crisis. Unfortunately, unately, migrants can en social ill. sometimes be the first to be used as scapegoats for any given sity it brings is what In reality though, migration and the greater cultural diversity ne, to our sports fields, makes this city great. From our cuisine, to our theatre scene, Auckland would have nothing if it were not for migration.. ontributors who write The month’s issue features a range of new and returning contributors from their own unique perspective on what it means to bee GLBT while living in d. the vibrant melting pot of ethnic diversity that is Auckland. I hope that you find the articles thought provoking! Remember ember also to check out gayexpress.co.nz for all of your daily news updates! Cover Photo | Adam Lambert thanks to Warner Music.. For more news, interviews, scene pictures, entertainment stories ries and reviews; updated daily, keep visiting:

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Editorial Levi Joule 027 973 3084 editor@gayexpress.co.nz news@gayexpress.co.nz

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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.

NEWS

Elton John Blasts "Boorishly Bigoted" Italian Mayor Over GLBT Book Ban British pop star Elton John has lashed out at the Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro for banning 49 GLBT themed childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schools.

Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post comes a month after the Venice Mayor followed through on his election pledge to ban childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books with GLBT content. Read full story at gayexpress.co.nz.

Elton John slammed the mayor via a post on Instagram, featuring the cover image of Todd Parrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Family Book,â&#x20AC;? which teaches children that there are many different kinds of families.

United Nations Security Council Holds First Ever Meeting on GLBT Rights The United Nations Security Council has held an historic meeting on GLBT rights. The United Nations Security Council discussed attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS) on sexual PLQRULWLHV LQ WKH ÂżUVW PHHWLQJ E\ WKH RUJDQLVDWLRQ WR focus on gay rights. The United States and Chile co-sponsored the session, which focused in part on how GLBT persons in the Middle East have become the target of selfVW\OHG ,VODPLF 6WDWH ÂżJKWHUV U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters outside the closed session that it was about time the Council discussed this issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seventy years after the creation of the U.N. that the fate of GLBT persons who fear for their lives around the world is taking center stage.â&#x20AC;? The meeting was not only limited to the Islamic Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persecution of GLBT persons however, with discussions also held on countries such as Uganda and Senegal who have recently introduced harsh anti GLBT laws. Diplomats said that of the 15 Council members two â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chad and Angola â&#x20AC;&#x201C; did not attend the meeting. China, Russia, Nigeria and Malaysia did attend, but did not speak during the session.

4 | September 2015 |

John married his longtime partner, filmmaker David Furnish, in 2014; they have two sons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here is one of the Furnish-John familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite storybooks,â&#x20AC;? John wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It champions an all-inclusive world where families come in all shapes, sizes and colours. And most importantly, that families are about love. Our boys adore it.â&#x20AC;? John continued: â&#x20AC;&#x153;And in the opposing corner we have Luigi Brugnaro, the extremely silly looking mayor of Venice. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stupidly chosen to politicise childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books by banning titles that touch on same sex families living happily ever after.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beautiful Venice is indeed sinking,â&#x20AC;? his Instagram post concluded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but not as fast as the boorishly bigoted Brugnaro.â&#x20AC;?

Marriage Equality Bill Introduced to Australian Parliament With Warning Over 'Divided Nation' Australian Government backbencher Warren Entsch has introduced a bill to legalise samesex marriage to the lower house, despite knowing the chances of it passing are virtually zero. In his address to parliament Mr Entsch warned of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;divided nationâ&#x20AC;? unless same sex marriage is legalised. Prime Minister Tony Abbott had earlier announced that the ruling coalition government would bind its senior members to vote against any bill legalising same sex marriage.

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NEWS

Asia Pacific Outgames Will Be Scaled Down If They Proceed Speaking to express, Outgamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lead organiser Craig Watson says that he is very optimistic that the 2016 $VLD 3DFLÂżF 2XWJDPHV ZLOO JR DKHDG LQ $XFNODQG QH[W February, following on from a meeting of GLISA Asia 3DFLÂżF Âą WKH JDPHV JRYHUQLQJ ERG\ ZKLFK KDYH JLYHQ

the green light for preparations to continue. The future of the games is still far from certain however. While Mr Watson says that he is â&#x20AC;&#x153;absolutelyâ&#x20AC;? FRQÂżGHQW WKDW WKH $VLD 3DFLÂżF 2XW *DPHV ZLOO EH held in Auckland next February, there are a number of FRQGLWLRQV WKDW ZLOO QHHG WR EH PHW ÂżUVW 7KRVH LQFOXGH â&#x20AC;&#x153;the establishment of another incorporated society, FRQÂżUPDWLRQ IURP $XFNODQG &RXQFLO WKDW WKH\ ZLOO EH supporting the event and the acquisition of funding" If the games do go ahead, Watson concedes that they ZLOO EH VFDOHG GRZQ VD\LQJ Âł,W ZLOO GHÂżQLWHO\ EH GLIIHUHQW from what the dreams were, but that was the problem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the dreams were too big and too unrealisticâ&#x20AC;? The news follows weeks of uncertainty around the games after the original Outgames board resigned en masse in July. Read the full article on gayexpress.co.nz. Articles | Levi Joule.

Changes at express Oliver Hall has left express to take up a new role as digital manager at Lush NZ.

Lesbian Couples Takingg Advantage of Same Sex Marriage 61% Same sex marriage in New Zealand marked its two-year anniversary in August, with recent statistics revealing that ng lesbian couples have been taking advantage of the marriage equality ality law more than gay men. Newly released data shows that of the 188 same sex marriages held in June 2015, 61% of those getting wed were female couples, with 39% being male.

Auckland Pride Seeking New Parade director Auckland Pride is seeking a new parade director. Richard Taki, who directed 2014 and 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade declined to return for a third stint as SDUDGH GLUHFWRU $XFNODQG 3ULGH KDV FRQÂżUPHG Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade down Ponsonby Road is scheduled to be held on 20 February 2014.

