In the News: FLASH BACK 2006

"FLASH BACK"


I thought I'd do a bit of a Flash-back and look back on the what was in the headlines back in 2006

"Homo" Soy Sparks Bemusement:
Suggestions that soy milk is making New Zealand men gay is causing a mixture of amusement and bewilderment among experts and child-care professionals.

Gays Compared To Terrorists:
Gays have been put in the same category as terrorists and petty criminals in the latest tirade from an afternoon talk-radio host.

Acceptance Of Gays Will Lead To Child Sex, Says Maxim:
The acceptance of homosexuality has opened the door for child-adult sex to be sanctioned, says the Maxim Institute in their latest attack on the gay and lesbian community. (Go the Christains)

No Faggs In Ponsonby:
Faggs Coffee may have to face an inquiry from the Advertising Standards Authority over their latest advertising campaign, which uses homophobic humour to distinguish the brand from other "pretentious" brands.

Destiny New Zealand Launches Friday:
The Destiny Church's party political offshoot, Destiny New Zealand, is to launch on Friday, promising to fill a "moral vacuum" in Parliament. (Sorry Brian, the only Vacuum is in your head).

Bug Chasers:
Now call me old fashioned but some Gay guys have to be fucking nuts, One New Zealand newspaper had another theory – ‘bug chasing’. A term invented in the 1990s, ‘bug chasers’ seem to want to be infected with HIV, and so deliberately seek unsafe sex with partners who are HIV positive. They emerged from socially stressed, predominantly American, sexual communities where a tiny minority of men yearned for the socio/medical status of being HIV positive. Others seem to have wanted to get past the constant fear of contraction of HIV - the 'well I've got it so I dont have to deal with issues surrounding staying HIV free anymore' approach. ‘GIVE ME AIDS PLEASE’ shouted the New Zealand Truth newspaper’s front-page headline, but the paper no real evidence of a ‘bug chasing’ trend, just one poorly documented conversation. Some local men “openly flirted with the very real chance of contracting the disease and spreading it,” Truth acknowledged but it’s doubtful kiwi men having sex without condoms are seeking to get infected, or trying to infect others. Bug chasing is an aberration that has not caught on in New Zealand, nor in most of the rest of the world. So hopefully the word "Bug Chaser" will remain a School science project name and not the above.

Thats just afew of the Headlines that graced us in 2006.

FYI - Its a Gay life started on 12/02/2006

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In the News: I thought M. J. was gay, says brother

U.S. I thought Michael Jackson was gay, says brother

The brother of pop superstar Michael Jackson has revealed that he and his brothers thought the singer was gay.
In his upcoming autobiography, Jermaine Jackson, who gained a handful of Motown hits, claims that in the Jackson 5 era there were fears that their little brother was gay.
He said that at the height of the band's fame they met lots of women and all eventually fell in love but "Michael, well, he wasn't interested. We used to quietly say that we couldn't have a gay brother."
The book, Legacy: Surviving the Best and the Worst, which is yet to be published, lists a series of alleged revelations about the controversial artist including doubts over his innocence in child abuse cases, allegations of anti Semitism and questions over the conception of his children.

In his upcoming autobiography, Jermaine Jackson, who gained a handful of Motown hits, claims that in the Jackson 5 era there were fears that their little brother was gay


News Source: Pink News UK

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June Poll Result

Have you ever asked the HIV status of a one-night stand?

YES ... 8 (36%)

NO ... 13 (59%)

Never thought about it ... 1 (4%)


Well i have to say, its not something I have done, I have thought about it but never really had the gutts to ask.... but I think additudes need to change a little and we need to not be offended if asked, and not feel bad asking....

Your thoughts and comments very welcome.

back with ya's soon... (new poll soon)

Book review: The History of the Classified Column

Review: The History of the Classified Column: Random House
By: HG Cocks’

What’s a book review about classified newspaper advertisements doing on Its a Gay-life?

The answer is that the classified column was one of the ancestors of today’s online hookups. These inconspicuous columns of black type enabled the survival and maintenance of underground communities of interest, including gay communities and relationships, even if not advertised as such.
In the pre-decriminalisation past, queries for possible lesbian or gay partners had to be ‘coded’ to avoid unwelcome scrutiny from the police, blackmailers and other criminals, or would-be ‘moral guardians.’
It doesn’t seem to have occurred to the latter that the process of surreptitious covert communication was occurring right under their noses, because I cannot recall a single New Zealand or otherwise instance of antigay ‘moral panic’ where newspaper classified columns were the target of such would-be ‘crusaders.’
Why was this? I suspect that it had something to do with regulating available space and geographical concentrations of gay men before decriminalisation. Cruising grounds, public lavatories, gay pubs and other ‘open’ social networks were discouraged, but the classified column was the preferred avenue for ‘private’ and ‘discrete’ communication. It was overlooked due to the fact that it was ‘closeted’ away from public scrutiny, and open profession of a social identity or community membership.
As the sixties dawned, social change began to bypass the classified avenue to ‘illicit’ relationships, as the rise of non-reproductive sexual options, anti-censorship campaigns and metropolitan LGBT communities led to greater openness.
However humble, though, this overlooked avenue of communication may well bear closer scrutiny amongst our community historians.

Posted by: Craig Young

eYe-CaNdY "MIX"

Slice of Life: Auckland ranked 15th gayest city in world

NZ: Auckland ranked 15th gayest city in world

The latest international Spartacus guidebook puts Auckland in the top 20 cities ranked by number of gay businesses per million of population.

The number-crunching was done by Gay Times magazine for a recent travel edition.
Rome tops the list of "the best cities in the world to be gay in", with other European cities Amsterdam, Prague, Antwerp and Zurich rounding out the top five.
Auckland comes in at number 15, the only Kiwi city on the list. Sydney is a few ranks lower, and Melbourne comes in at number 40.
Now in its 38th annual edition, the Spartacus guide lists gay-owned venues, hotels and information/support networks in every country of the world. The guide describes Auckland as "a clean, modern city with excellent restaurant, hotel and tourist services. The inner city suburbs of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Mt. Eden and Parnell have significant gay populations."

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In the NEWS: Ambach trial Day 6

NZ: Blood and drug evidence in Ambach trial

As the prosecution lawyers in the Ambach murder trial nears the end of their case blood stains and drugs have been the main subjects of evidence in the Auckland High Court today.
Hungarian tourist Ferdinand Ambach is charged with murdering elderly gay Onehunga man Ronald Brown in December 2007 after he was found in an extremely agitated state upstairs in the home while Brown clung to life in a pool of blood downstairs.A senior ESR forensic scientist gave evidence today that she had spent three days examining Brown's trashed home, the scene of the overnight attack, and spoke at length about the various blood stains found in the home and on items allegedly used as weapons. She said that removal of the household items forming a 'barricade' on the stairs had revealed more blood splatters.She concluded that only two items were the likely weapons, a loose weight from a barbell set and the banjo, the neck of which had broken in two and been found in Brown's mouth. From blood imprints on the items the scientist concluded that Brown had suffered "at least seven blows," two from the weight and five from the banjo, although it is possible one more blow was inflicted with the banjo.
The jury was shown Ambach's blood-stained jacket and the alleged weapons, also Ambach's shorts which were extensively stained with his own blood from a cut to his hand. The scientist said tests had been conducted to find any evidence of sexual activity on the part of either man but "nothing conclusive" was found. Evidence this afternoon focused on drug use, a scenario flagged from the very start by Ambach's original lawyer on the steps of the court when charges were first laid. A bottle of the anti-anxiety sedative Lorazepam had been found in Brown's upstairs hallway. A doctor said he had prescribed the drug to Brown to counter tension headaches brought on by work-related stress. Of the 30 pills prescribed only one had been used and the doctor felt this would not have caused any appreciable affect on behaviour.
That view was backed up by an ESR scientist who said there was no evidence either man had taken the drug recently and that she had never heard of Lorazepam hyping anyone up, even if mixed with alcohol. "Both have sedative effects," she said. She added that a dose high enough to have had a behavioural effect would have been detected in subsequent blood tests.
Earlier evidence had stated that there was no sign of use of any recreational drugs such as GBH or Fantasy.Crown prosecutors are due to sum up tomorrow morning and the defence will start detailing their case. The court will be sitting early to allow live video link evidence to be given from Hungary.

Gay Icons: Kenny Everett

Kenny Everett (born Maurice Cole in Seaforth, Liverpool; 25 December 1944 – 4 April 1995) was an English comedian, radio DJ and television entertainer. He is best known for his career as a radio DJ and for the Kenny Everett television shows.
Everett attended the local secondary modern school, St Bede's Secondary Modern, which is now part of Sacred Heart Catholic College.
He attended a junior seminary at Stillington near York with an Italian missionary order, the Verona Fathers, but left under a cloud after, rumour has it, he broke into the sacristy and drank the communion wine.
After schooling he worked in a bakery and in the advertising department of The Journal of Commerce and Shipping Telegraph.
However, having revealed a natural comic and broadcasting talent, he began a career in entertainment. He adopted his stage name from film-star Edward Everett Horton, a childhood hero.

During his time at Capital Radio, Kenny was given a copy of a new single from Queen, by the group's lead singer, Freddie Mercury. Kenny was a good friend of Freddie and when the singer requested that Everett give the B side of the single more of an airing, Kenny agreed. He liked the B side so much, that he played it several times a night on his show, to the extent that the song - Bohemian Rhapsody - shot to number one and gave Queen a major boost.

Besides the radio programmes, he had two television series, The first, in 1968, was a production for Granada Television called "Nice Time", co-presented by Germaine Greer. In 1978, he started a new venture in television, with his ground-breaking Kenny Everett Video Show. This was a vehicle for Kenny's characters and sketches, interspersed with pop hits of the day, which were often presented through the very risqué (for the time) dance group, Hot Gossip (see also Sarah Brightman). It also featured an animated cartoon version of his popular radio spot, Captain Kremmen - a thinly disguised Kenny travelling the galaxy with his voluptuous sidekick Carla. Other memorable characters were Cupid Stunt ("all done in the best POSSIBLE taste!"), Angry of Mayfair, Sid Snot, Gizzard Puke and Marcel Wave. The Video Show, made by Thames Television, ran for four series on ITV, and was incredibly popular, being required viewing for any teenager of the time. Kenny continued with Capital Radio while also doing his television work.

Due to Kenny falling out with Thames - he was unhappy about the rescheduling of the show against the BBC's Top of the Pops on Thursday evenings, among other things - the show transferred to the BBC in the early 80s, but in a version that arguably never quite captured the anarchic spirit of the ITV series. In this incarnation it was called the Kenny Everett Television Show and had a more conventional sketch show format with a studio audience. Cleo Rocos was a regular. Guest stars included Billy Connolly, Terry Wogan, Lionel Blair and Joanna Lumley. Barry Cryer was a co-writer. Initially Thames tried to claim Kenny's characters as their copyright, forcing him to invent new ones for the BBC show (Cupid Stunt and Gizzard Puke are two examples which were never part of the Thames series). Ultimately, Thames's action failed, and most of the characters eventually made the transition unchanged.In the 1983 electoral campaign, Kenny was invited to the Conservative Party conference in a bid to attract the youth vote, and made the unfortunate remark "Let's bomb RUSSIA!". His support for the Tories (originating in the 1960s when the Tories, in opposition, criticised the heavy handed way that the Labour government dealt with the pirate stations) and the remark alienated many of his more politically aware fans, though he later admitted that he wasn't terribly political, and greatly regretted the incident.While his radio shows continued in the same vein and were as popular as ever, by the late 80s the TV show format had run its course, and Kenny's personal life was becoming increasingly complicated. His homosexuality was something he never fully came to terms with, and he suffered bouts of severe depression. He died of AIDS in 1995.



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On DVD/Film

Queer Asian Shorts - 2009, 85 min



SYNOPSIS:
A truly unique collection, this grouping of Asian gay male films was curated by the amazing Frameline San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Filled with treats from distant Asian countries, the collection also has films from the UK and USA.

*Still -- Lucky Kuswandi 2005 15 min. Indonesia/USA A gay teenager detached from his surroundings, Guy (Jason Woo) runs away from home to escape the idle stillness of his life. He is unaware of his purpose in life, and is desperate for a human connection, some kind of a substitute for love - something he never receives from his absent, distant father, whom he never fully knows or understands. Guy takes the train towards a beach town and checks into a dilapidated motel, roaming the barely-alive streets aimlessly and cruising through life’s clichés only to find discomfort and disillusionment. (No Dialogue)

*Last Full Show -- Mark Reyes 2005 18 min. Philippines A young boy and and older man learn the meaning of love upon meeting at an underground Manila movie theatre. (Tagalog w/English subtitles)

*Dissolution of Bodies -- Kevin Choi 2007 13 min. USA During one intense night of intellectual and physical passion, two strangers attempt to defy the fleeting nature of desire. Will their forbidden union create a lasting romance, or result in just another one-night-stand?

*A Crimson Mark -- Hyun-Jin Park 2004 13 min. South Korea Set during the Chosun Dynasty during a political shift in power, a Chancellor falls in love with a clerk while the Academy debates how long the new King’s step-mother may rule in his name. (Korean w/English subtitles)

*Yellow Fever -- Raymond Yeung 1998 26 min. UK A love story set in 90s London, following the life of Monty, a gay Chinese anglophile, desperately seeking his “white knight”. A chance encounter with his new Chinese neighbor, Jai Ming, turns Monty’s Vivienne Westwood wardrobe upside down. Initially repulsed by the idea of being with his own kind, Monty experiences unfamiliar feelings of attraction followed by reactionary denial and a long overdue look in the mirror at his own inferiority complex. A modern comedy with a dash of camp and a trace of glamour, Yellow Fever is an offbeat and witty portrayal of gay Chinese subculture in a European-dominated society.


