Today in LGBT History

July 9, 1986 – The Parliament of New Zealand passes the Homosexual Law Reform Act legalising homosexuality in New Zealand.

New Zealand B and B refuses to let lesbian couple share a bed

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-b-and-b-refuses-let-lesbian-couple-share-bed110513

A bed and breakfast travel lodge in New Zealand is facing a backlash after it turned away a lesbian couple for wanting to share a bed.

The Pilgrim Planet Lodge in Whangarei turned away Jane Collison, 30, and Paula Knight, 45, on Tuesday after telling them that only a room with single beds was available despite their having booked a room with a king-sized bed.

The couple offered to take the room but wanted to push the beds together but was told they would not be allowed to do that either.

When the couple realized that it was the owners’ religious objection to their relationship that was the issue they decided to stay elsewhere and had to drive 30 miles before they could find alternative accommodation.

‘I got very confused, but started to click about what the issue may be and said, 'Are we offending your religious beliefs', and she said “Yes and you might have to find accommodation elsewhere.”’ Collison told the New Zealand Herald on Saturday.

‘We sleep in double beds wherever we go, and she was taking that right away from me and asking us to pay to sleep in separate beds.’

Owners Michael and Karen Ruskin believe they are in their rights to force gay couples to sleep in separate beds as they believe their three story, five guest room lodge is not covered by New Zealand’s anti-discrimination laws as they live in the building and share some living spaces with their paying guests.

‘We are entitled under current legislation to discriminate on the basis of sex in shared accommodation,’ Michael Ruskin told the Herald, ‘It's my own personal integrity to say I don't want same-sex sex in my house.’

‘The Government can legislate for same-sex marriage but it can't legislate that I allow them to have their honeymoon in my home.’

Michael Ruskin said that he had allowed homosexuals to stay at the lodge in the past but only in separate beds. He did not say whether he required the same thing of unwed heterosexual couples.

However openly gay Green Party MP Kevin Hague told the Herald that the lodge was not exempt from the law as it only exempted flatmates and people living in boarding houses, not businesses being run out of people’s homes.

‘To find someone still doing it is surprising to me, and will be appalling for this couple,’ Hague said.

The couple now plan to lodge a complaint under the country’s Human Rights Act and the Ruskins have closed down the lodge’s Facebook page after it received a barrage of comments in support of the couple.

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in April this year and couples will begin marrying in August when the law goes into effect.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-b-and-b-refuses-let-lesbian-couple-share-bed110513

Jesus was gay, says NZ church billboard

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/jesus-was-gay-says-nz-church-billboard171212

St Matthew-in-the-City church says Jesus Christ’s sexuality is not know for sure but he would have backed gay marriage

Jesus was gay according to a Christmas billboard at a New Zealand Anglican church.

The Christmas billboard at St Matthew-in-the-City in Auckland is frequently controversial - previously it has joked about Joseph’s sexual prowess and shown the Virgin Mary with a pregnancy test.

This year it depicts Jesus in his manger with a rainbow halo and the words: ‘It’s Christmas. Time for Jesus to come out.’

St Matthew’s Reverend Clay Nelson said: ‘Some scholars have tried to make the case that he might have been gay. But it is all conjecture. Maybe gay, maybe not. Does it matter?’

While his colleague at the church, Reverend Glynn Cardy implied Jesus would have backed same-sex marriage, which is currently being debated in New Zealand.

He said: ‘There is almost nothing in the record of his teachings about sexuality while there is plenty about the perils of being rich. Certainly he always supported the marginalized in society.’

And he wanted to raise the question of sexuality among the faithful.

‘Would it make a difference if he was gay? Would that change the picture for you? Would it mean what we revere about him changes?’

Last year’s Virgin Mary pregnancy test billboard spread around the world, reaching 21 million people on Facebook. But it was condemned as ‘blasphemous’ by some Catholics and vandalized.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/jesus-was-gay-says-nz-church-billboard171212

New Zealand trans now able to change gender on passport easily

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-trans-now-able-change-gender-passport-easily051212

New Zealand transgender community rejoice in being able to change their gender on their passports by a simple declaration




Transgender citizens of New Zealand will be able to change their gender on their passports by a simple declaration.

The new procedure came into effect on Friday (30 November) allows people to state their gender as male, female or ‘X’ (indeterminate/ unspecified), without the need to change their birth certificates or citizenship records.

Joey Macdonald, the chair of Auckland’s GenderBridge changed the gender on his passport from female to ‘X’.

He told the New Zealand Herald daily: ‘It's amazing, it means that on this particular provision, New Zealand is leading the way and is one of the leading countries in terms of reducing barriers to having a national identity document for transpeople’.

A Human Rights Commission report recommended in 2008 that people should have the right to change their gender on their passports and other documents.

The law in New Zealand was changed in 2009 to allow changes from male to female or vice versa by a declaration from the Family Court, and a change from either gender to "X" by a statutory declaration.

A Family Court declaration is still required for a male/female gender change on citizenship documents, but it has been reported that this policy is under review.

A New Zealand passport office spokesman said gender changes on passports could now be made purely by a statutory declaration stating a person's preferred sex or gender identity and how long they have had that identity.