39%

OPINION

Opinion: Yes, let’s Actually Think of the Children When it Comes to Marriage Equality The Star Observer’s Eilias Jahshan on the Australian debate on marriage equality. federal Marriage Act. That is all. We don’t need a referendum, as it’s not in our constitution. A plebiscite is both a waste of taxpayer’s money and not legally-binding. Actually, any human rights issue concerning a minority should never, ever be subject to the vote of a majority. The High Court in 2013 even confirmed that Federal Parliament had the power to legislate marriage equality. So why are so many MPs still shuffling their damn feet on the matter after 11 years of debate and consistent polls showing Australians in favour of it? For a moment though, let’s actually think of the children. Think of the boys and girls who, as you read this column, are struggling with their sexuality. They don’t understand what they’re feeling, or why they’re somewhat different from their peers at school. It’s a scenario familiar to so many of us.

LIKE so many of you, marriage equality is rather important to me. I may not be in a longterm relationship at the moment, but I come from a family and cultural heritage where marriage is taken seriously and celebrated. So you can imagine why I am utterly pissed off at the way many of our federal politicians are handling the issue of marriage equality. Legislating it should not be such a big deal. From a purely legal perspective, it’s largely symbolic in an Australian context considering how de facto couples of any gender essentially have the same rights and benefits as married couples. But to make marriage equality happen, it only requires parliament to amend about six words in the

6 | September 2015 |

Studies also continue to show that the rates of suicide, self-harm, and depression among LGBTI people are much higher than their heterosexual peers. So the next time someone cries “think of the children”, well, they are right. We should. Legislating marriage equality will go a long way to help those who feel alone and frightened. It sends a message that it’s okay to like someone of the same sex, and it’s okay to marry them. It sends a message that you’re afforded equal rights before the law. It’s pretty simple. Some politicians also love to say marriage equality “is not a top priority”. Well, if it’s not that big a deal — what’s stopping them from making the amendment? Like I said, it’s only about six words that need to be amended. I, for one, would also very much like to move on and focus on tackling other, bigger issues facing the LGBTI community. It’s not “it’s time” for Australia to have marriage equality. It’s well and truly overdue. Just get it over and done with, Canberra. Read more at starobserver.co.au.

I can still remember the confusion as I struggled with my sexuality during my high school years in the late 1990s/early 2000s. I tried so hard to be the person society wanted me to me, the person the cultural norms in my Palestinian/Lebanese family expected of me — but I failed. I also hoped it was just a phase and part of growing up, but the feelings only became stronger as I became older. All this “trying”, all this “lying” — it affected my confidence and there were times when I felt alone. There were no positive, young gay role models when I was a teenager, and the fear of rejection from family and friends made me anxious. While things got better for me, thanks to the ongoing marriage equality debate some kids today are essentially being told by the anti-equality group that there is something wrong with them, that they do not fit in with the rest of society. gayexpress.co.nz

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CINEMA

ACADEMY CINEMA’S GLBT FILM NIGHTS

Academy Cinema will be showcasing some of the world’s best GLBT films over the next few months. Up first are Australian film Holding The Man and the Avant-garde LA film Tangerine. Levi Joule briefly previews each. Holding The Man

Tangerine

Timothy Conigrave’s memoir, Holding the Man, is a love story for the ages, and this film has certainly done the memoire justice. Conigrave met John Caleo when they were teenagers at Xavier College in Melbourne in the 1970s. Tim was an aspiring actor. John was captain of the football team. Their romance lasted 15 years. John died at 33 from AIDS related illnesses. Forbidden by the Caleo family to speak at his lover’s funeral, Tim ensured through his memoir that the world would know the depth of tenderness they shared. Directed by AfI award winner Neil Armfield, the film has shown to packed audiences in Australia who have raved about the film’s powerful impact, with the Sydney Morning Herald saying the film has a “powerful message still relevant today”

Shot on an iPhone 5S, this R-rated comedy storms the streets, doughnut shops, brothels and clubs of West Hollywood on Christmas Eve as two trans-girl prostitute BFFs Sin-Dee Rella (Kiki Kitana Rodriguez) and Alexandra (May Taylor) go on the hunt to ‘Chris Brown’ “Some white bitch’ (like a real bitch, “Like vagina and everything”) who has done them wrong. The film premiered at Sundance film festival to rave reviews, with the Washington Post writing ‘On one hand, this day-in-thelife of transgender sex workers plunges viewers into one of the scruffiest, most sordid subcultures of Los Angeles. On the other, it possesses great sweetness and beauty’ and The New York Times saying the film is “a fast, raucously funny comedy about love and other misadventures.” Not to be missed!

For bookings and more information visit www.academycinemas.co.nz

8 | September 2015 |

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Date Night Deal

Sunday’s, Tuesday’s or Thursday’s Mention GAYEXPRESS at the Academy Cinema’s Box Office and get 2 tickets, 2 glasses of wine and a popcorn for $40 *throughout september to any film

LGBT night’s celebrate the release of new LGBT films and are brought to you by Love Your Condom and GAYNZ. These films then go on to have an extended run at Academy Cinemas. September films are Holding The Man and Tangerine, later this year we will have About Ray starring Elle Fanning and Susan Sarandon and Freeheld starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know premiere dates. gayexpress.co.nz

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

TIPS ON IMPORTING A PARTNER! Levi Joule chats with David Cooper from Malcolm Pacific about some of the challenges crosscultural same-sex couples face when dealing with New Zealand immigration. There isn’t much in the way of immigration issues that David Cooper hasn’t seen in his time as both a Ministry of Immigration official and advisor for Malcolm Pacific. While every case he deals with has it’s own set of unique challenges, there are some common themes when it comes to same-sex couples and migration to New Zealand.

10 | September 2015 |

In today’s internet age, meeting an overseas partner online is becoming increasingly common. Difficulties can however arise when that partner decides to move to New Zealand – a common issue dealt with by Malcolm Pacific. “Couples might meet online, start having Skype conversations etc, the Kiwi flies over and they have a two week honeymoon and the Kiwi

returns wanting the partner to join him [in New Zealand]. “The NZ government probably shouldn’t be expected to say there’s a relationship after just two weeks, so there is a lot of counselling and mentoring that goes on to get the couples to understand what they need to do to meet the government’s

requirements,” Cooper says. In many instances, couples do not realise the significant amount of time the immigration process will take, even once they have been granted a visa to New Zealand, as it does not automatically guarantee work rights, which can mean a lengthy period out of the labour market for new migrants.

gayexpress.co.nz

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY Jerry Clayton BMW

“We’re working with a number of groups such as Body Positive to help achieve positive immigration outcomes within the limitations of what the rules are,” Cooper tells express. He says there has been a significant improvement however in the way New Zealand treats HIV positive migrants. “It’s not as difficult as it once was. If you go back to the 90s, if a person was HIV positive, you were excluded from entry into New Zealand.” “We’re at a better place now, there is, I guess, still room for improvement.”