REVIEW:
A Fascinating Collection
Be on the lookout for this wonderful collection of Asian gay short films. It contains five short films that will entertain and keep you thinking. “Yellow Fever” from the United Kingdom is a love story set in London and it is about Monte, a gay Asian (Chinese) who is looking for his Mr. Wonderful. By chance he meets Jai Ming, another Chinese guy but he really wants a “white boy”. The film then explores Monty and gives us a look at the gay-Chinese subculture in a society dominated by European values. “Still” is from Indonesia and the US and is the story of Guy who cannot seem to find his place and runs away from home. He very much wants a human connection but just does not know how to get one. This is a portrait of loneliness that brings about disillusionment. “A Crimson Mark” from South Korea is a bout a chancellor falling in love with his clerk amidst political turmoil in the country. “Last Full Show” is a Filipino film about the meaning of love and it is a sincere look at an older man and a boy. Finally, “Dissolution of Bodies” from the United States introduces us to two strangers who attempt to avoid the feeling of desire and we must learn whether their night of passion is a step towards something greater or just a one night stand.


Back with ya's soon...

In the NEWS: Ambach to police: 'maybe I pushed him'

AMBACH/BROWN TRIAL:

Ambach to police: 'maybe I pushed him'

Ambach trial Day 5

27th June 2009


Interviewed by police just hours after the deadly assault on elderly gay man Ronald Brown, Ferdinand Ambach (pictured) suggested that he may have pushed Brown, and that the elderly man fell over, perhaps down the stairs.

Police had, in the early hours of December 8, 2007, found Brown battered, bloody and barely clinging to life in the stairwell of his trashed Onehunga home while an agitated Ambach was upstairs throwing furniture through the windows. Ambach, 32, a Hungarian tourist who had been in New Zealand one month, was charged with murder after life support was withdrawn from Brown, who died two days later. The High Court jury today (Friday) watched an hour of video footage showing Ambach in a police interview room the morning after he was found in Brown's house. Speaking through an interpreter, Ambach said it was Brown’s idea to go back to his house, "for TV and music." He said Brown put a hand on his leg while they were sitting opposite each other. "I protested against it and immediately knew what was happening. I pushed his hand away. 'Why?' he asked. ‘Let's have another drink,’ I said. I pretended it never happened."
"He asked me to come upstairs and have a drink,” Ambach told the interviewing officer. “I thought 'how do I get to Onehunga and what do I do next?' I was a little bit afraid. I didn't have enough money for a taxi... I just wanted to leave and get home.
"Asked what happened next, Ambach replied: "You can ask Mr. Brown.” The officer explained that Brown in surgery, with lacerations on his head and other serious injuries. “We need to hear from you, what happened when you were in the house?" The jury watched the courtroom screen as Ambach lowered his head. "I don't know,” he said through his interpreter, “I have flashes." A few minutes later he said: "He went upstairs, and called down for me to come up. The light went out and it was total darkness. It was dark, I was drunk, and there's a man… I don't know what he wants with me... after that I remember nothing."

Police: "How do you think Mr. Brown got his injuries?"

Ambach: "I don't know."After a short time Ambach told the officer: “He chased me around the table upstairs." Ambach remembered “throwing things” and stated “I don't know what happened, honestly, I never hurt anybody."The policeman pointed out that a pile of large household items had been thrown onto the stairs, to which Ambach responded: "I barricaded myself just like in the war."

Police: “Why?”

Ambach: "Because he wanted to catch me..."

Police: “What did you think?”

Ambach: "That he will rape me."The policeman pointed out that Ambach was young and fit, whereas Brown was elderly, overweight and slower. "I was very, very drunk,"
Ambach explained. A little later on, Ambach revealed more. "There was a point when I could not get away from him, when he touched my penis. I thought it was a friendly hug before then. It all happened after that. It was no longer a friendly situation... He said 'relax, it's a natural thing.'" Ambach said Brown had reached down and placed his hand on his - Ambach's - crotch for around a second, to which he had responded "Not normal… Please don’t. Something like that. He said 'relax, relax... After that he was chasing me. That's when it happened. The whole thing. I'm not sure exactly."

Police: "How did Mr. Brown get hurt?"

Ambach: "Maybe I threw things at him… and hit him… we fought. He fell over."

Police: "He had a lot of injuries from falling over on carpet."

Later, when the police officer and interpreter returned to the interview room, they told Ambach that Brown had only a 30 per cent chance of surviving, that he was undergoing a second round of surgery."He will die?" Ambach reacted. "I will be a murderer, or what?""He may die," replied the officer. "Dear God," Ambach moaned, putting his head on the desk. "It's not true. I didn't do anything for anyone to die. I don't understand."

Police: "What would Mr. Brown say if he recovered?"

Ambach: "Maybe he'd fill in the blanks. I don't know what he'd say. If the injury is serious, it's that he fell on the stairs."The police officer again pointed out that Brown's injuries were more serious than the result of a fall down some carpeted stairs. "How did it happen?” asked Ambach, still speaking through an interpreter. “What do you think? All I might have done is push him away, but I didn't beat him up." Asked if the two men had had any sexual activity with each other that night, Ambach replied firmly: "No."
Police: "You need to think really hard and rack your brain about what happened last night, because Mr. Brown is very ill." In court the interviewing police officer was asked by the defence if Ambach had been offered a sexual assault examination. The police officer said he was but that he had declined. He did, however, consent to having a sample taken from under his fingernails for forensic testing. The defence asked the police officer if Ambach had appeared tired and exhausted on the morning of the video interview.
The officer responded: "I did not perceive that he was tired. He looked frustrated and a little bit confused, but awake."

The trial continues next week.

Article: Remembering MJ

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

One of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.
This is the first paragraph when you visit the offical MJ web site, and it pretty much says it in one for most fans.

American superstar Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958 and has been entertaining audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 60s the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964 Michael and Marlon had joined in.

Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 80s he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller." A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had better luck with elaborate music videos.

With the passage of time, however, and especially since 1993, it is Jackson's personality that has dominated headlines formerly dedicated to his prodigious artistic accomplishments and humanitarian efforts. His charity work was enormous and focused always on his highly publicized identification with children. Infatuated with E.T. and Peter Pan, Jackson seemed a kind of childlike extraterrestrial: benign (if in an eerie way), either sexless or sexually ambiguous, neither black nor white. Secluded by his celebrity, he appeared to touch down to earth only on stage or on videotape; fanatically private, he generated endless gossip. In 1993, and a decade later in 2004, with Jackson facing allegations of child molestation, his career was rocked with scandal as gargantuan as his fame. Not since Shirley Temple had a child star so entranced the American public, and the massive public soul-searching the allegations against Jackson inspired were but one indication of the almost inestimable role he has played in shaping pop culture. Jackson returned to the tabloids in 1994 with the shocking announcement that he had wed Lisa Marie Presley, an act that led to even more speculation about his motives but which undeniably made him, until his divorce two years later, the son-in-law of the late Elvis Presley.

Shortly after signing a second contract with Pepsi in 1986 for $15 million, Jackson released Bad, the biggest-shipping album of all time, in 1987; its 17-minute title track video was directed by Martin Scorsese. Bad generated five #1's in 1987-88: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," and "Dirty Diana." The Bad tour — over a year long — became the biggest-grossing tour in history and one of the most expensive: Jackson's entourage included 250 people. With 1988 came Jackson's long-awaited, heavily illustrated, and brief autobiography, Moonwalk, in which he claimed that his father, Joseph Jackson, had hit him as a child. Generally, however, the book (edited by Jacqueline Onassis) was considered unrevealing. (A second volume of Jackson's writings, Dancing the Dream, was published in 1992 to less enthusiastic response.) By the end of the 1980s, Jackson had moved from the Encino, California, family home to Neverland, an estimated $28 million, 2,700-acre California ranch complete with Ferris wheel, an exotic menagerie, a movie theater, and a security staff of 40. There Jackson — famous for clean living (he neither smoked, drank, nor used drugs, and was rarely seen in the company of a woman) — hosted an endless series of parties for children, many of them disabled, critically ill, or underprivileged.

In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destinys Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers performed there biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo some of his biggest hits. In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' so far releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Since the release of this first single the album has been surrounded by rumours of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album.

Some M.J. Facts:

Has sold 170 million albums worldwide.
Was present at the private funeral service for Maurice Gibb.
He was voted the 35th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone.
His favourite "Beatles' song is "Come Together" - his version of the song is on "History - Past, Present and Future."
Ranked #11 in VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid Stars" with his brothers as the Jackson Five.

Personal Quotes:

I can't think of a better way to spread the message of world peace than by working with the NFL and being part of Super Bowl XXVII.

I don't like pop music.

I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart.

People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.

"Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn't make it factual. To buy it is to feed it." - about tabloid magazines.

I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children.

"You ain't seen nothing yet, and the best is yet to come." (1999)

There is a lot of sadness in my past life. My father beat me. It was difficult to take being beaten and then going on stage. He was strict; very hard and stern.

Elizabeth Taylor used to feed me, to hand-feed me, at times. Please, I don't want anybody to think I'm starving, I'm not. My health is perfect, actually.

Trade Marks:

The Moonwalk.
Single sequined white glove.
He always wears white socks with black shoes.
Says "Hee Hee" in many of his songs
High-pitched voice.


I just want to say to fans in every corner of the earth, every nationality, every race, every language: I love you from the bottom of my heart.
Michael Jackson


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In the NEWS: 16-year-old's shocking 'gay exorcism'

USA: 16-year-old's shocking 'gay exorcism'

"Rip it from his throat. Come on, you homosexual demon! You homosexual spirit, we call you out right now! Lose your grip, Lucifer!" says a church 'Exorcist' in a shocking video which has now been made public.

The exorcist: A grim scene from the 'gay exorcism' videoA Connecticut Church has sparked international outcry after the video, which shows a 'gay exorcism' of a 16-year-old boy.
The full 20-minute video footage was posted online by Christian extremists Manifested Glory Ministries, and shows the teenager lying on the floor, convulsing, while members of the church stand over him, shouting rituals.
"Come out of his belly. It's in the belly - push," says one church member, before the 16-year-old - who had been spotted wearing women's clothes - vomits into a number of plastic bags and then has a white sheet placed over him.
Despite widespread anger at the church's actions, Sr. Pastor Patricia McKinney has defended the ritual. "He came in on Sunday and we began to worship God," she said. "We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. You have some people worshiping God. You have some people singing. Every Sunday we call people up to the altar to have people cleansed of their demons. We were worshiping the Lord and all of a sudden he began to hit the floor."
"We believe a man should be with a woman and a woman should be with a man," she added. "We have nothing against homosexuals. I just don't agree with their lifestyle."
Joining the outcry following the video's release is a Connecticut gay youth advocacy group which believes the so-called 'gay exorcism' is unfortunately not an isolated incident.
"This happens all the time," said Robin McHaelin of True Colours. "What saddens me is the people that are doing this think they are doing something in the kid's best interests, when in fact they're murdering his spirit."

View the video here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhedHERfcXk&feature=player_embedded

eYe-CaNdY

Back with ya's soon...

In the NEWS: News Digest

26 June 2009

UK: Man jailed for 23 years over murder of ex-boyfriend

A man who killed his former boyfriend by setting him alight has been jailed for 23 years.
Nadim Kurrimbukus, 25, poured petrol over the head of Charlie Davies and set him alight outside his home in Templedene Avenue, Staines two months after their relationship ended.
He was today jailed for a minimum of 23 years at Kingston Crown Court.
Passing sentence, Judge Charles Tilling told him: "The various aggravating features included the degree of planning and the particularly horrific method you chose to attack Charlie Davies.
"It was the culmination of a vendetta and because of your continued denial there seems to be a total lack of remorse."
Davies, 23, died in hospital 12 days after the attack, which happened on June 14th last year.
Kurrimbukus' co-defendant Yusuf Dulloo, 27, walked free from court after being found not guilty of murder and arson.
Kurrimbukus was also convicted for a separate charge of arson.


World: Google discreetly celebrates Pride month

Internet users searching Google this month may notice an addition to their usual search screen. Instead of a plain blue 'dividing bar' along the top of the search page, certain searches will bring up a rainbow bar graphic.
This discreet rainbow bar, Google explains, is a way of celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Pride month, as proclaimed by US President Barack Obama earlier this month.
Instead of being a universal Google graphic, the rainbow bar only appears when the user searches specific terms such as 'gay', 'lesbian' and 'transgender'.
A Google spokesman told PinkNews.co.uk: "During the month of June, Google is celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride. For some Pride-related search queries, we are showing a rainbow divider that separates the search query on the top of the page from the organic search results and AdWords advertisements below."

Across internet forums, users have tried to find which searches bring up the graphic, with one user on webmasterworld.com reporting that they had even tried searching Broadway musicals.


