Day: October 20, 2023

Legendary Music Manager Simon Napier-Bell shares memories of George Michael, Dusty Springfield, Sinead O’Connor, and what it was like to be openly gay in an industry that made money from ‘screwed up kids.’ Simon Napier-Bell is a music industry legend. From managing the likes of Wham!, Sinead O’Connor, and Boney M to writing Dusty Springfield’s […]

Historian Gareth Watkins reflects on significant dates in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history that had a unique impact on our queer communities. 19 October 1955 Activist and community icon Shelley Te Waiariki Howard was born in Hastings. For much of her life, Howard had tried to suppress her femininity. It wasn’t until her late 50s that […]

Wellington-born choreographer Todd Williamson has worked with Parris Goebel, Lorde, and Rita Ora, as well as some of K-Pop’s biggest stars. He talks to YOUR EX about falling in love with dance, coming out as a teenager, and getting his big break! Where did you grow up in New Zealand and what was the experience […]

So the first date went well, and you’re thinking of going on a second, but there’s one niggling question on your mind. ‘How many people have they been with?’ Jessie Lewthwaite delves into why we really want to know.  Gin-soaked months of dating apps in Auckland’s limited girl-for-girl scene somehow paid off for me. I’ve […]

Did you know that since same-sex marriage became legal in New Zealand, only 2% of all Kiwi marriages have been same-sex, and our divorce rate is higher than straight couples? Michael Stevens ponders why. I’m married, as are a number of my lesbian and gay friends, but many are happy to continue living together with […]

Lawyer George Ireland advises on the importance of making a will and considering the implications of The Property (Relationships) Act. Nothing can kill that romantic moment with your beloved quite like bringing up the subject of a prenup, however, many of us would be better served by giving some thought at the beginning of a […]

Olympic diving champion Matthew Mitcham has spoken about his difficult journey of coming to terms with his sexuality and battling with internalised homophobia and shame that deterred him from coming out. Mitcham, who in 2008 became the first openly gay athlete to secure an Olympic gold medal, shared that he had known he was gay […]

After widespread backlash from LGBTQ+ rights activists and politicians alike, the United Kingdom is set to see legislation banning conversion therapy after all, with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak planning to introduce a draft bill to parliament.  As reported by local media, including The Times and ITV News, Rishi Sunak is set to introduce a […]