Sadly being HIV positive can still in many cases hamper the chances of obtaining a visa to New Zealand, particularly within the first year of a couple being together. He explains, “It is a condition that the government regards as high cost to the taxpayer, once a couple has been together for more than twelve months, things are relatively easy, but it’s during that period that they have been living together for less than twelve months, where medical issues and their access to medication in New Zealand can be an issue.”

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Cooper says that in most cases the challenges faced by same-sex couples wishing to immigrate can be resolved, but being patient is key. Those willing to endure the sometimes lengthy process will find that few places in the world are more welcoming than New Zealand - something Cooper puts down to the fact migration is valued by the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders. “New Zealand is a very tolerant society, particularly in Auckland, we can see how well our city is doing through migration – through food, culture and sport, through a whole lot of things where our city has become more vibrant because of the fact we have allowed more people to come here.” David Cooper and his team at Malcolm Pacific are long-time supports of the GLBT community and express. You can find more info at www.malcolmpacific.co.nz Jerry Clayton BMW 445 Lake Road, Takapuna. (09) 488 2000. www.jcbmw.co.nz

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“Often for those who come in from overseas, they will give up careers to come and join their partner in New Zealand and getting them work rights can be tricky. Once again you can’t just say ‘we’ve been living together for a week, give me a work visa based on this relationship’ – people will often need to be coached and reminded of the fact that things will take some time.”

Takapuna

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

WELCOMING THE NEWCOMERS TO OUR BEDS How Multiculturalism Has Transformed Auckland Gay Life A cursory glance at the gay community in Auckland would suggest that while there may be concern about immigrants buying up our houses we’re apparently less concerned about the including them in our lives and our beds. How multiculturalism has transformed gay lives! Friends who appeared relentlessly single or who had given up on finding a partner have found new a lease of life and unprecedented happiness after forming a relationship with a guy from a culture other than their own. I have seen many lives positively transformed by crosscultural relationships that are a direct result of the multicultural society that New Zealand has become in a relatively short period of time. 12 | September 2015 |

If forming an intimate relationship with another person provides a vehicle for looking into another individual’s world, then the addition of cultural difference to that mix makes for an even more fascinating journey. And I’m not talking just about food, but whole ways of being including attitudes to time, family and communicating. Theodore Zeldin, in his latest book, 'The Hidden Pleasure of Life', argues that “nations survive only if they can talk to those who do not speak their language” but that “the conversations within nations and between nations have barely begun”. Every relationship between gay men of different cultures begins one of

these conversations “within and between nations”, modelling the kind of cross-cultural understanding and communication that Zeldin envisages. My subjective observation is that gay men are more likely to be in these cross-cultural relationships than their non-gay counterparts. While there are high-profile MaoriPakeha relationships such as those between Tamati Coffey and Tim Smith, the stereotypical cross-cultural relationship is between an older European guy and a younger Asian guy. These relationships are often portrayed, as one friend who is in one says, as a “dirty old man” with a “gold-digging” younger partner. Such relationships are often far different

Tim Smith and Tamati Coffey at the launch of their bar, Ponsonby Rd in Rotorua, New Zealand - March 2014.

from how they are perceived. I know of at least one young Asian guy who has lent money to his older European partner, for example. Perhaps instead of making assumptions about the power balance in such relationships we could be asking whether great gayexpress.co.nz

New Zealanders like Brian Brake and Jack Body would have achieved their remarkable cultural contributions without the Asian partners they shared their lives with. Older European men are drawn to such relationships because of how they are regarded by people from their own culture where attitudes towards older gay guys can be quite dismissive. On the other hand younger Asian guys will tell you that older guys are more sincere and they appreciate their younger Asian partners more than Europeans guys of their own age. None of this is to disguise the challenges that can arise in crosscultural relationships including different attitudes towards commitment. Cultural differences can also bring historical and political issues to the fore and it is no coincidence that recent gay movies have included films about relationships between a Jew and a German, and an Israeli and a Palestinian. I look forward to the gay movie about a relationship between a Maori and a Pakeha (and to the feature about the relationship between a Pakeha and a Pacific Islander that I understand is in the pipeline). Nor should we be blind to the fact that multiculturalism of itself can present real challenges to the growing acceptance of gays. As Dennis Altman says in an Australian context “...increasing cultural diversity does not necessarily mean greater acceptance of others, as new arrivals often bring with them other attitudes and prejudices”. In Paris, for example, the far-right anti-immigrant party of Le Pen gets a disproportionate level of support gayexpress.co.nz

from gay voters because of the tensions in that city between gays and anti-homosexual Islamic immigrants. We need to explore ways in which the kinds of conversations Zeldin envisages above, between those steeped in homophobia (and sexism) from traditional societies, and the gays who form such an important part of the make-up of modern New Zealand (and Auckland in particular) can take place before conflicts arise.

New Zealand’s most trusted immigration experts.

In a country as small as New Zealand we used to have to leave for Australia or London to find other gay men with whom we could form relationships. But now immigration has meant that the world has come to us. Many of us have been blessed with the cross-cultural relationships this has enabled, relationships that not only enrich our lives as relationships should but - in the words of a Latino friend in a relationship with a Kiwi - precisely because they bring different cultures together “turn our lives upside down and even teach us new ways of knowing what love is”.

Over 30 years, more than 60,000 new New Zealanders have trusted us and we have not let them down. We are very experienced in managing all the immigration difficulties faced by the rainbow community.

MALCOLM PACIFIC ARE MAJOR SUPPORTERS OF THE COMMUNITY Stephen Rainbow Ph.D. In his 50 brief years he has gained a doctorate; been elected to public office; lived with a woman and had three children; lived in two long-term gay relationships and experienced the loss of both partners. He aspires to being a writer, as he is committed to telling the unique stories of gay men.