US: Gay CNN presenter Richard Quest on his comeback after that embarrassing park incident

Richard Quest is described by CNN as “one of the most instantly recognisable members of the CNN team”. Quest describes himself as gay and Jewish. Gawker, on the other hand, describes him as a “park-cruising meth-head”.
The reason for this slightly unexpected description was a story involving Quest that broke last April.
He was found in Central Park at 3.40 am with drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his car boot.
“What can one say?” the former Leeds University student told the Guardian in an interview published today. “It was what it was."
Quest, who worked for 16 years at the BBC before starting an eight-year career at the American news network CNN, may have been expected to disappear after news broke that he'd been found in possession of methamphetamine in such questionable circumstances.
However, he is in fact in the process of publicising his new show – Quest Means Business, which CNN describe as “the definitive word on how we earn and spend our money”. Quite a turnaround.
The British business and finance journalist told the newspaper: “Everyone wants to know the inside story of the event last year and I'm saying quite clearly that those that will know the inside story will be my close family and no one else. That's not because I'm hiding anything. I'm just not about to reveal or discuss my innermost thoughts. All I would say on the subject, besides the standard line that it was a highly regrettable incident, is that nothing is as it seems - and certainly not the way it was reported at the time."
This “regrettable incident” was defended by Quest's lawyer, Alan Abramson, as being much less controversial than the facts may suggest. "Mr Quest didn't realise that the park had a curfew," he argued. The lawyer went on to claim that Quest was merely "returning to his hotel with friends".
At the trial, Quest was ordered by State Court Judge Anthony Ferrara to go in to rehab and to undergo drug counselling for six months.
“It was a fairly awful and dreadful time," Quest said. "I got myself into a very nasty situation. I don't blame anyone else for what took place. But I got back from that position because of other people. That I've yanked myself back is not so much a testimony to what I can do, but more a testimony to what other people can do when supporting people. And that's what I take from it."
Quest Means Business, is shows on CNN at 7pm from Monday to Friday.


News source: Pink-News UK

In the News: Ambach describes self as regular, "normal"

NZ: Ambach describes self as regular, "normal"

Ambach trial Day 4


"Normal... normal" was how a High Court jury today heard alleged murderer Ferdinand Ambach describe himself in english when a video tape of his first police interview was played in court.

Moments before, through a police interpreter, Ambach had described himself to the interviewing officer as "a regular person. I have a girlfriend," followed by "I don't know what's going on." The interview was conducted minutes after Ambach had been found in the house where the attack occurred shortly after midnight. Ambach, a 32-year old Hungarian tourist, is on trial for the murder of elderly gay Onehunga man Ronald Brown in December 2007. He has pleaded not guilty and says he has no recollection of the attack which left Brown's home trashed and Brown so badly beaten he died two days later.Ambach said he had been in New Zealand for just three weeks. He had purchased a car on arrival but had written it off in a crash six hours later after driving on the 'European' side of the road. He said he had a girlfriend in Hungary. Of the night of the killing Ambach says he started drinking at an unnamed bar, was walking home in the rain and sought shelter in the 306 Bar where he had a beer and met Brown. He says that when the pair went to Brown's home they "sat down and chatted and I was happy I could practise my english." He said he was drinking Jim Beam and Cola and "everything was fine." He denied taking drugs. Ambach said in the taped interview that Brown came close to him and touched his thigh and foldled him. He then said he didn't want to talk about it. However he went on to say that Brown went upstairs, turned the lights down and "asked me to come upstairs where I had never been before." He said he didn't know where he was, didn't know Onehunga and had no money. Brown had invited him to stay the night. Ambach recalled being on an outside terrace at one point, thinking of jumping the fence. The next thing he says he remembers was being handcuffed with police everywhere. It was at this point in the interview that he stated he was a "regular," "normal" person.

DEVASTATION
Earlier today the jury heard a police officer describe the scene of devastation in the house, which a witness described yesterday as being the home of a meticulous person, commenting "If you put a drink down without a coaster you'd hear about it." The officer said tiles were falling from the ceiling due to water damage from above. There was broken and up-ended furniture, including an upside down table with an exercise machine upside down on top of it; chairs on their backs and a curtain torn down; broken drinking glasses and a vacuum cleaner attachment with fecal matter in the narrow end and under it. The officer says there was also fecal matter smeared on the wall of the stair well. He described a large pool of blood on the stairs, with more blood running down to lower stairs. He described a considerable pile of debris on the landing halfway up the stairs, including a computer and the top part of a bathroom vanity unit. There was more blood splattered in the hallway with debris on upstairs floors including blood-splattered papers from the victim's office. In the bathroom the rest of the vanity unit was lying in the bath and where it had been torn from the wall pipes were pouring water.
There was more fecal matter on the bathroom floor and a container of Lorazepam, a prescription sedative, on the hallway floor. At this point the police officer, who has been unwell, collapsed. The court was cleared for fifteen minutes after which the officer did not return. A senior sergeant from Auckland Central Police Station who arrived at Brown's home as Ambach was being arrested described the man as incredibly agitated, thrashing around, spitting and yelling things like "Jesus Christ" and "Heil Hitler" and swearing.

CONSIDERABLE FORCE
Moving on to medical evidence, the jury heard from the duty registrar at Auckland Public Hospital who had treated the victim. He said the elderly man had clearly been assaulted and had a large blood clot inside the left side of his skull which "meant impending doom for the patient." He also described a 6cm laceration on the top of the skull, a 3cm laceration above the left eye and an 8cm neck wound.The doctor said hospital staff worked on Brown from until 8am, including two operations to try to reduce the pressure from swelling inside the skull. He said the wounds were consistent with being hit with a blunt instrument "with considerable force."
Brown died two days later when his life support was withdrawn. A post-mortem examiner described a number of head injuries and "a moderate to severe degree of trauma," the severity of which was at a level seen on people who have fallen from a great height. She was not suggesting Brown had fallen in that manner.

Shown a variety of possible weapons she identified a piece of broken banjo neck as probably causing the face and skull lesions. She attributed Brown's death specifically to the injury to the left of his head and the subsequent pressure on the brain. A police doctor called to examine Ambach after the attack said the alleged killer was observed through a cell window but was too aggressive to treat. On checking the cell again soon after he saw blood smeared over the walls, the blood coming from a hand injury which Ambach had "manipulated."
"He seemed hyped up," the doctor said.
Ambach was transferred to hospital to have his wound treated before being returned to the cells. When examined by the doctor later in the day Ambach said he didn't recall the amount he had drunk and denied recollection of the assault. The doctor said the man was not obviously drunk. The doctor said Ambach told him he had not been sexually assaulted and appeared calm and polite. Blood was taken from Ambach at around 9 o'clock that night. An ESR scientist told the jury that no illegal drugs were detected in Ambach's blood. Brown's blood was also screened but the sample had been taken very late in the piece. Although no drugs were detected the scientist could not preclude the possibility of such substances having been present earlier. Members of Brown's family have been present each day of the trial but there has not been any obvious sign of support for Ambach.

The trial continues in the Auckland High Court tomorrow and is set down for two more weeks.


News Source: GayNZ

NZ: Tamihere defends radio rants: "Harden up!"

NZ: Tamihere defends radio rants: "Harden up!"
25th June 2009

Radio Live talkback radio host John Tamihere admits his off-sider Leo Molloy "got a bit carried away" during a recent on-air rant about accused HIV+ man Glenn Mills, but has defended his comments against the gay community and now advises his critics to "harden up!"

"Harden up" says shock-jock John TamihereTamihere and Molloy shocked gay listeners to Radio Live on Tuesday 16 June, drawing harsh conclusions about promiscuity amongst gay men, and taking callers who described gays as "bummers" who "treat their bodies like fairgrounds".
"Not all gays are raving lunatics who are right into promiscuity, right? But it would appear that a big number are," he said.
Influential left-wing blogger Russell Brown this week blasted Tamihere's comments as "indefensible".
STORY "A GOER" FOR TALKBACK
The radio host was invited onto the taping of broadcasting watchdog show Media7 for digital channel TVNZ 7 last night, where host Simon Pound chaired a panel discussion which also included Claudette Hauiti - the Executive Producer of TVNZ's Maori Issues current affairs show Eye to Eye - and HIV researcher Michael Stevens.
Tamihere said he knew the Glenn Mills story was a "goer" after hearing the story on the radio news. "It had some vim and vigor in it for a talkback topic. You've got to rev it up… it's not National Radio. We wanted to get views from both sides of the fence."
Stevens was keen to take the Radio Live broadcaster to task for his comments against gay people, which he believed were "insulting and nasty." The hosts' commentary on the case that day was full of inaccuracies, the researcher pointed out. "I don't watch Close Up," Tamihere replied when asked if he'd seen TV coverage of the story. "But there's no doubt that HIV is a male homosexual problem in this country."
Hauiti seemed familiar with Tamihere's on-air tactics. "These 'shock jocks' are often male, white, conservative and bullyish," she observed. "They get emotive responses to their topics, not intelligent debate. They try to marginalize minority groups to promote their conservative idealogy. But they should never have free license to denigrate and discriminate."
"ADOLESCENT"
Tamihere admitted his in-studio guest Leo Molloy had "got carried away" with the topic during the Radio Live show, but last night's discussion ended on a strange note, with him inviting the panel to "harden up", and then asking host Simon Pound: "When are you coming out of the closet?"
Pound summed up his inquiry in one word: "Adolescent."
The episode of Media7 will be broadcast on digital channel TVNZ 7 at 9.10pm tonight (Thursday). The show is then replayed several times during the week, and will be made available via the TVNZ website and on YouTube.


News Source: GayNZ

About EYE-CANDY

I Like What I See, "Eye-candy"
Posted by: Michael Stevens

Straight guys often make me stop and think. And not just because I’m looking admiringly at them.
Now I have to say I’ve come to find visual porn does less and less for me now as I get older. I am not sure why this is. I far prefer reading something erotic or pornographic and making up the pictures in my head than watching it on dvd or in a magazine.
A while ago I was at a largely straight function, and in conversation I mentioned I was gay. It just came up. No really negative reactions, but one of the guys said he wasn’t interested in that sort of thing, but hey, two girls going at! Whoar! The other men agreed. Why is this “Two Girls” thing (I won’t grace it with the name of lesbian) thing so popular in their fantasies? Because it sure is. All that”girl-on-girl”porn, which is designed for men, and they think is just perfect, if only they were there in the middle, has fed the image in their minds for them. It’s not often you hear a straight man, no matter how homophobic, say he hates “girl-on-girl” porn. And the idea is very much that they are “girls” not women. Not adults. Fantasy figures. And of course, the gay world is rife with fantasy figures as well in our porn. Yet I don’t think we get nearly as upset about it all as straights can.
I mean, I didn’t say how much I’d like to see two of them going at it, ( wish I had now) but there were a couple of hotties there who would have been fun to see naked and enjoying each other. But I have to say seeing two straight guys go for it isn’t one of my usual fantasies.
Now of course I do enjoy looking at what’s around. Eye candy - if you’re gay, bi or straight - who doesn’t like it? And in summer, some of those men on skateboards - meals on wheels a friend calls them - well, they have distinct erotic appeal. Not to mention some of the various sports starts and other icons that are constantly paraded before us. Not to mention hot guys in the supermarket, on the bus, and all those DILFs out there. But I don’t think they know I’m looking at them that way.
But so many straight men tend to get so pissed off if you even mention that you think they look hot. Yet they’re more than happy to speculate about the sexiness and what they’d like to do with women and girls, so long as they don’t actually overhear them saying it. It’s their guilty little secret I guess. They look at their wife’s best friend’s daughter and think “She’s 19 and legal and I’d do her”. Think of the whole MILF phenomenon: it came from straight guys considering boundaries they’d like to cross, beause after all, identifying someone as a “Mum I’d like to fuck” (MILF) is just a bit transgressive,just a little Oedipal. I find it interesting because they’re not identifying the woman as a hot woman, but as a “Mum”. But of course, we have our DILFs too, as I noted above.
But if we even voice the same thoughts about any of them, or any man in the area, we’re called sick, lecherous, or even worse. The old double-standard. For so many straight men, our sexual admiration is a threat.
Looking, and enjoying what we see, is a pretty normal part of being human. When does it turn to lechery though? I guess when it’s obtrusive, and clearly unwelcome by whoever we’re admiring.
With straight guys I guess there’s always that little bit of fear, that if we find them sexy, maybe they could find men sexy too, and then their whole world would come crashing down around them. Not to mention the idea that it’s ok for them to look on with lust, but not for anyone else.
Just because we enjoy the view doesn’t mean we want to buy the property guys. You do it, you look, you leer, you think lecherous thoughts of those pretty girls and what you’d like to do to them - so don’t be surprised that we do the same thing to you and your mates as well.


Article source: GayNZ

In the NEWS: Young bride to be caught up in HIV scare

NZ: Young bride to be caught up in HIV scare
23rd June 2009


A young woman just weeks away from marriage is distraught that she might have HIV and have passed it onto her fiance is just one of the heartbreaking situations emerging after the naming of an HIV positive man charged with knowingly exposing others to the virus.
HIV peer support group Body Positive Auckland has been fielding dozens of calls on its 0800 HIV LINE since Glenn Richard Albert Mills was named last Friday as the man facing multiple charges stemming from having unprotected sex with men and women since he was diagnosed HIV positive in May 2007. Spokesperson Bruce Kilmister says his team has taken almost twenty calls today alone, mostly from young men, and "all are very young people." Kilmister says the majority of calls are from worried men who have had sexual contact with Mills, but some calls are from the partners of those who have had such contact. Some of the sexual encounters date from several years before Mills was diagnosed with HIV. It is not known how long he may have had the debilitating virus before he was diagnosed. Body Positive has conducted fourteen counseling and testing sessions so far, all of which have given negative results, and has ten more booked in before Friday.
Additionally, Body Positive is referring calls originating outside Auckland to the NZ AIDS Foundation offices and sexual health clinics in centres such as Wellington.The Foundation is reiterating its message that all people, regardless of sexuality, should protect themselves from contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections by using condoms.Detective Sergeant Andy King of the Auckland Adult Sexual Assault Team has been calling on people who have had sexual contact with Mills to contact him on 09 302 6400.

