Category: Opinion

Nov 12
For Your Convenience: Homophobia and Hospitality 

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 […]

Oct 24
Why It’s More Difficult Being Gay Today Than It Was 20 years Ago

Stephen Rainbow writes on the problems facing contemporary gay culture. It’s always difficult to make observations about gay life without appearing either sanctimonious or setting oneself up as a paragon of virtue. I am neither, honestly. But after twenty years living as an openly gay man I feel I’m entitled to make a few observations […]

Oct 14
Mika Haka – We Want Chris Brown

With a decision to be made soon by the Minister of Immigration on granting Chris Brown a visa into New Zealand, acclaimed gay performer Mika writes exclusively for express and makes the case for Brown to be allowed in. Recently, it came to my attention that noted American hip-hop artist Chris Brown would be applying […]

Sep 24
Can The Rainbow Advisory Panel Be Effective?

When the idea of a Rainbow Advisory Panel was first raised I was excited at the possibilities for our community. Yet after observing Auckland council politics over the last year, I can’t help but feel a sense of despair before the panel has even held their first meeting. The Auckland Rainbow Advisory Panel members were […]

Sep 07
Celebrating Our Multicultural Community: Being Takatāpui

Ramon Te Wake writes on some of the challenges of being Takatāpui as well as what makes being queer and Maori fabulous! Aotearoa is a country with many significant firsts to its long white cloud. Georgina Bayer was the world’s first transsexual mayor and Member of Parliament. In 2008, the Human Rights Commission published ‘The […]

Sep 07
Celebrating Our Multicultural Community: Welcoming The Newcomers to Our Beds

Stephen Rainbow writes on how multiculturalism has transformed Auckland gay life. A cursory glance at the gay world in Auckland would suggest that while there may be concern about immigrants buying up our houses we’re apparently less concerned about the including them in our lives and our beds. How multiculturalism has transformed gay lives! Friends […]

Aug 17
Ask Agony Aunt Lisa: Is She Going to Yoga or Having an Affair?

Rainbow Counsellor Lisa Michelle is here to help with your problems. Q A few weeks ago I discovered my partner has been lying to me about where she goes on Wednesday nights. She told me yoga, but I’ve since learned she doesn’t attend that class anymore. I haven’t said anything to her because I’m not […]

Jul 16
K Road Strip Will Showcase Auckland’s Best at Edinburgh Fringe

K Road Strip: A Place to Stand is more than worthy of representing Auckland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival writes Levi Joule. If you haven’t yet seen K Road Strip, you need to make sure you do. Be prepared however to go on a roller coaster of emotions. Opening on Tuesday night at Q Theatre to […]