Phone 09 309 4187 or Freephone 0800 800 612 www. malcolmpacific.com

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CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

BEING TAKATAPUI What are some of the challenges? (In order to give a sense of equality to the question I must first point out what makes being Maori and queer fabulous). Aotearoa is a country with many significant firsts to its long white cloud. Georgina Beyer was the world’s first transsexual mayor and Member of Parliament. In 2008, the Human Rights Commission published ‘The Transgender Inquiry’ - a world’s first by a human rights institution and in 2013 we were the first country in Oceania to allow same-sex couples to marry. We also get to assert our Māoritanga by expressing our GLBTIQ diversity through the word takatāpui. One of the most important parts of my existence is being able to identify as takatāpui. It’s an identity that speaks to my truth both culturally and as a trans Georgina Beyer on Wellington's waterfront by Alex Efimoff (www.pro-photography.co) for woman. It means whānau, sisterhood and community, it means that I belong express - November 2013. to something much bigger than me. But having a sense of identity is one thing – being able to assert it in a world that is set up to deny you from the get go is where the struggle gets real. 16 | September 2015 |

The fact is, takatāpui (and GLBTIQ people of colour) experience huge levels of discrimination on a daily basis on many different levels and in many different ways. As a result of being a minority within a minority we face layers of organised racism, transphobia and homophobia. Where preconceived stereotypes and prejudices are embedded in a system that’s geared to say no, you are wrong. You don’t matter and if we put you over here, in this box, we don’t have to worry about dealing with you. Now sshhhh, don’t talk. Um, have you met us? One of the many things we do amazingly well is use our waha! And if our history is any indication to go by – you may hit us, hurt us, try to ignore us, but you will never keep us down or keep us quiet. In 2004 I was lucky enough to be one of the presenters and directors

‘Takatāpui’ presented by Tania Simon, Taurewa Biddle and Ramon Te Wake was the world’s first indigenous GLBT series, it ran from 2004-2008.

on ‘Takatāpui’, the world’s first indigenous queer series. Over the shows life span we covered varying and complex issues that impacted our community on a daily basis. Discrimination (health care services, education, employment, gender recognition) identity, youth suicide, stigma around HIV and AIDS, prejudice and harassment from police, coming out and being safe, gayexpress.co.nz

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

street kawa and sex work. Takatāpui and marae protocol – trans woman and karanga and hate crimes. I remember in 2007 we won the Media Peace Award for a story we did on Hate Crimes - The Stanley Waipouri murder. It was a proud moment for the team. But we soon sobered up and the reality kicked in. Wait what, did we really just win an award about one of our takatāpui brothers who was bashed to death for being gay? It’s unfathomable but the truth is, it’s more widespread than people might realize. Fast-forward to 2015 to a heading of an overseas report that reads – ‘Antigay Violence Down, Transphobic Hate Crimes Up’. It’s a cruel representation given the recent global burst of trans visibility but we can’t be complacent. No one can - the danger is real and clearly, more work needs to be done. We may carry the weight of generations of violence, prejudice and indifference on our collective shoulders. But we also have the power to use that history to activate our own inner activism by stepping forward into the open and into ourselves. By using our voice to share our stories and to bring more awareness to the daily struggles that face takatāpui. In other words, use your waha loud and proud!

Ramon Te Wake - pictured right as published on the cover of express, 05 November 2008 by Tux Hika - is a screen director, producer, freelance writer and singer songwriter. Her resume is vast, diverse and always colourful! She is currently working on the TV series 2KAHA where she directs the 'on the rise' segment which features young Maori who are "currently taking it to the world stage", as well as working with her close friend Mika Haka on the 2016 Aroha festival. gayexpress.co.nz

| September 2015 | 17

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

MOTHER OF A GAY Jess Reddaway writes on the challenges of growing up queer in a bicultural family When I first realised I would be writing a piece for this months multicultural issue of express, my initial thought was that I felt under qualified to do so. Why? Why did the topic feel so out of bounds? I mean, I'm gay and of a very culturally diverse background. I grew up in a world where by week I would attend my mid-decile primary school on the shore, and by week's end I would be singing Samoan Christian songs at my Grey Lynn situated Catholic Church after gorging on chop suey and taro.

18 | September 2015 |

lady of a somewhat conservative and Two languages were spoken in my very alternative (from a Eurocentric house, I had my “white grandparents” lens that is; I suppose growing up in a and my “brown nana”, and I ticked small village with one moving vehicle the Samoan and NZ European box on and three shops is a bit different to any forms I had to fill in. I basically what we're used to) background, my epitomised half-castedom and was coming out was basically a best case a living, breathing representation of scenario outcome. It didn't feel fair or cultural diversity. Yet somehow I still respectful to write about considering felt as if I was not allowed to weigh in how hard it is for some kids with on this particular topic. similar backgrounds to mine. Why though? I thought about it for a while, and put it down to one simple fact; it wasn't hard for me. Despite my mother being a catholic Samoan

My mum loved me unconditionally. I was never kicked out, cussed out, or in any other way harmed by her. I had it easy. Best case

scenario. But then, I thought about what that really meant. “Best case scenario.” Not only did it imply that I expected worse, but I never really thought about what exactly the scenario I was in, was. So here it is. I am my mum's best-kept secret. I've realised now that we've come to this strange, non-verbal agreement to each abide to a special set of rules; I act straight around her friends, I dress straight if I attend church with her, girlfriends are girl friends when family are around, and I put up with

gayexpress.co.nz

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

her constantly pointing out goodlooking boys on TV in half hearted attempts to make me straight. She in her stead tries to get it. She does the best she can do with the set of values she was raised with, which so vastly differ from the new-aged, highly informed, open-minded upbringing I was afforded in a media-rich postinternet era.

think about the world, not just the dogmatic, single-minded approach to the world she'd been raised with.