On DVD/Film: Four Windows (Vier Fenster)

Four Windows (2006)
AKA: Vier Fenster

CAST:
Frank Droese,
Margarita Broich,
Theresa Scholze,
Thorsten Merten

SYNOPSIS:
This journey inside the heads of one twisted German family is sparked when their cute gay son cuts classes and cruises a peep show.


REVIEW:
Just one day inside the heads of this German family will make you wonder if this stuff is going on in everyone’s brain. Writer/director Christian Moris Muller divides his unique film into four chapters: Son, Daughter, Father and Mother. The film tells what happens to each of these family members during a single day in their lives. The very hot Son says goodbye to the family; meets his buddies and then veers off alone to his favorite adult arcade, where he hooks up for some steamy booth sex with a gruff man who refuses to kiss the tender lad. Blowing off a crucial exam, he revisits the place several times seeking the man to no avail. After this juicy start, Dad hires a hooker and some very odd things happen. Meanwhile, Mom is seducing the building’s handyman for a kiss. But the Daughter’s episode is the kicker: on the subway, she begs older men to fuck her. The family is reunited at the end of the film to celebrate the Son’s exam -- of course they don’t know that he didn’t even take it, or what else they’ve each been doing. You must have gathered that this family is surely not the Cleavers. Told entirely from inside the heads of these characters, you’ll want to peer through these dirty windows. (German with English subtitles)


VIEWER REVIEW:
“Four Windows” is a German drama that looks at the family and the relationships therein. It is divided into four acts—one for each family member; mother (Margarita Broich), a high strung woman, father (Thorsten Merten), a man of uncertainly, son (Frank Droese), a sexually confused teen, and daughter (Theresa Scholze), an angry girl. Each of the family members has a secret and each cries for life. They can’t live together and they can’t exist apart. Director Christian Moris Muller looks at what makes up the modern German family and what he finds is four people who each hold some kind of secret, each member of the family has his own face, each screams for life. They want to get away from each other but cannot live apart and so they hang on tightly. The more they are together, the more the atmosphere around them stays quiet. When the cracks in the family structure widen, a secret that is inescapable is exposed. This is an unusual film in that it tends to polarize those that watch it because it offers so much for self-reflection. Each person who sees the film can interpret it differently and it is easy to integrate one’s own experience into the film. Even with no violence this is a brutal film but it looks at the brutality that is around us everyday yet is in-explainable. The father is a man who once enjoyed life but he is now in a rut and cannot seem to find a way out. The mother is simply a mother and she realizes how little she knows her children. The son lives in his own world, dreams a lot and just does his own thing. The daughter has to live with the abuse of her father and she seems to have lost whatever direction she had in her life. Together they are a family that is not much of a family. There is a great deal going on in the movie and the cast is excellent all around. We learn about what makes a family and the windows of the title remind us that the family is the sum of its parts.

eYe-CaNdY

as always... Enjoy

In the NEWS: Brown made "advances," says Ambach

NZ: Brown made "advances," says Ambach
22nd June 2009


Day One

The prosecution in the trial of Ferdinand Ambach for the murder of elderly gay Onehunga man Ronald Brown has outlined its case, drawing heavily on evidence provided by neighbours and police, while the defense has raised the possibility of the death having arisen from provocation.

Ronald BrownIn their opening statement, prosecution lawyers said in the Auckland High Court today that Brown, 69, was gay, although this was unknown to even his closest friends and family. He worked as a sales rep for a metal products company and has been described by friends and associates as a gentle, well-spoken "people person" with a sense of humour.He liked a beer, the prosecution says, but was a happy, not an angry, drunk who was a regular at Onehunga's 306 Bar.Brown and the man accused of his murder, 32-year old Hungarian tourist Ferdinand Ambach, met at the 306 Bar on the evening of December 7, 2007, the prosecution says. The accused, who had been in New Zealand one month, was wearing a sleeveless top "which showed off his arms." He spoke with bar staff in broken english and seemed to be in good spirits. The pair left the bar together at 9.15pm.A short time later they entered a liquor store and purchased six cans of Victoria Bitter and some Coke before taking a taxi to Brown's home, a small two bedroom unit in Mariere Road. There was no one else present at the home.At around 11.30, the prosecution told the jury, a near neighbour went into his spare room which looked onto the rear of Brown's unit. He heard talking and saw Brown holding a glass.Fifteen minutes later another neighbour was woken by a loud bang and says he saw the accused holding something, "perhaps a brick." The neighbour shouted out to Ambach who shouted back "Fuck off!" The neighbour says in his affidavit that he called Brown, asking if he should phone the police. Brown said "The prick has broken the door in," hesitated for a moment then said "Yes, call the police."

THE DISTURBANCE ESCALATES
The prosecution says the neighbours then heard shouting, crashing and banging. They tried to phone Brown but his phone was engaged. Moments later they saw the accused throwing items out of the house and heard glass breaking.Two police officers arrived in a patrol car but couldn't see or hear any signs of the disturbance and left to do another job. But at 1am they returned and heard glass breaking and a loud male voice. Ambach was upstairs and the police saw him push a double bed out a window.The officers stepped over shattered glass from the broken door and saw Brown slumped unconscious on the stairs. Books and other objects had been thrown on top of him and there were gashes on his face, blood spattered on the wall and more blood pooling on the carpet.The prosecutors allege that analysis of evidence shows Brown had been hit a number of times, including with a banjo which had broken. The broken neck of the banjo allegedly had been repeatedly rammed down Brown's throat.An ambulance was called. Meanwhile, the accused remained upstairs, agitated and splattering blood from a cut finger. He was eventually restrained and arrested. Brown was given first aid and transferred to Auckland Hospital where he was put on life support and underwent two emergency operations for blood clots. He died two days later.

MURDER OR MANSLAUGHTER
The crown prosecutor told the jury that they must identify three things in the case to give a finding of murder: that a homicide occurred, that it was a blameworthy homicide, and whether the accused had murderous intent.In the opening statement for the defense the jury was told that defense lawyers can't explore the particulars of the case yet until the prosecution provides more details in court. However, the jury was advised that there are four important areas they must concentrate on during the crown's presentation of evidence.Firstly, that there was a homicide, "the killing of a human being either directly or indirectly," which the defense said they had little issue with. Secondly, that the homicide resulted from an activity that was intended or voluntary. "Sometimes we can act involuntarily," said defense lawyer Peter Kaye. He gave as an example the spiking of drinks with drugs leading to an action without conscious decision. This, he said, would lead to a verdict of manslaughter, not murder.Kaye said the third thing the jury should consider was whether the accused meant to cause the death. If not, manslaughter should be the verdict. And, lastly, he asked the jury to think about provocation and the idea of a sudden and temporary loss of self-control "where the person is not the master of their own mind." This too, he said, would downgrade a verdict from murder to manslaughter.

PROVOCATION AND FEAR
Exploring the concept of provocation resulting from something said or done, Kaye said the jury members must consider how an ordinary New Zealander, faced with that provocation, might react. He said that in a police interview Ambach claimed that he went to Brown's home to practise his english, that he was very drunk, and that Brown made an advance, touched his thigh and moved his hand over the accused's groin.Ambach said in the interview that he was afraid and wanted to leave the house but couldn't find an exit and had no money. He said he thought of jumping the fence but knew that a drunk man jumping a fence would seem suspicious. He says Brown went upstairs and turned down the lights then called to him. He claims little memory of what followed except being chased around a table and later throwing things at Brown.The jury will this afternoon tour by bus the scenes associated with the case and the court heard that some evidence in the three weeks of the trial will be presented by video link from Hungary. The prosecution intends to call 65 witnesses.

____________________________

In the NEWS: Radio Live hit by John Tamihere's rants

NZ: Radio Live hit by John Tamihere's rants.
20th June 2009

A gay business owner has pulled his advertising from Radio Live, and GayNZ.com readers have asked us how to make Broadcasting Standards Authority complaints, following John Tamihere's explosive commentary on the accused HIV+ man now in custody in Auckland.

Radio rants: John TamihereTamihere and his in-studio guest, high-profile Auckland restaurateur Leo Molloy, spoke about the case frequently during his three-hour talkback show on Tuesday 16 June, making statements about promiscuity in the gay community, and taking callers who described gay men as "bummers" and "homos" who "treat their bodies like fairgrounds".
"All homosexual people should be given the bash," announced one caller, who was quickly cut off, then invited to call back.
Campbell Orr, owner of K' Road's iconic drag cabaret restaurant Caluzzi, says he called the radio station to cancel his advertising contract immediately after reading quotes from Tamihere and Molloy on GayNZ.com.
"The things they were saying were shocking," Orr explains. "I know the action I've taken is only a small thing, but I wanted to take a stand against those radio hosts who say and encourage those sorts of statements. I didn't want our brand anywhere around that stuff, and I hope others take a similar view."
GayNZ.com has been contacted by two readers who asked for information on making an official complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority. The BSA states that 'discrimination and denigration' during a radio broadcast are grounds for a complaint: "Broadcasters should not encourage discrimination against, or denigration of, any section of the community on account of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, occupational status, or as a consequence of legitimate expression of religion, culture or political belief," specifies the BSA's Radio Code.
Media watchdog show Media7 on digital channel TVNZ7 will discuss Tamihere and Molloy's comments in an upcoming episode.

updates as story develops.

In the News: Trial for Brown killing starts tomorrow

NZ: Trial for Brown killing starts tomorrow
21st June 2009

Hungarian tourist Fernando Ambach will appear before the Auckland high court tomorrow on the first day of his trial for the alleged murder of elderly gay Onehunga man Ronald Brown (Picture insert).

Brown was found by police badly injured and barely clinging to life after his neighbours reported a disturbance in the early hours of Saturday 8 December 2007 which included screaming and the sounds of glass breaking and other destruction. Ambach was upstairs in an agitated state, throwing furniture out of windows and required four police officers to subdue him. Whilst in police holding cells that night Ambach is alleged to have smeared a heart and the word 'girlfriend' in his own blood on the cell wall.Brown's life support was turned off two days later.Ambach subsequently pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault and intentional damage, but defense and prosecution lawyers agreed in a hearing on 11 July last year that there was a prima facie case to answer.

The trial, which is set down for three weeks with 75 witnesses expected to be called, is likely to progress slowly as the proceedings will have to be translated into and from Hungarian for the defendant.GayNZ.com Daily News will have reporters and observers in the court for the duration of the trial.

Story lead up:

Fernand Ambach, the Hungarian tourist charged with murdering elderly gay Aucklander Ron Brown, has just pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault and intentional damage.

Ronald BrownHowever, lawyers for the prosecution and defense have both agreed that there is a prima facie case to answer and the case will therefore go to trial.In a practically empty courtroom, two JPs this morning oversaw the process of translation of final witness statements for Ambach. Asked how he wished to plead to the three charges, Ambach answered clearly in english, "Not guilty." Family and friends of Brown, who had packed the small courtroom for the start of the depositions hearing on Wednesday, were not present today to hear the plea.Police, alerted by neighbours who heard screaming and shattering glass, found Ambach upstairs in an agitated state in Brown's Onehunga home in the early hours of Saturday December 8.
Brown was slumped unconscious and badly injured downstairs, his home had been trashed and household effects including a bed had been thrown through upstairs windows.Ambach claims he was affected by alcohol, that Brown made a pass at him and that he has only a vague recollection of events following that.Brown, who had met Ambach in a neighbourhood bar earlier in the evening, died in hospital the following Monday evening when his life support was turned off.Ambach was remanded in custody, to reappear in court on August 13th.
He thanked his interpreter and was led out of court by a police officer.

Distressed police describe attack scene
9th July 2008

The two police officers first to arrive at Ron Brown's home have described the bloody scene of the attack, their distress at being unable to assist the badly beaten elderly gay man, and the extremely agitated behaviour of the man subsequently accused of his murder.

Ronald BrownThe officers were this afternoon presenting evidence at the depositions hearing into the circumstances of Brown's death in early December last year. Fernand Ambach, a tourist whom Brown had met at a nearby Onehunga, Auckland, bar earlier in the evening, is charged with murder, assault and intentional damage.
The two police officers, responding to a 111 call from neighbours, failed to see any problems on their first arrival at the scene half an hour after midnight. They left, but returned to Mariere Road around 1am to find neighbours pointing down a driveway at Brown's house. As they neared the building, the officers say, they heard a male voice yelling and glass shattering. They then observed broken windows and a man pacing back and forth upstairs. They say the man was throwing clothing down into the backyard and that he also threw a mattress through a broken window into the front yard. They say he was shouting in a foreign language and was very agitated.While the officers called for backup and a dog handler, they told this afternoon's hearing, they observed the man throwing a torch, wood, a cushion and other items from the upstairs window.As they entered Brown's home they saw a broken glass door, water dripping down from the floor above and Ron Brown propped against a wall at the bottom of the stairs.
He appeared unconscious, with a piece of what they took to be part of a broken banjo neck in his mouth. "It seemed deliberately placed," the officers said in their evidence. Blood was splattered on the walls around Brown. He had deep lacerations on his forehead, what appeared to be a broken cheekbone, and bruised eyes and lips. They say Brown was still breathing, but in "short, difficult" breaths. They could smell alcohol. The stairs appeared "barricaded" with household items including a computer monitor. Using a curtain which had been torn from its track, the male and female officers improvised a stretcher and removed Brown from the house. Fearing they would be attacked by the agitated man, the officers say they tried to squirt pepper spray upstairs, to no avail.