The passport application form still asks people to tick either male or female and gives no indication of any other option, but the spokesman said the ‘X’ option was known to the transgender community.

A commission report stated that about 400 people have already recorded their gender as ‘X’. Macdonald has already travelled to Australia and back with no apparent problem.



http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-trans-now-able-change-gender-passport-easily051212

Transgendered bellbird found in New Zealand

in: http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-10/14/transgender-bellbird

Biologists at the Zealandia eco-sanctuary in New Zealand have spotted a bellbird that exhibits features and behaviour of both male and female members of the species.

The bird hatched in early 2011, and DNA testing then showed it as female, but since then its development has been rather different to normal female korimakos.

Normally, female bellbirds have a white feather pattern but the chick bean to show signs of the dark plumage normally seen on male birds. It also began to behave in a masculine way, not flitting between flowers like a female bellbird but instead moving with purpose, ready to defend its territory.

The bird's calls are unusual too. It makes both male calls and the distinctive "chup chup" normally heard from females, but the latter are louder and more frequent that is normal.

Zealandia conservation officer Erin Jeneway told the Dominion Post: "There's something we can't pin down. We haven't seen anything like this before". Victoria University biologist Ben Bell added: "It could be due to a hormonal imbalance or it could be a reaction to shock or an incomplete moult -- given the appearance and behaviour, any of those would be unusual though."

It's not the first transgendered bird to be found -- both transgendered and homosexual birds have been documented before. But it's the first time the trait has been seen in New Zealand bellbirds.

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-10/14/transgender-bellbird

New Zealand wins Mr. Gay World 2012

in: http://www.scoop.co.nz/

Mr. Gay New Zealand wins Mr. Gay World 2012 in Johannesburg at the Fourth Annual international competition

Johannesburg, South Africa - April 9, 2012 - from the twenty-two gay men representing their respective countries in the 4th annual Mr. Gay World competition held in Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Sunday, April 8th, Andreas (Andy) Derleth of New Zealand was elected Mr. Gay World 2012. Andy will continue to carry on the vision and mission of the organization that seeks to fight the discrimination and stigma faced by the gay community in many countries today. Mr. Gay World empowers and raises the visibility of optimistic gay men in a constructive dialogue with our fellow citizens.

Andreas (Andy) Derleth is an operations project manager of Warehouse Stationery in New Zealand. Originally from Hassfurt, Germany has a Bachelor degree in business management. Andy has a passion for travel and sports and participated in the 2nd Asia-Pacific Outgames and is very excited to be going to Antwerp next year for the worldOutgames. Andy is in long term relationship and on the 11-11-11 he entered in a same-sex civil union in New Zealand.

Other awards presented included:
Mr. Gay Swimwear - New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);
Sports Challenge - New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);
Best Interview Challenge - New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);
Mr Gay Formal wear - Netherlands (Thom Goderie);
Mr. Gay Congeniality - Netherlands (Thom Goderie);
Mr. Gay People's Choice Award - Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino, jr)
Mr. Gay National Costume - Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino, jr).
Mr. Gay Photogenic - Argentina (Gonzalo Enrique Bagalor)
Mr. Gay Outreach - Czech Republic (Tomas Fryda)
Top Score in the MGW Written Exam - South Africa (Lance Weyer)
2012 Eric Butter Philanthropy Award - Coenie Kukkuk
Mr. Gay World 1st Runner Up: South Africa (Lance Weyer)
Mr. Gay World 2nd Runner Up: France (Remy Frejaville)
Mr. Gay World 3rd Runner Up: USA (Kevin Scott Power)
Mr. Gay World 4th Runner Up: Netherlands (Thom Goderie)

Top 10 Final Standing:
5th Runner Up / 6th Place: Canada (Thomas Egli)
6th Runner Up / 7th Place: Hong Kong (Jimmy Wong)
7th Runner Up / 8th Place: Australia (Benjamin Michael)
8th Runner Up / 9th Place: Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino Jr.)
9th Runner Up/ 10th Place: Czech Republic (Tomas Fryda)

In a spectacular grand finale at The Lyric Theatre, South Africa's member of the board, Coenie Kukkuk, known for being a gay advocate himself made the customary turnover to Belgium's worldOutgames Antwerp 2013 producer, Jerko Bozikovic, which will be the next host producer of Mr. Gay World 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium (August 1-5, 2013).

The mission of Mr. Gay World (MGW) is to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance. MGW creates authentic leaders who will take responsibility, not only in his own community but on a global stage, speaking out for equal rights by inspiring those around him. MGW is a genuine and positive role model that will champion equality and diversity in the media both gay and mainstream.

For more information on Mr. Gay World please visit mrgayworld.org

About Mr. Gay World ( MrGayWorld.org )

The Mr. Gay World Competition is the Twenty First Century public performance where the delegates represent their nation as the best spokesperson and embody the spirit of their nation. The delegate chosen to represent his peers on a global stage will not only have the inner beauty of confidence, self assurance, charisma and natural leadership abilities but he will also take care in his outward beauty. Click to read more...