She stopped looking through the world from the fat end of the telescope and started seeing a nice clear picture; she saw respected world leaders standing up for queer rights. She saw some of her favourite artists advocating for queer rights, Despite it sounding less than ideal, not to mention talented queer artists I don't resent this agreement one showcasing their skills. She watched bit. In fact, I appreciate the strides hours upon hours of footage from the my mum has taken to be OK with Ellen DeGeneres Show. She traded something which she's been groomed in her narrow backwards microscope her entire life to not be OK with. I for a view master, and enthusiastically mean, I actually have vivid memories clicked her way through the whole from my childhood of my mother rest of the worlds' perspectives, and saying derogatory things about gay it's my belief that this exposure lead people; I recall being instilled with her to take her nineteen-year-old a distinct fear of ending up being daughter into her arms when she one of those gay people she so shyly told her she liked girls and told distastefully spoke of, thus inspiring her she loved her anyway. my aforementioned “best case scenario” mentality. Yet here she is, For someone with a media age of six, inviting girlfriends to family dinners I feel like she's doing a grand job, and and slowly “coming out” as a mother I'm proud of how far she's come in of a gay to friends and extended such a small space of time. Maybe, family members. when she's sixty-eight -years-old and 21 years of age in media exposure Mum has been living in my world years, and out to everybody as being – the world of fingertip access to “mother of a gay”, she'll be ready to information and the media - for rally the streets with me and take on maybe five or six years now, ever since the rest of the social inequalities that she learnt how to use a computer and plague our society that are finally access an internet connection. being recognised for what they are through widespread social awakening. There's still many a tantrum about But until then, I'm happy just to have buffered YouTube videos and a mother who stands by me and loves mysterious Facebook posts, but me unconditionally, despite impeding she's surely getting the hang of it. It circumstance; and despite her predated my coming out, and I'm so incessant nagging that I should STILL glad it did because I think it worked find a nice Samoan boy one day. as a vital catalyst in her – what I'd Jess Reddaway is one of the new fresh faces to join like to call - “social awakening”. Let express as a contributor, having previously written me explain. With the world at her for University of Auckland publication Craccum fingertips, my mum was suddenly pictured by Dan Liu. shown all these other ways to

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CELEBRATING C ELEBR BRA ATTIIN NG O OU OUR UR M MU MULTICULTURAL ULT ULT LTIC IC CULLTU TU URA RAL CO RA C COMMUNITY OM MM MU UN NIITTY

GAY AND ASIAN AND A NEW ZEALANDER Max Lin writes from his unique perspective as a gay Taiwanese migrant, on the issues the GLBT community must still address in order to become more inclusive. Moving to New Zealand at the age of six was probably the single most life-changing moment in my life. People tend to underestimate the way in which moving to a new country can transform someone. I cannot conceptualise who I would otherwise be - I probably wouldn’t be able to speak English, have the same opportunities, and I wonder if I would even be able to acknowledge that I am gay – to myself, my family, and to my friends. For this, I am grateful – one of my proudest moments is when I walked across the stage in the town hall and became a New Zealand citizen. I love this country and I believe we 20 | September 2015 |

can make it a better place. Being 'gay' and 'Asian' while growing up in New Zealand has often required me to navigate the demands of multiple identities. However, I struggled as I tried to capture the complexity behind what it even means for someone just to be ‘gay’ or ‘Asian’ in New Zealand. I want to believe that my experience is not merely the product of reductive notions of each community. I wondered in what ways self-identification is an intrinsic part of who we are, or simply an insidious process of unconsciously trying to perform the expectations of those identities. gayexpress.co.nz

CELEBRATING OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

It might be easy to come to the conclusion then, that labels are meaningless – that somehow we are all individuals and equal. I wanted to believe that labels are just fictional constructs; that I am free to be who I am – but I know this is not true. Labels are just a way we relate to the world. They might be illusionary, but their effects are nonetheless very real; they are externally imposed on you beyond your own control. It is more convenient to put people into discrete categories. All you have to do is look the marriage equality debates when Asian or Indian MPs tried to claim that their constituents hold conservative family values and are against marriage equality, as if one could not be gay and Asian and a New Zealander. So what happens when these identities intersect? Many in the queer community have quite legitimately pointed to the fact that sexuality is fluid. We want to believe this idea that we are free and can be who we are, that we are somehow the masters of our own destiny. Nothing elucidates the constructed nature of this more than the process of coming out, which is a process of ‘discovering’ one’s identity; almost as if there was an authentic self always there waiting to be uncovered. When one starts questioning their sexuality, the first person which a gay man comes out to is himself. With that process of discovery requires coming to terms not just of their attraction or gender identity but the association which the label carries. While no one really ‘chooses’ to be gay in the same way we cannot gayexpress.co.nz

is framed by the wider community and we must acknowledge the role we play in shaping individual decisions. It may be an unrealistic expectation that any community will ever be fully inclusive, but it is not an unreasonable expectation that we become aware of the consequences of our actions and take steps towards There is also a significant lack of queer that goal. role models of colour – in politics or business. Furthermore, political capital is always fixed around marriage equality, and little attention is often shed on the transgender community; queer people are still over-represented in statistics on homeless, mental health and drug use, and this is not being addressed adequately.

simply will ourselves into becoming a underrepresented or even absent different person; in a way coming to in terms of the portrayal of beauty terms with our sexuality is a choice. standards, in movies, music industry and advertisement – and this is no We welcome that process, not really accident. These images are largely thinking about what it means to opt- aspirational but play a significant into a ‘gay’ culture and identity, or role in the inclusiveness of the question how free we are within it. community. It is no coincidence that many who are gay first comes out as bisexual, or even say the contradicting statement that ‘I am not that gay’, trying to disown an externally imposed set of norms. What is preventing many from coming out is not just homophobic people, but expectations of our community. It is important that we question the stereotypes we hold about others but also ourselves and delve into the societal reasons for individual choices. Labels and identities are at the end of the day, a produced obviousness. The irony of the gay community, and sometimes this magazine is no exception, is that as a group we can lack a degree of self-awareness in our participation in producing a similar oppression on other groups of people.

These are the most vulnerable without a voice, and after marriage equality many have lost the will to address this. Unequal laws such as the criminalisation and travel bans and discrimination for those with HIV tend to prevent their full participation in the community.

Pride, which used to be a point of resistance against oppressive social structures, has been co-opted by big corporations. Corporations will never sponsor political change, they are not a progressive institution because they Unfortunately, there is no easy way to cannot afford to be controversial. communicate this – pinpointing to This means if our ‘activism’ depends individual accounts of inequality in on corporate sponsorship we can our community can appear petty and never be pushing boundaries and be even antagonising – but I ask that at the frontlines of social change and people try and look at the greater inclusiveness. context. It is time we started actively For example, the gay community questioning what the gay community tends to be active or complicit in is, how inclusive it is, and genuinely the sanitisation of the role which start talking about less ‘obvious’ characters of colour have played harms in our community postin its history, most recently in marriage equality. It is true an the Stonewall movie. In media, individual cannot fully discount Asian males are consistently their agency, but their experience

Max Lin (photo by Dan Liu) is a 23-year-old honours student at the University of Auckland, having recently completed an undergraduate degree in Arts and Law. Max is a dual citizen of Taiwan and New Zealand and has a deep insight into the geopolitics of East Asia, as well as current domestic political issues, both of which he writes extensively on. His work can be found at www. maxwelllin.com.