Eventually the man calmed down a little, they told the hearing, and police officers were able to coax him downstairs. However, once outside the house the man became more upset and eventually required "five or six" officers to subdue and handcuff him. Meanwhile, Brown was losing "a substantial amount of blood" and the officers this afternoon described their distress at being unable to stop the bleeding until medical help arrived. Throughout the hearing a translator has been providing simultaneous translation of the proceedings to Ambach, who has remained generally calm, though he occasionally appeared impatient. The translator is currently translating the large amount of written evidence presented to the two JPs hearing the depositions. Although set down for three days, it now appears possible the hearing could wind up tomorrow afternoon after more witnesses have given their evidence in person.


_______________________________________________

In the NEWS: HIV Predators mother defends son

NZ: HIV enquiries up, Mills' mother defends son
21st June 2009

HIV testing and support services have seen an upswing in enquiries regarding HIV testing in the wake of the naming of the man at the centre of allegations that he had unsafe sex with six young men and one woman without telling them he has HIV.

Accused: Glenn MillsName suppression was lifted for 40-year old Auckland commuter train driver Glenn Richard Albert Mills at his Friday morning court appearance. Five of the young men listed in police charges subsequently tested HIV positive.
In just over 48 hours Body Positive has been contacted by over 30 worried callers, says spokesperson Bruce Kilmister. The NZ AIDS Foundation says it has also seen a sharp upwards trend in calls since Friday morning from men who either have had sex with Mills or who have been alerted to the need for HIV testing by the publicity surrounding the charges laid against Mills.
Mills, who generally posed as a 32-year old, made contact with sex partners through internet dating sites, phone sex lines and gay venues.Most concerned calls have come from around the North Island and Auckland in particular, but the NZAF's Wellington office has also taken a number of calls springing from the case. Mills lived in Wellington before moving to Auckland. The Foundation expects the upswing to continue this coming week.Meanwhile Mills' elderly mother has spoken to the Sunday News, denying that her son is the person he is accused of being. Coral Mills says she loves her son, who is "not a criminal, he is not a sexual predator, for God's sake." She says he has been "a good boy." She was unaware he had contracted HIV two years ago, and of his alleged victims, whom she has not spoken to, she says "the fact is they can be treated." She believes the situation is a case of media hype, but has not watched any news bulletins or read any newspaper coverage of the matter.
Detective Sergeant Andy King of the Auckland Adult Sexual Assault Team has been calling on people who have had sexual contact with Mills to contact him on 09 302 6400.Body Positive Auckland and the AIDS Foundation each offer fast turn around HIV tests and before and after counselling and both organisations have beefed up their resources to cater to the current rush of enquiries. Their contact details are linked below.

News Source: GayNZ

Slice of Life: Akld Long Yang Club social group

NZ: Aucklands Long Yang Club social group looking for new members

The new president of Auckland's long-running Long Yang Club social group is keen to attract more members and "provide a safe place where gay man from different cultures can socialize and learn from each other."Val Incapas, who took over running the group in January, says he wants to lift the profile of the group and break the perception that it is only for young Asian and old European men seeking men - an 'East meets West'."The group is open for everybody no matter what your ethnicity, age or background. We want to make sure that we are inclusive of everybody who wants to join the group," he tells GayNZ.com.The group holds monthly events including pot luck dinners at members' houses, DVD nights, BBQ's, mystery trips and Tenpin bowling. Normally around 15-20 members attend each event.Auckland's Long Yang Club is one branch of Long Yang Club International. Founded in London in 1983, it has branches in at least eleven countries over five continents.

What's Long Yang..?
Long Yang was a handsome young man who was the King’s companion in ancient China. His name has come to be a symbol of emotional and sexual relationships between men

The Long Yang groups aim
We try to make sure that, in our activities:
• Gay and bi men of all ages and races feel accepted
• Gay and bi men who have partners of other races can take part.
• Different cultures are accepted and celebrated.
• Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.






More information about Auckland's Long Yang Club
is available on its official website: (Click on image)

If you are not in Auckland, New Zealand check out the international web
site to find a Long Yang Club near you.
International LYC: www.longyangclub.org

***********************************************

eYe-CaNdY

back with ya's soon

Article: Gay couples 'are better at communicating'

Gay couples 'are better at communicating'

Recent studies indicate that same-sex couples have greater levels of satisfaction in their relationships than their heterosexual counterparts due to better communication.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studied couples of the same sex and opposite sexes and discovered that, contrary to the beliefs of some, the relationships are very similar.
These findings will help bridge the gap between society's generalised views regarding the longevity and strength of gay partnerships, researchers believe.
Glenn Roisman, researcher and author of the study by the University of Illinois, told The Desert Sun: “If one is basing one's world view that same-sex couples are fundamentally different than opposite-sex pairs as being of an inferior quality, one is mistaken.”
In a three-year study of civil unions taking place in Vermont, Esther Rothblum, a professor of Women's Studies at San Diego State University, discovered that same-sex couples resolved conflict better than opposite-sex couples in committed relationships.
“Compared with heterosexual married participants, both types of same-sex couples reported greater relationship quality, compatibility and intimacy and lower levels of conflict,” the study reported. Those in same-sex relationships were found to balance out the responsibilities of both partners in their work and home life.
It was also found that conflict resolution skills are of utmost importance in a long-lasting relationship, and without the gender difference of an opposite-sex couple, a gay couple's ability to resolve their disagreements may be greater. The tendency to dismiss conflicts due to fundamental differences between the sexes is not an issue, so gay couples may be able to tackle their fallings-out in a more practical way.
Nick Warner, an experienced counsellor and clinical psychologist based in Palm Springs, said: “In a gay relationship, they tend to look at each other's differences as something interesting that they want to understand more.
"Guys tend to dismiss what they disagree with. In a same-sex relationship, there wouldn't be as much of that of course because you can't dismiss someone because of their gender difference.”
Same-sex partners could be construed as having an advantage over straight couples, in that their shared gender gives them a greater understanding of each other. But whether a relationship is same or opposite-sex, according to researchers, the idea of embracing each other's differences which is the key to success.
Rothblum summed up the findings, saying: “I think the take-home message for heterosexual couples is to try and understand the gender culture of your spouse.”

News Source: Pink-News UK

Q & A - WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW SEMEN?

Questions With Answers:

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW SEMEN?

Most boys were age 12 or 13 when they began to ejaculate, although some started around age 11, and others didn't ejaculate until well into their teens. Most first saw their own semen when they ejaculated; others saw a friend's or relative's.

Some of the replies:

I was 11, and it was the first time I ejaculated. I was on the toilet masturbating. It was the first time I had ever actually seen semen, although I had overheard my mom giving my sister a sex talk not long before. She said that a white, sticky fluid comes out of the man. I was elated — I was a man! But I did think the semen was a bit gross and messy. After that, for a while, I quit masturbating in my bed at night and used the bathroom for easier cleanup. Then I discovered a new use for my dirty socks! - age 36, Hawaii

My school district has a decent sex-education curriculum, so I saw semen in a documentary they showed to the 5th grade. At the time, I was masturbating frequently, but "dry cumming." I remember clearly the first time I ejaculated. I was startled at first, but then I remembered the program, so I calmed down and just accepted that I had reached this next part of my life. Actually, after a while I liked it and would play with my semen. Now it's just something to clean up. What an evolution!
- age 15, Pennsylvania

When I was 12 1/2, I found an informative book about sex. So, I decided to try what I had read about. I was somewhat surprised, because I wasn't really expecting anything, and I had the door to my room wide open! I wasn't too bugged, other than that it got all over my boxers — I wasn't prepared for it. - age 16, Arizona

I have never seen it!
- age 13, New Zealand

I was at a sleepover when I was in 6th grade. It was at a friend's house, and he was telling me and some other kids about masturbation. Then he showed us.
- age 15, New Jersey

The first time I ever saw real semen (as opposed to on a video) was the same time I first tried anal stimulation. It was a thin object, but the feeling was intense enough to bring me to my first ejaculation. It wasn't my first orgasm; I was much younger when I started to masturbate. I was actually kind of proud of it, because it meant I was maturing. Still, it kind of made me want to say, "Ewww!"
- age 15, Wisconsin

I was 11 and my 13-year-old stepbrother and I were looking for my dad's porno movies. My stepbrother asked me, "Do you ever feel like you have to [masturbate]?" I answered that I did, and the next thing I knew, I was staring at my stepbrother's penis as he masturbated. I remember that it looked much bigger than mine. Before long he said, "Here it comes," and semen started spilling from his penis. I was envious, because whenever I masturbated nothing came out. In fact, I was 15 before I could ejaculate.
- age 19, Ohio


Back with ya's soon...

In the NEWS: HIV infecter accused named

NZ: HIV infection accused named - Could face 14 years Jail.
Jun 19, 2009


The identity of a HIV-positive man accused of intentionally infecting men and women with the virus can be revealed.
Name suppression for Glenn Richard Albert Mills (Pictured) has been lifted in the Auckland District Court after media and the police opposed suppression continuing.
The 40-year-old Auckland man had been charged with infecting three men - aged 17, 24 and 26 -with the virus and attempting to infect a fourth, aged 31.

More charges were laid on Tuesday when two new complainants came forward, then again on Thursday when another HIV-positive man laid a complaint. The total number of alleged victims stands at seven: six men and one woman.
Police expect that number to rise now that Mills' identity is public.
Police say that Mills was diagnosed as HIV positive in May 2007 and had led an "active sexual life" in Auckland and Wellington.
He allegedly searched for sex partners through internet and telephone dating services, posing as a 32-year-old.
The maximum penalty for attempting to infect someone with HIV was seven years in prison and 14 years for infecting with HIV.

The court heard that Mills also has hepatitis B and chlamydia.
Bruce Kilmister, chief executive at Body Positive, New Zealand's HIV positive support organisation, said the alleged charges significantly changed a lot of people's lives.
"Everybody who has had an association with him in the past should come forward for a test.
"But it's also a timely reminder that everybody has a responsibility to keep themselves safe and follow safe sex practice."
"HIV positive people have an added responsibility not to transmit the virus, and the best way they can do that is to have safe sex."
The fact a woman had allegedly been affected raised concern the virus may have spread into the heterosexual community,
"The reality is that most women think of the pill as the beginning and end of safe sex. It needs to be a message that goes right across the broad spectrum."

Mr Mills used nicknames such as Cero and claiming to be in his early 30s, Mills resided in Eden Terrace on the fringe of inner-city Auckland, maintained profiles on a variety of internet dating sites such as NZ Dating, GayNZ.com Dating and some overseas-based websites which specialise in people seeking unsafe sex. He shut down most of his dating profiles when first approached by GayNZ.com on May 7th.
Mills also lived for some time in Wellington before arriving in Auckland around two years ago. There are fears that he may have infected more people in the Capital and perhaps right throughout the country. Gay community HIV service organisations such as the NZ AIDS Foundation and Body Positive say Mills' alleged behaviour has been the exception to the norm amongst people who know they have the debilitating HIV virus.

HIV activist and researcher Michael Stevens was pleased that name suppression was lifted today.
"It will enable people who have been in contact with him to find out if they are HIV positive or not, and they need to get tested."
Anyone who wanted to get tested should call 0800 HIV LINE.



- With NZPA NZ Herald

In the News: HIV centres prepared for identity release

NZ: HIV centres prepared for identity release
18th June 2009
HIV testing and support services are counting down the hours to tomorrow's court appearance of the alleged 'HIV predator', anticipating a number of men and even some women will recognise a previous sex partner when the man's identity is finally revealed.The HIV positive Auckland man was three weeks ago remanded in custody facing a variety of charges relating to unprotected sex with five young men and one woman in Auckland and possibly Wellington since he was first diagnosed with HIV in May 2007. Four of those sex partners have since been diagnosed HIV positive. Four alleged victims were detailed at the man's first court appearance, two more were added last Tuesday when he reappeared.There is no guarantee the judge will lift her suppression order, which is due to expire tomorrow, but legal and media observers believe it is highly unlikely to be extended. Police fear that once the man's name and image are revealed a number of additional people may realise their sexual contact with the man has left them exposed to possible HIV infection and will seek counselling and testing. Victims may be scattered around the country but are likely to be most concentrated in Auckland.

BODY POSITIVE PREPARES
Body Positive Auckland says it is prepared for a possible influx of worried people and will assist them with counselling, testing and support without need of an appointment at either its K Road Clinic or its office in Poynton Terrace just off Karangahape Road.
Spokesperson Bruce Kilmister says the clinic and office are open Monday to Friday 9-5pm, but arrangements can be made for clients outside these hours, even to the extent of a BP team member travelling to a more convenient location such as a person's home."If anyone has had unsafe sex they should take the simple, fast test," says Kilmister, who insists thnat Body Positive's experience shows that it is much better for patient's wellbeing that they clarify their HIV status as early as possible. "They should come in and have a talk at least," he says, "or dial us anonymously on 0800 HIV Line (0800 448 5463)." He says Body Positive treats everyone with respect and confidentiality.

NZ AIDS FOUNDATION TESTING
The NZ AIDS Foundation is also geared up to assist concerned people. Its Burnett Centre manager, Wayne Otter, says he has beefed up testing and support resources from tomorrow. "The NZAF provides free, painless, fast and confidential HIV and syphilis testing," says Otter.
"We encourage anyone who may be concerned about any sexual encounter they have had to come in and get tested."
The NZAF has similar centres in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch which will also be able to assist worried people.