4th Annual Mr. Gay World Competition in Johannesburg, South Africa (April 4-8 2012)

Coenie Kukkuk is the Mr. Gay World 2012 Co-Executive Producer for the host city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Mr Kukkuk has been part of the Mr. Gay World Board of Directors since 2011 and is currently the Director of Africa.

The international judging panel consisted of:

Briand Bedford-Eichier editor and chief of Spartacus International Gay Guide (Germany), Eric Butter president of Mr. Gay World, Ltd. (Australia), Andrew Creagh editor and chief of DNA Magazine (Australia), Frank Malaba human rights activist and radio producer/host (South Africa), Dr. Pubern Padayachee medical doctor and TV host/actor (India), Remco Teppema co-founder and co-publisher of WINQ and Mate magazines (Netherlands), Terry Tucker registered professional geoscientist and a successful senior executive in the mineral exploration, mining and finance industry (Canada).

Mr. Gay World 2012 Grand Finale was held at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef city on Sunday, April 8th. The official host hotel was the Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort. For more information on the five day competition please visit MrGayWorld.org
Calendar of Events
High Resolution Images

Mr. Gay World Prize

Mr. Gay World 2012 will receive a Sterling Silver Mr. Gay World Cup, Mr. Gay World 2012 Sash, Approximate US$25,000 travel allowance to visit the five continents during his term as Mr. Gay World 2012. Club Travel Cape Quarter will provide the title-holder a trip for two from the title-holder's home country back to South Africa for a one week holiday including round trip economy airfare and hotel. The winner will also receive a one year supply of Bone Wear swimwear and underwear, Custom jewellery from designer Chris Winspear, MichaelGamePlan cosmetics, Spartacus Travel Guide, Clothes from Old Favourite, Tuition for correspondent study from College South Africa, Four-Night stay at the Taj hotel in Cape Town immediately following the Mr. Gay World 2012 Grand Finale, plus a 8 Nights Namibia Highlights Tour - Dunes/Desert & Wildlife - Guided Safari incl. Accommodation and meals sponsored by Namibia JJ Tours; and more...

Top four finalist of Mr. Gay World 2012 will also recieve the following prizes: Jewellery from designer Chris Winspear, MichaelGamePlan cosmetics, Spartacus travel guides, clothes from Old Favourite, Tuition for correspondent study course from College South Africa, and more.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/

McDonald's: Where Gay Websites Aren't Considered Family Friendly?

in: http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/mcdonalds_where_gay_websites_arent_considered_family_friendly

McDonald's in New Zealand made a big splash last month, when it announced that every restaurant in the country would have complimentary WiFi service for patrons. As the company's Managing Director, Mark Hawthorne, noted in a press release (pdf) announcing the move: "No matter where you are in New Zealand, there will be a McDonald’s nearby, which makes us the perfect place to offer this kind of internet service ... you will now have a place where you can stop, grab a bite to eat or coffee and access free WiFi internet."

There's just one problem: if you're trying to access a website dedicated to the LGBT community, chances are it'll be blocked. And that's apparently because McDonald's doesn't view these resources -- which include websites for LGBT youth, for gay news, and for information on health and HIV/AIDS -- as family friendly.

And that has a number of LGBT activists and publications in New Zealand saying that McDonald's should figure out a way to make sure their WiFi service isn't filtering essential material for LGBT folks.

Among the websites blocked by McDonald's is GayNZ.com, which is a leading LGBT news publication in the country (think The Advocate for New Zealand). GayNZ.com issued a statement this week, taking the restaurant chain to task for censoring websites that provide informative, and at times life-saving, information for LGBT folks.

"After so many years of the internet being an integral part of most people's daily lives, an organization such as McDonald's must by now be able to find a more sophisticated way of judging the suitability of actual content for your restaurants rather than just blocking out wholesale an entire site which provides much valuable and family-friendly lifestyle information and service," GayNZ.com writes in an editorial. And they're not alone.

Rainbow Youth, a web site dedicated to providing support and information for LGBT youth, is also blocked. They issued a statement calling on McDonald's to find a better way of filtering web content. "All young people have a right to information about their personal identity and access to being informed about other cultures such as the queer and trans community," wrote the group's director, Tom Hamilton. "In no way would the Rainbow Youth website be inappropriate for a young person to access at any McDonald's restaurant."

Other sites blocked by the restaurant's WiFi service? PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Agender (a support network for transgender New Zealand residents), and Family Planning (a site that gives critical and important information on reproductive and sexual health).

McDonald's, for their part, has told GayNZ.com that they're willing to review web sites on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps that's a good first step, but like GayNZ.com writes, "we ask for fairness, even-handedness and a more sophisticated and net-savvy approach rather than the heavy handed and blunt instrument" that the restaurant is currently using to filter web access. And that's got to be the goal, because blocking harmless yet important LGBT content only reinforces a dangerous misnomer that gay content can't be family friendly or suitable for all audiences. Send the chain a message urging them to work with sites like GayNZ.com, Rainbow Youth, Agender and more to make sure LGBT content is accessible at all restaurants.

in: http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/mcdonalds_where_gay_websites_arent_considered_family_friendly