| September 2015 | 21

FEATURE

AROUND THE WORLD ON A BICYCLE CALLED FÍONA

Dean McMenamin has spent the last eighteen months cycling the world, so far he's been to twentyfour countries and shares some of the lessons he’s learnt along the way with express. Why did you choose to cycle around the world? This is the most surprise to most. Telling everyone I was gay was the hardest thing I common question I get asked and I understand why people ask it. had ever done and now I was leaving to cycle around the world, yet I had never cycled long distance before, never travelled, wasn’t even another surprise to the same people. in shape and had a vague idea on how to change a tire. I crossed Europe in three months and arrived in Istanbul exhausted When I left Dublin, Ireland on April 2013 waving goodbye to family from the relentless rain and extreme weather that seemed to follow me and friends not knowing when I would see them again, to say I was but I had just crossed a continent, on my bicycle, by myself and with underprepared for this experience would have been very correct. The the prospect of improved weather my mood was high. previous few months had been a wave of emotion and growth. I was entering the Middle East now and making my way through I had just come out to my parents and friends and this came as a countries that everyone back home kept warning me to be careful

22 | September 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

in. I started to follow the circadian rhythm and went to sleep when it got dark and woke at first light. I had my transport and accommodation with me and as long as I got food and water throughout the day life was good. I eventually made my way to India and South East Asia, trying to live with locals as much as possible. Temples became my stable place to sleep and I enjoyed the simple lives of the monks. Arriving in Australia I spent two months cycling through the centre taking me from Darwin to Hobart. The desert was vast, lonely, flat, but beautiful. I flew to Christchurch and now have embarked on cycling around New Zealand.

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So why did I chose to cycle? I choose to cycle because I wanted to do something that not many people would do. I wanted to see the real culture of a place, live with its people, eat the local food and experience all the elements of the weather. I’ve visited places where no tourist has gone before and I have been blessed to meet some of the kindest hearted and most generous people. I have come to learn that all human beings desire the same things. We want to be loved, we want to be safe and we want to be happy.

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The road has been tough and extremely lonely at times but it’s the kindness of strangers who give me a place to sleep, something to eat or just a passing smile that fuels me to continue. I started my adventure not sure where the road would take me. To date I have cycled in twenty-four countries on three continents covering 30,000km. I’m going to spend the next few months cycling around New Zealand and experience what it has to offer.

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To find out more you can follow me on my blog www. goneforthemilk.com or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/goneforthemilk

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COVER FEATURE

FABULOUS, FAMOUS AND A QUEEN express’ Levi Joule sat down with pop sensation Adam Lambert in a remarkably candid exclusive interview to discuss his new album, new look and the radically changing nature of the gay scene worldwide.

running the headline ‘Adam Lambert slams radio host Jackie O for gay jibe’ something Lambert dismisses outright. “That was really funny, because there was no drama.” “It was click bait. They [the media] made it such a big deal, but I wasn’t offended at all.”

Lambert exclaims “The thing that I contribute to the world is music.” But for us, that is not all he brings. What he has to say about GLBT culture also makes him one of our biggest current gay icons.

So it wasn’t an example of ‘double standards’ for the way single gay artists compared to single straight artists are treated in the media?

His path from that young, out and proud 20 something on ‘American Idol’ to the lead singer of Queen, one of the most recognised and loved bands in the world has given him an exclusive Freddie Mercury in Queen, performing at understanding of what it means to be Wembley Sadium 1986. famous and gay. Lambert had arrived in NZ only a few days earlier after spending a week in Australia. There, he performed on ‘The Voice’ and was also involved in a minor controversy which was generated by the suggestion that he should start dating Ricky Martin from shock jock DJ Jackie O. Headlines quickly ran on across the media, with ‘The Daily Telegraph’ 24 | September 2015 |

Express' Levi Joule interviewing Adam Lambert at Auckland's Langham Hotel, August 2015 by Dan Liu.

“There is a shred of truth in that, but I was having fun with her. I didn’t think twice about it. Some people invented some other drama that wasn’t going on.” Lambert says things have changed pretty drastically from his days on ‘American Idol’ for gay artists in the entertainment industry. “We’re progressing for sure. Being gay, it’s not taboo anymore. “People aren’t so hung up on it – I think the industry isn’t so scared about it anymore, they used to think it won’t sell. Now its been proven that most of the people who buy pop music don’t care.” More broadly, Lambert credits the

entertainment industry, with helping to further advance GLBT rights. “I think it’s very interesting, because I think the entertainment industry has really helped push things further” Lambert says. “ I think the entertainment community has done a lot to push us forward as a society. They’ve really opened people’s eyes and told tales of some of the struggles, some of the realities and also profiled more diversity within the gay community which allows people to understand things more. Especially film and television, there are a lot more gay characters, they’re not the stereotypes anymore, they’re moving past the stereotypes. It’s amazing how it’s pushed public opinion.” Lambert says the way gay artists are portrayed has improved and that at the beginning the ‘gay thing’ was the only issue ever brought up. “When everything happened with me in the beginning it was a little out of my control. I was being talked about before I even had a chance to answer any questions so it was already in the conscious that I was ‘the gay guy’ and gayexpress.co.nz

“There are so many shades of grey, there are so many different ways to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender – it’s not just one thing.”

