Category: Opinion
Did you know there is an unwritten rulebook that defines who can identify as trans? Judy Virago didn’t realise until she started transitioning and discovered a minefield of damaging expectations waiting for her. Here she shares the truth: only you should get to define your identity. When I made the decision to live my life […]
For several years we as a community (especially in Auckland) have been divided, both politically and ideologically. But for the past few months, Drag Race Down Under brought us back together, writes Steven Oates. On Saturday night, Kita Mean was crowned the winner of the first season of Rupaul’s Drag Race Down Under. You may […]
Judy Virago shares her own experience of being a trans person in sports and fitness spaces, and believes after 15 years of trans athletes being eligible for the Olympics it is time one wore the silver fern and showed the world that ‘they are us.’ The mood was mighty cold for a hot yoga locker […]
When it feels like the world is against you, it’s instinctual to attack back, but Judy Virago says the key to victory is building bridges not tearing others down. We’re stronger united. During my first year on hormone therapy I was a Goddess of Destruction; pumped full of estrogen and angry at the world. My […]
Judy Virago imagines a trans-childhood where puberty blockers prevent torturous teen years and concludes New Zealand is on the right path. In my second year of primary school, I made a new friend. His name was Gabriel, like the angel, and he had long beautiful blonde hair. He told me that he was actually a […]
One half of Fan Brigade, Amanda Kennedy, is on hiatus from her genius comedy duo. Ahead of her solo material debut at the International Comedy Festival with her show Bumbshell, she tells express about her personal experience with bi-erasure. I’m bi-slash-pan. I just like whoever I like. I’ll talk a little bit about experiences being […]
Comedian Neil ‘D’Bear’ Thornton presents his guide to cruising, dating and drinking on the gay scene without being a jerk. Some of you should take notes! I know I’m your favourite comedian, but if you see me on Scruff, in Ivy Bar, or in a towel at the spa – I may not be your […]
Michael Stevens discusses growing older in NZ’s queer community and the feelings of being unheard and unseen that come with it. I am getting older, and I’m happy with that. “I turn 60 this year, assuming no unexpected events occur. I guess that makes me ‘senior”’. That’s a pretty significant achievement for me, given I was […]