A UNIQUE CASE
Both the Foundation and Body Positive point out that the alleged actions of the man due in court tommorrow are not typical of the vast majority of HIV positive people. "NZAF research has shown that the majority of people living with HIV are very responsible when it comes to protecting themselves and their partners by using condoms and lube," says Otter.Detective Seregant Andy King, who has headed up the police's Adult Sexual Assault Team's investigation of the allegations, says he encourages any person who has had sexual contact with the man, or can offer information, to contact him as soon as possible on 09 302 6400.GayNZ.com will have reporters in court tomorrow morning and will identify the man, who was first drawn to public attention in our Daily News, the moment we are authorised to by the judge.

News source: GayNZ

In the News: Radio Gay slangers Tamihere/Molloy

A little back ground into the "Head up their arse" wanna-be radio presenters from Radio Live

John Tamihere:
John was born in Auckland as the 10th of 12 children to a Maori father of Ngati Porou, Whakatohea, and Tainui descent, and a mother of Irish and Scottish descent.

He gained arts and law degrees from Auckland University, becoming the first person in his family to attend university.

After graduating, he became a lawyer, eventually working for the Maori Land Court and Department of Maori Affairs. (After hand outs for the Bro's)

In 1991 Tamihere became the chief executive of the Waipareira Trust, which in 2000 Serious allegations made by a former Waipareira Trust trustee will be looked into by the Maori Affairs select committee inquiry into the Trust, the trust was set up to provided health and education services to Maori in the Auckland region.
The Maori Affairs select committee and alleged that the Trust had written off $100,000 which was allegedly a mortgage to MP John Tamihere, and questioned the Trust’s writing off of another $800,000 allegedly owed by Mantech, a commercial joint venture of the Trust.

Even before entering politics, Tamihere had a relatively high profile, having been selected as Person of the Year by the Sunday Star Times, New Zealander of the Year by North and South magazine, and Man of the Year by Metro magazine.


Leo Molloy:
Auckland restaurateur Leo Molloy has failed in a bid to get out of bankruptcy nine months early. The co-founder of Euro Restaurant and Danny Doolan's in Auckland and the Fat Lady's Arms franchise was declared bankrupt in November 2003 owing $1.1 million. That included unpaid tax and penalties of $485,000.

Mr Molloy told the court in an affidavit that he was "not suited to normal hourly rate work" but the judge said he could find no compelling reason to end the bankruptcy early.

Ex: NZ Herald

In the News: Anger at Tamihere's ranting' on Radio Live

NZ: Tamihere stirs anti-gay hate over HIV accused.

Talkback host John Tamihere has again angered gay listeners to nationwide broadcaster Radio Live, this time with his erratic and error-ridden commentary on the 40-year-old man accused of infecting several people with HIV.
Tamihere and his in-studio guest, Auckland restaurateur Leo Molloy, spoke about the case frequently during yesterday afternoon's three-hour show, following reports that the man's name had again been suppressed in the District Court.
A variety of news reports in mainstream media had stated that the accused man did not get released on bail, yet Tamihere - who believed he was the only broadcaster speaking out on the story - said several times that he had been granted bail, and demanded the judge in question be sacked. (Tamihere doesn't seem to get his facts right, Foot in his mouth)
"I was just driving to work today and I heard that on the radio and I just thought 'I've had a guts full of this', you know? It just slides past and everybody says 'that's what homos do so it's OK'. Well it's not OK," he said.
"The point here is that no one else wants to discuss it but there's no doubt that HIV will spread when, it's obviously hugely, promiscuity is huge, isn't it?" Molloy responded: "Amongst that type of person."

RADIO RANTS
During the programme, Tamihere frequently came back to the topic, telling his listeners: "He shouldn't have name suppression. Why is it? Why is it that if you're gay in this country, you get a totally different deal? Why is it if you're a male heterosexual, OK, and you got up to this conduct, OK you'd be on the front pages. Surely you'd be on the front pages of everything. I can't believe these judges on suppression orders. (At least he got something right from the News room,)
"The only talkback show you'll ever have discussing this is this one here," he persisted. "All the wankers on the other side are too politically correct to do anything. And here's the other thing - mainstream media won't go near it either."
Some listeners called to agree with the hosts, describing gay people as "bummers" and "homos" who "treat their bodies like fairgrounds". One caller said "All homosexual people should be given the bash". Tamihere cut that caller off, but Molloy then invited him to call back and "have his say".
Another caller said: "With the homos, what they do… I dunno if you saw 60 Minutes last night but they had a couple of homos on there that were adopting children from India. It's not right, really. It's not natural."

GAY LISTENERS RESPOND
GayNZ.com received a number of complaint calls and emails about the talkback show yesterday, including one young gay man who told us: "We had it on at work, but I had to ask my boss to switch it off because I got so upset and angry."
Lesley Belcham, General Manager of LGBT support service OUTLine NZ, says she's had a huge number of callers about the accused HIV+ man, and was alarmed over Tamihere and Molloy's "outrageous homophobic stereotypical remarks" yesterday.
"Irrespective of who calls in, the damage is done," she tells GayNZ.com. "At OUTLine we work to support gay, lesbian, transgender and takataapui people to come to terms with their sexuality and gender and to do so in a positive and affirming manner. While we acknowledge that Tamihere, Molloy and the callers have the right to their own views, we do have to wonder where these views come from.

RADIO LIVE WON'T COMMENT
GayNZ.com contacted Radio Live's Director of Programming Mitch Harris yesterday to ask him how comfortable he was with hosts drumming up homophobia on Radio Live. He emailed back, but declined to comment.
Concerns over comments by Tamihere and phone-in callers to his talkback show have seen him featured in our news headlines regularly since 2006.
The former MP has on various occasions accused gay couples of getting preferential treatment from adoption services, expressed worry over children witnessing two men kissing, and even made links between gays and peadophiles.

More of this story to come.

Slice of Life: Guys come meet Sam

NZ: Calling all Sexually Adventurous Men - Meet SAM!

16th June 2009

"It's OK to be nervous," says SAM. "Take your time and let your eyes adjust to the light. Check the place out and try to relax. Have fun, play safe… respect other guys' boundaries just as you want them to respect yours."

Meet SAM: The NZ AIDS Foundation's newest safe sex info service"It's OK to be nervous," says SAM. "Take your time and let your eyes adjust to the light. Check the place out and try to relax. Have fun, play safe… respect other guys' boundaries just as you want them to respect yours."
SAM - short for 'Sexually Adventurous Men' is ready to meet you at three all-male sex-on-site venues: Auckland's Lateshift and Centurian, and Christchurch's Menfriends. A world-first new idea for getting safer sex messages out in places where men meet, it's proving popular already - when SAM was installed at Lateshift last month, it had 271 hits in the first week.
How does SAM work? It's a touch-screen information service on hooking up and sexual health, including a video showing how to put a condom on, 'mythbusting' news about safer sex, a check-up booking service, and sign-up form for more information to be emailed to your inbox, or condoms to be sent to your address.

The NZ AIDS Foundation's National Partnerships Co-ordinator Ben Barratt-Boyes says he's happy with the initial user response to SAM, and is hoping to feature the service in other locations, and online soon.
"I can see how many people have looked at it so far and I've been blown away with the response. Many people have read every page," Ben explains.
The information on SAM is deliberately set out in pro-sexual, non-judgemental, easy to understand language. "We designed it to be like a chat with someone you trust. It's important that we get the right information out to guys in a way that's interactive. Not everyone knows everything about how to protect themselves."
The 'mythbusting' section is particularly useful to help dispel misconceptions about safer sex, says Ben. "For example, some guys think that sex without a condom is OK as long as you pull out before you cum - but that's not going to reduce your risk of HIV, since the virus exists in pre-cum too."

One popular section of SAM is a video showing how to put on a condom correctly. No cartoons here - it's a real dick, attached to a willing volunteer. Other sections look at what to expect at sex-on-site venues, signs of sexually transmitted infections to look out for, details of where to go to get HIV tested and a booking service for check-ups, and even a quiz.

"We have the ability to add more information, news, competitions and interactive opportunities to SAM in the future," says Ben. "We'll do what we can to give people more reasons to check it out."
SAM is a world-first of its kind, and now the Aussies are interested in adapting the technology for their own use in sex hotspots. Here in New Zealand though, we hope more SAMs will roll out soon - so if you're out for a sexual adventure, look for one near you.


Back with ya's soon

In the News: HIV accused's identity still suppressed

NZ: HIV accused's identity still suppressed

The man accused of intentionally infecting men and women with HIV still cannot be named after his lawyer argued that media reports still available on the internet could be "prejudicial" to the case.
The 40-year-old's lawyer - Kevin Brosnahan - argued that some media reports on the internet could endanger his client's right to a fair trial.
The man had previously been charged with three counts of infecting with disease and one of attempted infecting with disease.
He appeared in the Auckland District Court today to face an additional eight charges: four charges of wounding with reckless disregard, one more charge of infecting with a disease, another of attempting to infect with disease and two of attempting to wound with reckless disregard.
Arguing for continued interim name suppression, Mr Brosnahan said he would be approaching media about articles he said were of a "prejudicial nature".
He gave the court details of the media reports, but they cannot be published for legal reasons.

The accused's occupation was also suppressed and he was remanded in custody until this Friday.
Crown prosecutor Phillip Hamlin said the eight new charges included two new complainants.
Police charge sheets say the man is accused of infecting a man and a woman with an "immunodeficiency virus".
The court last month heard that the accused also had hepatitis B and chlamydia.
The six victims of the alleged offending are said to be between the ages of 19 and 32 and include seven men and one woman.
Auckland police allege the man profiled himself as a 32-year-old on website and telephone dating services and attempted to solicit partners from throughout the country and possibly overseas.
Police found the man in Auckland's Mission Bay, where he had rented a motel room, on Thursday May 28 after receiving a formal complaint from a member of Auckland's gay community.
The complainant said the 40-year-old had sought unprotected sex, and had infected him with HIV.
The accused has been held in custody since his court appearance that day. In declining bail at his first hearing, Judge Bouchier said she was concerned he might interfere with complainants and witnesses.
"He has contacted one complainant several times and asked him not to contact police. The victims are fearful of him being granted bail.
"I don't believe the court could make any bail conditions which would prevent the defendant from having access to the internet and continuing internet dating."

News Source:
- With NZHERALD STAFF and NZPA

In the NEWS: Dunedin schools quizzed on gay Ball dates

NZ: Dunedin schools quizzed on gay Ball dates

15th June 2009
It's High School Ball season, and an investigation by a Dunedin newspaper has found out what twelve secondary school principals think about pupils bringing their same-sex partners to school formals.

Same-sex dates for students?: The front page of the Dunedin Star
Most of the principals surveyed told Dunedin's Star that their school had no specific policy on same-sex Ball dates, or believed it was not an issue. However, Taieri College principle Paul Bolton said "they can bring anyone they like, we don't care in the slightest. We have a policy at our school of celebrating diversity."
Rainbow Youth Executive Director Tom Hamilton tells GayNZ.com he's worried about the schools which seem to have no awareness that LGBT students exist.
"It's swept under the carpet at some schools. If no students have tried to take their same-sex partner to the school Ball, I'd wonder whether they feel safe telling anyone there that they're gay or lesbian," he says.
Rainbow Youth ran an 'Alternative Ball' event for same-sex attracted young people last year, and works with schools in the Auckland region on 'Gay-Straight Alliances' to increase awareness of LGBT students in school culture and policies.
"Same-sex attracted students should be able to choose to take their partner to their School Ball if they want to. It's a basic human right, and an important step for some of them," adds Hamilton.
The Star also spoke to a 16-year-old male student who said he had to take a female friend to his school formal after three teachers had told him he could not take his male partner. His family "supported him 100%" says the newspaper.
Otago PhD candidate Lee Smith says she believes some schools deliberately block students from bringing same-sex dates to formals. "If this is so then schools concerned could be seen as breaching the Human Rights Act… discrimination on the ground of sexuality was made illegal," she told the Star.

News Source: GayNZ

eYe CaNdY

In the NEWS: 'Predator' identity may be revealed Tuesday

14th June 2009
A scheduled court hearing at which the identity of the man accused of knowingly infecting four young gay men with HIV may be revealed has been brought forward to this Tuesday morning.The man, alleged to be an 'HIV predator,' first appeared in court just over two weeks ago following his arrest after evading the police on May 28th. The judge at that hearing granted him identity suppression until his next appearance, which was set down for this Friday June 19th, in order for his family and employer to be informed. That suppression order has included pixelated images of the man and disclosure of his occupation.As yet no reason has been given for the earlier than expected court appearance.
Meanwhile, it is understood that at least one gay lawyer has been brought onto the team preparing the man's defence.

News Source: GayNZ

In the NEWS: Fake model scout makes teen strip

Sydney: Fake model scout makes teen strip

A 'chubby' Sydney man in his 50's is in trouble with New South Wales police for posing as a model scout and convincing a 19-year-old man to take his clothes off.
The men met in an office in northern Sydney before the fake 'model scout' took the teenager to a bar and a restaurant over the eight-hour 'interview', which even involved taking the younger man's measurements.
"Upon returning to the Newport office the man requested the younger man take his clothes off," said a police statement. "He was then taken to a second address at Avalon where the interview continued."
"I think [the 19-year-old] initially believed the man to be genuinely representing a genuine business,'' a police detective told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I think it's fairly unique but we don't know if any others have been lured by this type of thing,'' said Detective Inspector Wonders.

NEWS: American Idol's Adam Lambert comes out

American Idol's Adam Lambert comes out

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert says "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders," as he comes out as gay in a Rolling Stone cover story.