gayexpress.co.nz

| September 2015 | 25

COVER FEATURE

so the minute I could get off the show “It’s funny, because in the 70's and and do interviews, that was what all the 80's a lot of male artists were quite questions were about.” flamboyant and camp and kind of seemed to fade out in the 1990's and While the questions now tend to be 2000's, you didn’t see anymore of that. more about his music, Lambert says It’s kind of like we went backwards a he will always be open about who he little bit.” is when asked. “I have no shame, I came out when I was 18, I didn’t mind When discussing his style he explained talking about it, because I’m an open that earlier on during ‘Idol’, Lambert’s book and I didn’t want to come off genre was dictated by the show’s like I had a secret or was downplaying producers. anything, so I just kind of ran into it head first. “They said ‘we want to see you doing the classic rock thing’… I thought, I can “What I’ve learnt over the years is that identify with that, I can pull it off and so it’s tricky because the media will tell the I ran with it. That was that chapter.” story however they want to tell it, so it’s still out of your control to a certain “The second one was more funky pop amount.” and I experimented with some other sounds. My look was a little bit more ‘American Idol’ was a lifetime ago to modern and contemporary at that point.” Adam Lambert and when questioned about whether “those photos”, showing “And now I’m in this chapter and it’s him kissing another man might have changed. The campy kinda crazy has been the reason he lost the final he been taken down a bunch of notches, responded, “I don’t really think about I wanted to do something a little bit that anymore, that was six years ago. I more from the heart, I wanted my fans feel like it’s all in the past.” to understand me a little bit more and understand the stuff I’ve been through Lambert is amongst only a handful emotionally and the places I’ve been. of ex ‘American Idol’ contestants to I wanted to talk about the things I’ve have gone on to achieve industry noticed about the world I’ve been success, something he puts down to the living in. Like this pursuit of happiness; team who support him. “I think it’s a how do we find it, how does it manifest game of chance and having the right itself, how we get derailed sometimes people around you – that makes a big by things while looking for happiness.” difference.” “The [Ghost Town] album is very Since leaving ‘Idol’ as runner up in 2009, contemporary; it’s pop – stylistically Lambert has gone on to release three I feel like I was dressing up in crazy chart topping albums and has recently costumes a lot and it was really fun, but wrapped up touring the world with I’m into more classic Americana now, I Queen, performing as the band’s front like cleaner looks. I was looking at old man – an experience which Lambert pictures of Elvis and George Michael rates as one of his best yet. “They are and Chris Isaac and those classic looks.” rock royalty and Freddie Mercury was Lambert says this in contrast to his definitely an idol of mine. He was so earlier style where he says he liked to boldly flamboyant and didn’t give a shit. explore and blur the concept of gender He was ahead of his time in that way. identity. “I liked playing with the 26 | September 2015 |

Lambert again notes the entertainment industry’s role and says that the media has moved towards more diverse and realistic portrayals of GLBT people, something he believes has led to positive change within the gay community. “I think that’s the exciting thing that the media has been able to profile different types of gay people. It allows the next generation coming up to think they have options and that they don’t have to be this or be that, or stick to a stereotype in order to find an identity,” the singer says. Adam Lambert’s insight into being an out and proud gay artist is unique and rather refreshing – the interview could go on for hours. Then, sadly, the record contrast of masculinity and femininity, label representative gives the signal to like Boy George, like David Bowie, like wrap up, not before Lambert makes one Marilyn Manson.” final point in which he makes his most poignant comment yet about how the While Lambert’s look may be more gay community now views itself. contemporary and straightforward, he believes the performance of gender “You know, you used to go out to a is being questioned like never before. gay bar and people would be like ‘I’m a “There’s a beautiful moment right top’ or ‘I’m a bottom’ and I have to act now where we are understanding and like this and I personally think that’s exploring all sorts of different options bullshit and I know a lot of young and variations on gender. It’s gotten a lot easier. I don’t feel like it’s an obstacle people growing up right now who anymore.” Lambert says. think, ‘That’s not how I want to act’”

David Bowie's flamboyant, androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust during the glam rock era, 1972.

“There is an interesting conversation about gender stereotypes right now.I think things are changing. I think people are starting to recognise that a lot of these norms are instructed by society. We’re brought up conditioned to believe ‘this is what a man is,’ ‘this is what a woman is’ and I think it’s a really exciting time right now to see that is being questioned and challenged and in some cases rejected. It’s good. I think it’s limiting to be forced to pick a box to define yourself.”

“There are so many shades of grey, there are so many different ways to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender – it’s not just one thing.” Adam Lambert will be returning next year, playing at the Auckland Town Hall as part of his ‘Original High’ Tour on January 22nd. Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.co.nz. gayexpress.co.nz

Nancy Wijohn and Kelly Nash Our Hotties this month hail from the world of dance. Nancy Wijohn and Kelly Nash work together and play together! They have just started collaborating with award-winning playwright Rachel House on their new show Ahua. This gorgeous couple told express that after attempting to ignore their mutual attraction, which had been growing in recent years, they finally could not resist the compulsion to get together while being in the back of the Atamira tour van. Glam! Three years on they still feel that same electricity and love for each other enabling them to create opportunities for their family and passions. They’re uber talented and have worked with some of the biggest names in dance including Douglas Wright, Michael Parmenter, Sean Curham, Shona McCullagh, Ann Dewey, Mary-Jane O’Reilly, Malia Johnson, Carol Brown and Atamira Dance Company. When they’re not on stage they are working together on their new business Common Sense Healing which will launch in 2016. Catch these beauties in two shows at this years Tempo Dance Festival; Ahua and Mitimiti. www.tempo.co.nz.

Article | Levi Joule Photo | Frank and Peggy Photography

HOTTIES OF THE MONTH

OUT & ABOUT

28 | September 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

OUT & ABOUT

Family Celebrates 10 years! Family Bar & Club, 270 K Road, Auckland. Sunday 23 August. Photos | Dan Liu Words | Levi Joule Family celebrated it’s 10-year birthday in true style. The evening kicked off with a VIP event held at the new Twist bar, featuring a who’s who of Auckland’s gay scene, before moving on to Family bar itself. The room was absolutely packed to the rafters with party goers and a wide array of drag performers. Among them of course, was Miss Ribena – Family’s resident queen, who had the crowd raising their hands to ‘the gay gods’ and singing happy birthday to New Zealand’s sexiest gay nightclub as a birthday cake featuring the hot and topless female entertainer Syren was wheeled out (with the help of some shirtless hunks) to the adoring masses. An assortment of community leaders then took to the stage to pay tribute to the club’s decade long reign as New Zealand’s premier gay venue, before the party goers danced long into Monday morning! gayexpress.co.nz

| September 2015 | 29

HEALTH

How I lost 35 Kgs in Just Six Months! Stu Cook from Health 2000 sits down with Levi Joule and opens up about his own incredible transformation and gives express readers tips for how they too can make the change to a healthier lifestyle. The moment Stu Cook knew he had to take charge of his health was the night he thought he was having a heart attack. “Obviously it wasn’t a heart attack, but I sat there clutching my chest, thinking these pains aren’t normal.” “I said I was going to lose weight a year ago and nothing’s happened, I need to take action.” Six months later and Stu Cook is sitting down for the interview with express 35 kilograms lighter. Stu says that he has always been a “big guy” but that through work stress and apathy, he had really started to pack on the pounds “Stress is something we talk about in passing but don’t really understand.”

