Category: Opinion
Resident rainbow councillor Elijah Luke Michel gives his take on healthy communication, and how to avoid arguments with people whose opinions are different to our own. Every human on the planet is born unique – even identical twins have their own fingerprints – so how do we learn to relate with those who have differing […]
The advocacy for same-sex marriage and support of queer rights has become a major American election issue this year. Shots have been fired from all camps, including dredging up Clinton’s support of DOMA, and Bernie Sanders’ previous reluctance to talk openly about gay marriage. In spite of slanderous political campaigning, it would be folly to say […]
Thirty years ago is more than a lifetime for some. But the passing of Homosexual Law Reform (HLR) in 1986 happened in my lifetime. And in my country. For many older gay people this event was a formative experience in our lives. Watching “The Thin Edge of the Wedge” as part of the Pride festival […]
Stephen Rainbow writes on how world peace could be enhanced if there were more of the kind of international relationships that gays tend to have. When my late grandmother, a Londoner who lived much of her life in Nelson, was asked why her will stated that she wanted her ashes put on an outgoing tide […]
Watching Hudson & Halls Live at Silo Theatre last night was not only superb theatre, it was a timely reminder to me of several important things. First up is how much New Zealand has (thankfully) changed since the time (1976-1986) that this conspicuously gay couple had their own cooking show on New Zealand television. Thirty […]
Rainbow Counsellor Lisa Luke Michelle is here to help with your problems. Q: I am 50 years old and have been given the run-around by Auckland Sexual Health in regards to starting Hormone Replacement Therapy for transitioning. I have been on their waiting list for months, and now, after a consultation with one of their […]
Rainbow Counsellor Lisa Luke Michelle is here to help with your problems. Q My partner and I have been together for two years now, and recently he suggested we invite a mutual friend into the relationship. Our friend is a fab guy and we both adore him, but I feel dirty – like I’d be […]
Are we too submissive towards homophobic customers? Star Observer’s Samuel Leighton-Dore reflects on his experiences in dealing with homophobia in hospitality and customer service industries. I’ve always had a day job. My fledging career in customer service began at 14 with two after school shifts at the local McDonald’s. I was paid minimum wage (roughly […]