Gay cover star: Adam Lambert"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear I'm gay... I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It's just another part of me," he told the magazine.
Photos of Lambert kissing a man were made public in the run-up to the final of the TV singing star show, leading America to speculate 'Are we ready for a gay American Idol?' Eventual winner Kris Allen reacted to his victory saying ""Adam deserved this. He was the most consistent person all year. He was seriously one of the most gifted performers that I've ever met."
Lambert told MTV he has no regrets about coming out, and wanted to do it on his own terms. "Right after the finale, I almost started talking about it to the reporters, but I thought, 'I'm going to wait for Rolling Stone, that will be cooler,' " he told MTV.
Reports suggest the survivors of legendary rock/pop band Queen want Lambert to replace Freddie Mercury and go on the road with them.

BOOKS

Drifting Toward Love

240 pages
Author: Kai Wright

SYNOPSIS:
There are countless migratory kids who populate the outskirts of New York City's gay wonderland. These young people—mostly black or Latino, often homeless, but more often from poor and working-class families—are what policymakers and social service agencies call at-risk youth. They rank among the most likely people to experience a disturbingly wide array of social ills: suicide, drug addiction, HIV infection, dropping out of school, and hate crimes.
But reports of these problems obscure more fundamental realities about their lives. The dangers they encounter come as pitfalls in their search for life's basic emotional necessities: homes that provide more than shelter; security that protects against more than just violence or disease; and love.
Drifting Toward Love tells the story of one such teenager and his friends as they embark on their own precarious journeys to belonging. Wright neither diagnoses their problems nor prescribes solutions, but instead uses his own literary and journalistic skill to allow a more complete and human portrait to emerge. The narrative describes their heroism and their mistakes, their victories and their tragedies. In doing so, it unfurls a powerful, emotional, and at times troubling story that anyone who has navigated adolescence will recognize.

On Film/DVD

Summer Storm 2004

Cast
Alicja Bachleda-Curus,
Kostja Ullmann,
Robert Stadlober,
Tristano Casanova




SYNOPSIS:
Beautiful boys, sexual tension, and a big climactic rowing race make this irresistible coming-of-age feature as awesome as a lightning bolt.

REVIEW:
Rowing team members Tobi (Robert Stadlober) and Achim (Kostja Ullman) are also best pals. This summer, with a big regatta to compete in, they head to the countryside for a preparatory camping trip with their soon-to-be competitors. For Tobi, who’s secretly in love with Achim, this trip will prove quite complicated. For one thing, Achim’s girlfriend is along for the ride. And second, their competitors are an all-gay rowing team called the Queerstrokes. The sexual tension flies fast and furious as the Queerstrokes’ charismatic leader plots to seduce a rabid homophobe, and Tobi is torn between his straight crush and a kind (and very yummy) out gay boy. This much drama and lust can only lead to a stormy climax, and we ain’t just talking weather-wise. A genuinely entertaining and extremely erotic — the eye candy is endless, and you’ll never forget Tobi’s encounter on the dock — coming out tale, this is one storm you’ll want to brave! (German with English subtitles)

Rating: R

News: Sonny and Cher's daughter to undergo sex change

- Cher gains a Son

Chastity Bono, who was born the daughter of Sonny Bono and Cher, has started the process of becoming a man.Bono, 40, came out as gay in 1989, and his publicist Howard Bragman confirmed the sex change, telling the Associated Press that he "has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity".Bragman also said Bono "is proud of his decision" and hopes "that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue."
As previously reported, Cher recently filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group for allegedly failing to pay her royalties from two compilation albums from 2000 to 2003.The singer says that the label failed to pay her and former husband Bono’s children royalties and "engaged in wrongful tactics" to avoid making the payments.

Bono is in the early stages of transition, which started shortly after the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) activist’s 40th birthday.

eYe-CaNdY

Back with ya's soon

Poll Results: May

Last months Poll Results

What Should be the Penalty for knowingly giving someone HIV

Death sentence _____ 14 (35%)
Jail for Life _____ 15 (37%)
10 Years jail _____ 7 (17%)
A fine _____ 1 (2%)
Unsure _____ 3 (7%)

There seems to be be a general view that a long prison sentence
is one of the answers for knowingly infecting someone with HIV.

Are you happy with your sex life?

Yes, perfectly happy _____ 3 (11%)
Yes, but would like a bit more _____ 10 (37%)
I'm just happy with hugs _____ 0 (0%)
No, the fire has burnt out _____ 5 (18%)
I can't recall the last time I got any _____ 9 (33%)

Well, Where are the romantic's...? no-ones happy with just hugs... I'm
almost shocked. Maybe if we spent the time to have hugs and get to know
each other a little more then the 5% where the "fire has gone out" could then
move to "Yes, perfectly happy".

Many thanks for the people that took part in out "Gay life" polls.


Back with ya's soon.

Last days of Its a Gay Life Polls

Two of the online Polls here are about to end, please feel free to have your say.

Slice of Life: Who says romance is dead?

"A CLICHÉ – BUT IT WAS SO SPECIAL!"

I got lots more amazing stories that made me gush!
Enjoy…

Petals and candles: "My partner organised the best romantic night. It started off with me arriving home to find this beautiful dinner set at a table with rose petals and candles everywhere. I then got given a lovely gift and a card. After dinner we ventured up stairs to the bedroom where I found the bed covered in rose petals all ready for us to mess up. All this just to remind me how much he loves me."

The Pianist: "Once an ex played the piano and serenaded me. It was quite a surprise! The song was a bit cliché, but it was still romantic and different. I felt like I was in a Meg Ryan film, and I started to laugh (naughty me!)."Blood pressure: "When recovering from eye surgery my partner was the first person I saw. He had asked the nurse if he could take my vital signs and as he is a nurse they agreed. So when I come to he was taking my blood pressure.'

Theft: "My partner wrote in a Valentine's Day card "You stole my heart, Please keep it safe" even though its just words it meant so much to me."

More candles: "Well, maybe a cliché, but I had someone light the whole room with candles. There were so many, the large one and all the little t-light candles (normally he just lit up a couple). I was so taken by him that night. Needless to say, I've loved candles ever since."

Kind words: "Told me "I like you because you are you, not because you give good head, or because you look after me, it's all those things but really, can't you just accept that whatever faults you think you have, I like them too, I like ALL of you". I really needed it at the time."Long drive: "My lover drove all the way from Wellington to Auckland to surprise me at work. I hadn't seen her for about 2 weeks. She drove all that way and had to be back in Wellington the next day. We got to see each other for about 6 hours before she headed home."And: "Simple,He looked at me, with love in his eyes, and said."I love you" I knew he meant it. It was special."

To keep the love, you have to show the love...


Back with ya's soon...

Fun: Gay scientists isolate Christian gene

"We've already prevented this rat from being born Christian, and hopefully humans will follow".

Gay scientists have isolated the gene they believe makes people Christian, claims a new video news report.
Legitimate science, or playing God? Find out more on the clip below.

Books: NZ's gay history book up for two awards

2009's Montana New Zealand Book Awards nominees have been announced, with Chris Brickell's Mates & Lovers – A History of Gay New Zealand on the list for two awards.

Nominated: Mates & LoversThe story of Aotearoa's gay male history is up for honours in the History category, and in the NZSA E.H. McCormick Best First Book Award for Non-fiction.
GayNZ.com reviewer David Herkt thought the photo-rich volume was "a significant achievement. It is a book against which all subsequent work on the subject of New Zealand gay lives will be measured… It is a necessary book whose images and words will enrich contemporary gay lives, linking them to their precursors, in the unending story of same-sex desire and its manifestations."
The winning book in each Montana Book Awards category receives a prize of $5,000 and is eligible for the Montana Medals. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Auckland Museum on Monday 27 July.

To read our review click here


Back with ya's soon

eYe-Candy

In the News: You got HIV, Don't go to the U.S.

UK: Brits with HIV 'still being refused entry to US'

People living with HIV are still being refused entry to the US, despite government plans to change legislation, it has been claimed.
According to the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), those with HIV who want to travel to the US must attend an interview at the American Embassy in London before they can travel legally.
A new online visa waiver system was set up recently, but those who have HIV must still have a special visa.
Currently, people with HIV are permanently excluded from the United States except in exceptional circumstances.
Following new legislation last year, the HIV entry ban is no longer law, but remains an administrative decision to be ruled on by the Department for Health and Human Services.
THT states it has received calls from people who used the online visa system and believed they were permitted to travel but were turned away at US border controls, incurring substantial travel expenses.
Lisa Power, head of policy at THT, said: “While we are pleased that the US government intend to revisit their entry regulations, it has not happened yet.
"People with HIV shouldn't jump the gun by assuming it's already okay to travel to the US without a special visa.
"Everyone entering the US is still required to state that they have no transmissible conditions, alongside not being a terrorist, a Nazi or a criminal.
"People who don’t get the special visa but then disclose their status on entry run the risk of being forcibly deported and banned from entering the US again, so please be aware of the rules before you fly.”
People living with HIV who would like further information on their right to travel internationally can contact THT Direct on 0845 1221 200 from 10am to 10pm weekdays and from 12pm to 6pm weekends, or email info@tht.org.uk.


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In the News: Rise in gay murders and homophobic hate crimes

UK: Police 'concern' over gay murders and rise in homophobic hate crimes

June 1, 2009
Police have expressed concern over a rise in homophobic violence following a number of murders of gay men.
Scotland Yard statistics show a nine per cent rise in homophobic and transphobic offences to 1,372 in the year up to April. Greater Manchester police saw a 63 per cent rise in homophobic crime.
Acting Detective Superintendent Gerry Campbell, of the Metropolitan police, who led a recent operation against hate crime, said: "Homophobia cannot be considered a thing of the past, it's on the increase."
A confidential briefing note for Scotland Yard's LGBT advisory group, seen by the Observer, stated that nine "critical incidents" were recorded in the force's area since March 2008, compared with five incidents from 2001 to 2005.
Last month, a gay man was stabbed to death in Tottenham, north London. Daryl Phillips, 39, had been stabbed in the leg and was treated at the scene at Avenue Road, but was later pronounced dead.
In March, Gerry Edwards, 59, was stabbed to death at his home in Bromley, south London. His partner, 56-year-old Chris Bevan, was taken to hospital with stab wounds.
A gay couple in Bradford were shot in April. Neville Corby died at the scene at Ashbourne Road while his 31-year-old partner Craig Freer survived with gunshot wounds to the chest.
According to Crown Prosecution Service figures, prosecutions for crimes involving homophobia rose 60 per cent over the past two years to 995 cases.

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On Film/DVD

Patrik age 1,5 2008

CAST:
Gustaf Skarsgård ... Göran Skoogh
Torkel Petersson ... Sven Skoogh
Thomas Ljungman ... Patrik
Annika Hallin ... Eva
Amanda Davin ... Isabell
Jacob Ericksson ... Lennart Ljung


Plot: Goran and Sven have been cleared for adoption and they have a possibility to adopt a Swedish orphan, Patrik 1,5. But when Patrik arrives he turns out to be someone else, not the little boy they were expecting. A comma had been misplaced, and in comes a 15-year-old homophobic with a criminal past.



Review: *** This may contain spoilers ***
I do not want to concentrate too much on the story... it is relatively predictable - no surprises. Ordinarily I wouldn't give it such a high rating. Except ... it is so beautifully acted, especially by Gustaf Skarsgård as Goran, the the doctor, and Thomas Ljungman as the kid up for adoption...that it really does deserve a high rating. The situation is not completely realistic, in that I don't really see a gay couple deciding to live in an area that is so completely heterosexual and even a bit homophobic. I would have expected them to find a more mixed neighbourhood - but then again, not knowing Sweden, perhaps they are in a small town which doesn't really offer them many more choices? I also found the changes in Sven, the doctor's spouse(played by Torkel Petersson, to be a little too pat, both in his original negativism what makes him so extreme in his reactions?), and later on in his seemingly too-easily arrived-at acceptance. This problem in the script might be why Torkel doesn't impress us as much with his acting - his character seems to be less dense and more obviously driven by the writer's needs than his own. But all of this pales when the realism of the emotions is placed before you. These are people you DO care about - because they make you care.

OK...the kid was perhaps too nice for someone who is supposed to be a petty criminal and all-around trouble-maker. But everyone can identify with the basics here. The need for family. The petty ignorance and discrimination of others. The problems of making a relationship work. The stupidities of officialdom. And the way people can suddenly work their way into your heart before you have even realized it. I hope that Thomas Ljungman and Gustaf Skarsgård end up making more films on an international level. They are wonderful actors (note the look in Ljungman's eyes when told the agency has finally found a family for him; I have NEVER seen mixed emotions more perfectly portrayed..., and considering the small output in Sweden, it would be a crime not to get this talent out into the world at large.


Runtime: 103 min
Country: Sweeden

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In the NEWS: The Mayor, Illegal immigrant, and gay love

The Mayor, Illegal immigrant and gay love


It was, simply put, the most stunning abdication since King Edward VIII in 1936 gave up the British throne for Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced American socialite.
Only two weeks after being elected to serve his fourth term, Mayor J.W. Lown of San Angelo submitted his resignation letter Tuesday from an undisclosed location in Mexico.
No, being mayor of San Angelo is not exactly the same as being the King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, but the reason for Lown’s abdication is the same as Edward’s.
Love.