He says that the hardest part of his journey was getting into the right frame of mind and dealing with the mental challenges that can act as roadblocks. “It’s 80% mental, it’s 20% physical – you’ve got to want to make the change." He also points out the societal attitudes that can hinder progress to achieving one’s weight loss dream, saying “We have become a reward culture, that’s the problem.” “Going to the gym and being active is a natural thing you should be doing, you shouldn’t need to be rewarding yourself for being active.” “You can negotiate yourself out of wanting to go to gym." “The alarm goes off at 7 am and I’m up and out of bed because I believe that I am doing the right thing for my health.” When it came to food, Stu says that he’s tried almost every diet under the sun.

“I’ve tried so many different diets and that was the “I spent years getting out of shape, thing – they were you’ve got to understand the position diets, I would you are in.” do these diets

30 | September 2015 |

without actually changing anything.” Instead of embarking on yet another fad diet, he decided to do some research on the types of products he was consuming and the impact they were having on his body. What he discovered about sugar led him to quitting the substance completely, which he credits with helping him to lose 35 kgs. “Of all the things we have come across sugar is doing the

HEALTH

most damage and it’s not just because it’s sugar, it’s also what it does to our body, from the addiction to the way it changes our chemical make up, so that was the first thing that I needed to look at.” Stu says that quitting sugar was no easy process and there was a period of intense withdrawal symptoms. “The shakes, the sweats, the cravings, getting angry for no reason – it was really hard.” I was probably in the region of 22 – 23 teaspoons of sugar a day and when you think about those sorts of levels, it’s not uncommon, that’s the scary part.”

Qutting sugar and joining the gym has really paid off for Stu - “I’ve been doing this since late January and I’ve already lost 35 kilograms and there is still some more to go. We’ll check back again in six months time and see how far I’ve got.” Stu has some straightforward advice for those thinking of embarking on a similar journey. “Get the support, plan it and stick to it. Never try and justify your way out of it. There’s no excuse for having sugar, there’s no excuse for slipping, but if you do, don’t beat yourself up about it, say OK, this has happened, but get yourself back up and back on to it.” Article | Stu Cook

5 Tips for Healthy Living and Maintaining Healthy Weight r Remove refined sugar from your diet r Move more – even if its going for a walk at lunch time or when taking a mobile phone call r Set a goal – be realistic but make it challenging too r Don’t beat yourself up – changing lifestyle habits can be hard but keep trying r Get support – find a friend of family member to go along on the journey with you

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH

Andrew Mohareb This month’s hottie of the month is Andrew Mohareb, one of Bintang’s sexy new models. Andrew was born in in Cairo, emigrating to New Zealand at a young age with his parents in search of a better life and to escape from Hosni Mubarak controlled Egypt. Andrew was spotted by Bintang’s Director Patric Seng who says Andrew “has that really unique look.” “I scouted him at Aotea Square one day, he was sitting with one of his female friends and I just saw him and thought 'Oh my god, I need to talk to him!' He then came to our casting and the panel thought he was gorgeous,” Patric says. “But he’s also just a really nice, genuine, beautiful person.” Andrew has spent the last few years studying and has just graduated from the University of Auckland with a Pharmaceutical Degree and hopes to work internationally in the field of forensic science. Andrew says his biggest passion is meeting new people and travelling – he is touring Europe right now. He also says there is no way he will be giving up his work at Bintang anytime soon. “I would love to keep modelling for as long as I can. I absolutely love it! " Article | Levi Joule Photo | Patric Seng

32 | September 2015 |

gayexpress.co.nz

FOOD

Foodie Bites

Curiously Cured We're loving Molten's new Cured and Curious Tuesday nights. Turn up and order one of their gorgeous charcuterie or cheese platters and listen to an expert winemaker, celebrated brew master or their resident sommelier talk you through suggested drinking matches. It's very informal and the idea is to get patrons asking all those questions they've always wanted to ask wine and beer experts. Molten, 422 Mount Eden Road, Auckland www.facebook.com/ moltenrestaurant. Urchin and Amber If you're looking for fish and chips in the CBD, now you can find it at the recently opened Urchin and Amber. Located in the main bar of the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry Hotel, Urchin and Amber is the latest reincarnation of Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest pub (first opened in 1865). We love that they only serve Auckland brewed beer, keeping it local with the finest from Sawmill Brewery, Epic, Liberty Brewery, and 8 Wired. Urchin + Amber, 12 Vulcan Lane, Central City.Facebook: Urchin and Amber

gayexpress.co.nz

Get a Taste of Kingsland Earlier this year, the lovely folk of Kingsland held a wonderful food event called Kingsland Flavours. It was so popular they're doing it again on the 18th September from 5-7pm. There will be $5 tasting plates at many of Kingsland's great cafes and bars giving you a chance to sample a bit of everything. What a perfect way to end the working week. And let's hope these gorgeous Kingsland locals are there again this time. Kingsland Flavours, 18th September, 5-7pm, Kingsland Shops Woop Woop! The gorgeous Frenchmen from Tomette have come up with a great new product. You can have three amazing dinners delivered to your door which only need a bit of heating to create restaurant quality, gourmet meals. It's called WOOP (World On Our Plate) and we can personally vouch for the meals featured the week we tried it. The sublime confit duck with caramelised apples, green beans and braised cabbage was divine. Unfortunately the gorgeous Thomas (Mr Tomette) does not come with the delivery. www. woop.co.nz

Good Moon a Risin' One of our favourite gay foodies, Tanah Dowdle (pictured right with Lisa Prager) is holding an indoor/ outdoor Rising Moon Autumn event on September 18th with her business associate Freddy Sy at Garnet Station Cafe. It will be eight courses of Oriental delicacies including hand-pulled noodles, dumplings with a twist, fresh ricepaper spring rolls with exotic fillings like sesame crusted Salmon and pickled ginger, moon cakes and so There will be lanterns much more. Th wishes and Rising for releasing wi i Moon Mo on aactivities c iv ct ivit itie iess like throwing 'Moon Blocks' 'Moo 'M oon n Bl Bloc ocks k ' to read your future. ks Rising Moon Festival R Ri siing M oon oo n Autumn A att Garnet Garnet Station Stati Cafe and 18th. Tiny Theatre, September S call Tanah on Bookings essential, essen 09 3611147. 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.

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