Homosexuality in nz
LGBT History: A Radical Movement
The below is a transcript of a talk given by the ISO as part of Dunedin Self-acceptance Month, sharing the drastic history of queer liberation in Aotearoa.
A couple of notes at the front: Firstly, we’ll be using the phrases queer and takatāpui as umbrellas for the rainbow community. We acknowledge that that the word queer is not universally embraced across the community, but we employ it here in the spirit of a successfully reclaimed slur. And secondly, we want to recognize that while this discuss is predominantly focused on post-colonial history, queer experience did not begin with colonisation. The fact that we know relatively petty about pre-colonial queer relations is one symptom of the vast cultural genocide visited on this whenua by colonisers.
But we undertake know that as drawn-out as people have walked this land, queer people have been here. A tale handed down through Māori oral tradition tells the story of Hinemoa who dressed as a man to seduce Tūtanekai, though this man’s heart belonged to Tiki, whom he called “taku hoa takatāpui” – my intimate, same-sex friend.
Why New Zealand is the gayest place on Earth
Small but mighty, little lgbtq+ NZ punches above its weight in regards to LGBTQ+ rights and happiness.
New Zealand is home to a pair of our most enticing outings. Our North Island Adventure is perfect for foodies and culture vultures. Our South Island Expedition is wonderful if you feed off adrenaline. And if you&#;re down for whatever, you can pair both of our gay NZ trips back to back.
But New Zealand is also one of the world’s most progressive nations. Relations between men were decriminalized in Same-sex marriage and adoption rights for lgbtq+ couples became law in And gay, lesbian, and bisexual people have been allowed to serve openly in the military since Here are a limited reasons why New Zealand might just be the gayest place on Earth.
New Zealand’s Government is the Gayest. Literally.
This is a big one! It’s clear that a supportive, inclusive, and empathetic government is inherent to advancing any community’s fab gay vibes. Good, following the country’s general election when six modern LGBTQ+ MPs were elected, New Ze
I don&#;t know about you, but when I&#;m planning a trip anywhere, it&#;s the first ask I ask. Is the destination same-sex attracted friendly? Will we be welcome there? It&#;s also the question I always get from LGBTQ travellers considering a trip to Modern Zealand. &#;Is Recent Zealand a same-sex attracted friendly travel destination?&#;
Absolutely, I tell them! We&#;ve met almost all the LGBTQ milestones in New Zealand, making it a great place for LGBTQ people to live. Rather than just give my opinion, I interviewed several of our friends in the LGBT community, getting their thoughts about life in Recent Zealand for LGBTQ people.
Scotty and Mal
Scotty and Mal are two our our LGBTQ Heroes! They&#;ve been part of the fight for LGBTQ rights from the start. They own and race S&M&#;s Cocktail and Lounge Bar in Wellington.
Mals recalls that during the battle to decriminalise gay activity 30 years ago, the so-called Christians were chanting, “Kick them assist to the gutters and sewers where they came from.&#; Sadly, it&#;s the same hate we&#;re seeing raise it&#;s head again
Gay Rights
‘A closet is a very dangerous place to be… the more visibility we have, the safer, the stronger our collective will be’. Alison Laurie, Activist,
The Homosexual Law Reform Bill polarised New Zealanders. Gay rights campaigners, including lesbian groups, clashed with opponents of the bill, who warned of declining morality and the spread of Aids. Despite the unrest, and earlier failed attempts at law reform, the bill passed in , decriminalising homosexuality. Find out more here.
For three-quarters of the 20th century, ‘coming out’ was a daunting decision for most lgbtq+, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in New Zealand. Discrimination was all but inevitable. Sex between men was illegal, and many of the ‘guilty’ faced prison, with possible flogging and challenging labour. Some people left the country for more accepting communities.
In , the legal sub-committee of the Dorian Society – a social club for homosexual men – formed the Homosexual Commandment Reform Society. It challenged the illegality of sex between men, but its voice went unheard. During the more liberal 70s, gay-ri