What made it stunning wasn’t the status of Lown’s office, which pays $600 a year, but the status of his lover.
Lown fell for an illegal Mexican immigrant.
A man.
Lown told the San Angelo Standard-Times he had fallen for the man in March, after he had already filed for re-election. The man came to the U.S. five years ago to study at Angelo State University.
It was unclear whether he had a student visa, but if he did it apparently had expired.
Lown told the Standard-Times he chose not to take the oath of office while “aiding and assisting” a person who was illegally in the country.
Lown had been an extraordinarily popular mayor. Only 32 years old, he was elected in 2003 as the city’s youngest mayor. Serving in an office that inevitably requires decisions that accumulate enemies, he managed to get re-elected three times with increasing margins of victory each time. Two weeks ago he defeated two challengers by garnering 89 percent of the vote.
Lown did not give the name of his lover, but said he planned to stay in Mexico to try to obtain a visa so that his partner can return with him if “the people of San Angelo will welcome me back.”
It could be a long wait. According to former Houston city councilman Gordon Quan, an immigration lawyer, Lown’s partner faces two problems in seeking a visa that would permit residency in the U.S.
One involves restrictions caused by his having been in the United States illegally. If he had a student visa and overstayed it more than six months but less than a year, he is not eligible for a visa for three years. If it was more than a year, he must wait 10 years, even for a tourist visa.
The other problem, said Quan, is that he would require a blood relative or a spouse to sponsor him.
And it wouldn’t matter if Lown went to Iowa and married his partner by proxy. The federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages for immigration purposes.
King Edward, who became Prince Edward, lived the remainder of his life in exile. Lown may face the same fate if he stays with his partner.
For some this will be a story of sinful deviance.
Some will sigh at the power of love.
As someone who has closely observed politicians for many years, what I see is the rare integrity of a politician who couldn’t rationalize his way to swearing to uphold the laws of his state and nation while breaking them.
When it comes to sex, we’ve seen the president of the United States lie under oath, the governor of New Jersey provide a high-level job for his unqualified secret gay lover, the governor of New York frequent a high-priced prostitute.
The mayor of San Angelo chose not only love, but also honesty.

Gay Travel

This weeks Gay travel section comes from Gods own (and the Home
country of Its a Gay life)... can you guess where I'm from...lol

Want to Visit New Zealand

GayTravel’s newest partner Air New Zealand celebrates diversity the Kiwi way – with an incredible list of gay and lesbian friendly destinations. Whether you want to strap on your skis in Queenstown for Gay Ski Week, or clutch your pearls in Sydney for the gayest of Mardi Gras, Air New Zealand takes you there.







Auckland
The largest city in New Zealand known as “the maiden sought by 100 lovers” in Maori, Auckland is as beautiful as it is diverse. The largest city in New Zealand with over one million people, Auckland is also home to New Zealand’s largest LGBT population. This region is spread out over three harbors and two mountain ranges and boasts 48 volcanic cones and idyllic holiday islands. There are secluded beaches in practically every direction as well as hiking trails with breathtaking scenery making Auckland a true holiday paradise.

Gay & Lesbian Friendliness & NightlifeAuckland is one of the most enlightened cities when it comes to recognizing the equality of its citizenry, and boasts the world’s first transgender member of Parliament. The most visible gay neighborhood is Grey Lynn aka ‘Gay Lynn’ and is made up of 19th century bungalows and villas which are decorated with twinkle lights each December much to the delight of all Aucklanders. Ponsonby Road is the home of the celebrated “Hero Parade” which precedes Mardi Gras each year, and is also home to many gay and gay-friendly restaurants, cafés and bars. For nightlife, head downtown to High Street and O’Connellfor everything from drag and strip shows to live music and of course dancing.


Wellington
The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is located at the southwestern tip of the North Island and is New Zealand’s second largest urban area. Because of the geographical location, Wellington is more densely populated than other New Zealand cities, with hills and harbor surrounding the urban area. Besides being the political and geographic center of the country, it is also the center of New Zealand’s film and theatre industry. A strong arts, café, restaurant and nightlife scene characterize this cosmopolitan city.


Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand with over 300, 000 residents, and the second largest city in New Zealand overall. This garden city features extensive parks and the Avon River which flows through the city’s center and a pedestrian-friendly downtown square. Kiwi hospitality and culture combined with the overall beauty make this city a satisfying destination for gay and lesbian travelers and residents alike.

Gay-Friendly Entertainment & NightlifeBecause Christchurch is such an outdoors-centered city, nightlife is sparse, but gay and lesbian visitors will find good hotels, restaurants, bars and lounges catering to the LGBT community on Lichfield and Cashel Streets and on Cathedral Square in the city center.


Queenstown
Queenstown is a small South Island city in the Otago region on Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand, and is one of the country’s centers for adventure travel and skiing in particular. What To DoBeing a major snow sports destination in New Zealand, Queenstown welcomes visitors from all over the world travel for skiing at the one or all of the four main mountain ski fields: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone. Along with skiing, paragliding, boating, bungee jumping, hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing are popular activities with both visitors and locals.

Gay-FriendlinessThe international feel of this small city make it welcoming to gay and lesbian travelers who will be exhilarated by the breathtaking surroundings and captivated by the thriving mixed nightlife of this unique destination.


More information at http://gaytravel.com/

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Storytime:

Small Town

I'd just turned 16 when my parents divorced. While they sorted out their shit I was shipped off to live with my grandparents. This was the summer of' 78 - y'know, real ancient history. Nan and Pop lived in a small town called Waiporati in the middle of Nowhere, Dullsville.
I was determined Iwas gonna hate the whole experience and spent the first week moping around the house with typical pain-in-the-ass negative teenage attitude.
"So," said Nan one morning, "what do you have planned for today?"
"Nothin'," I replied, moodily.
"Why don't you get yourself into town?" asked Nan, drying the breakfast dishes.
"You might try starting to make some new friends."
Mention of friends made me feel even more miserable. I missed my friends back in Auckland. Especially Gary ... And thinking of Gary just made my dick twitch.
"Okay, Nan," I sighed. "I'll go have a nose around in town ..."
"And y'might think about getting a haircut while you're there," she snapped.
"Don't know why you have it so dang long."
"Aw, Nan," I replied, "all the kids have long hair."
"And if all the kids decided to jump off ... where are you going?"
"Into town," I moaned, letting the screen door slap shut behind me.
"I'll go hang out at the ol' barber shop ..."

'Town' was pretty much two intersecting streets with a lackluster collection of shops: 'Hill's Books, Stationery and Gifts', 'The Waiporati Cafeteria', 'Jenkins Hardware' ... The most exciting spot was the fish-and-chip shop that boasted a coin-operated video game - 'Pong'. I,however, was used to the sophistication of the latest craze to hit Auckland- 'Space Invaders'. Besides, the fish-and-chip shop didn't open until midday and it was only 9.30 ...I decided that what I really wanted to do was get a packet of fags and go and find a quiet spot by the river for a smoke and a wank. Mrs Maltby was bound to tell Nan if I bought a packet of Camels from 'Maltby's Dairy' so I headed for 'Boyes' Tobacconist and Barber Shop' instead. Mr Boyes was sitting in one of the barber chairs, reading a magazine, when I entered but he got up as the bell on the door rang. He grinned at me and winked.
"What can I do you for?" he asked.
I gulped and caught myself staring. This wasn't the Mr Boyes that used to give me a lollipop to shut me up as a kid while he cut Pop's hair. Mr Boyes was a gruff bald old bastard with a wicked comb-over and thick horn-rimmed specs. This guy was tall, swarthy, with powerful shoulders, a strong,chiseled jaw and thick black wavy hair, cut just like John Travolta's from 'Saturday Night Fever'. The short-sleeved, light blue nylon barber's smock he wore was unbuttoned at the neck revealing a hint of black curls on his broad, tanned chest. He was fucking hot! I felt my dick harden... A quick purchase of fags was now out of the question; I wanted to linger.
"I ... um ... need a haircut!" I blurted.
"Sure," he replied with a six million dollar grin. "Take a seat."
" What's your name?"
"Steve," I replied, hoisting myself into a chair. "What happened to Mr Boyes?"
"You mean my grandfather, I guess," he replied, wrapping a cloth around my neck and securing a cape around me. "He died of a heart attack last year and left the business to my dad who gave it me. That makes me the new Mr Boyes - but my friends call me Roger. Y'wanna magazine to read? "He tossed me the magazine that he'd been reading previously - a well thumbed copy of Playboy.
It fell open on a page with a blonde chick with her legs spread and a well-hung stud standing astride her head.
"Sweet, huh?" chuckled Roger.
"Now, what about this hair?" he asked, pulling at my locks, running his fingers through my long blond curly hair. "It's kinda messy Kris Kristofferson at the moment ... You heading for Lee Majors or a blond Donny Osmond?" "I dunno," I said, still gawping at the Playboy magazine. "Just tidied up abit, I guess ..."
"Thank God for that," he chuckled, reaching for comb and scissors.
"Be ashame to lose these luscious locks ... You okay with that magazine? Only I could get you a Donald Duck comic or something ..."
"No," I said blushing furiously, "it's fine."
"Well, you might wanna hide your hard-on ... I might have other customers coming in.
"I glanced down and saw that my rock-hard dick was trying to escape out of the leg of my shorts. I hurriedly rearranged the cape so that it covered things.
"Don't worry about it," chuckled Roger, combing out my hair and attacking it with the scissors. "Those fuckin' mags make me horny too." As if to prove a point he leaned across me, pressing his crotch against my arm - it was an impressive package..."Check out page 48," he suggested.
Page 48 featured another blonde bimbette, this one with a feather boa and two muscular studs with enormous hard-ons. I groaned silently and groped my dick under the cape.
"Hot, huh?" said Roger, bringing his face close to mine. I locked my eyes on to his and gulped."Sure is," I said. "Fucking hot ...
"He whipped off my cape, brushed the loose hair off my neck and removed the cloth.
"All done," he announced.
"Wanna cool down with a couple of Cokes out the back of the house ..."
"Sound's great," I replied.
He hurried to lock the front door, close all the blinds and put up the 'Closed' sign, then I followed him into the cramped back room. It was lined with shelves containing cartons of stock, fresh towels, account books... But in the center of it all was an ancient metal-framed barber chair, its back down and with well-worn leather padding. Roger wasted no time and pulled me to him, his large hands squeezing my ass cheeks.
"Ooooh, yeah," he crooned. "Hot boy buns - my favourite kind!"
I could feel his thick slab of man meat pressing against my stomach as he eased my shorts and underwear down, releasing my own throbbing dick. He wrapped a huge paw around my drooling cock and chuckled.
"Ooooh," he murmured,
"little Stevie seems to like this." His boy-cock is rock-hard and nearly ready to burst ... But little Stevie's gonna have to wait till Mr Boyes is ready ..."

With that he picked me up and sat me on the foot of the extended barberchair, my legs straddled either side and my drooling dick fully exposed. I was grinning like a fool, my heart pumping like crazy in delight and expectation. I wrapped my fist around my desperate dick and started to stroke but Mr Boyes slapped it away."Uh, uh," he said in mocking reprimand. "Little Stevie doesn't get to touch his little dick until Mr Boyes says so .... Just place your naughty hands on the chair behind you, lean back and wait."
Mr Boyes kicked off his shoes then slowly unclasped the domes of his barber's coat, gradually revealing the full glory of his broad, muscularchest, his rippled abs, all covered in a wonderful mat of thick blackcurls. All I wanted to do was gape at this studly creature and pump my dick furiously - but Mr Boyes had given me my orders. Next he unbuttoned and unzipped his trousers, slowly revealing his thick black pubic patch, his huge, fat uncut schlong and wonderful, loose-hanging goose-egg balls.
As he worked his way completely free of his trousers I found myself drooling - honest-to-fucking-God actually drooling! Mr Boyes noticed this and grinned.
"What?" he asked mockingly. "Is Stevie-boy hungry? Huh? Stevie-boy want something t'eat? Huh"

I was mesmerised by this huge, muscular stud-god - and particularly his huge, pulsating god-cock."Oh, fuck, yeah," I blathered. "I gotta eat, Mr Boyes ... please ..."Mr Boyes grinned and stepped towards me. And I ate. I slobbered all over his cock, sucking, licking, swallowing, groaning at my own frustration not to be able to swallow it all. Mr Boyes just laughed, grabbed the back of my skull and rammed his dick down my throat till his balls smashed against my chin, causing my to gag, splutter, and bring up more phlegm to make his journey even smoother as he pounded that enormousfucker down my slut throat over and over again. Suddenly he withdrew leaving me gasping for more, tears streaming down my face and drool running down my chin. He grabbed my ankles and shoved me down on my back with my knees down around my ears.
"Daddy Boyes' time to eat," he laughed as he plunged his face into my tender boyhole. Damn! but his tongue felt good! He tickled and slathered his way around my hole then wormed his tongue way deep up inside me. I'd never felt anything that good and I groaned in pleasure, bearing down and opening up my hole the way I did for Gary when he was fucking me.Mr Boyes tore his face out of my ass crack and leared at me.
"Now that's a hungry boy-cunt," he said, lining up his spit-slimed dick with my soggy hole.
"You ready to be fucked, Stevie-boy?"
"Fuck, yes, Mr Boyes!" I yelled. "But go easy 'cos I've only been fucked....."
I never did get to finish that sentence before I saw stars and heard myself screaming as Mr Boyes plunged his fat dick into me up to the hilt.
"Yeah, Stevie-boy," crooned Mr Boyes as he slowly withdrew his dick until just the fat mushroom head lay inside me.
"That's what a real man-dick feels like!" He plunged back inside of me and held himself there, buried to the hilt. I gasped, groaned and adored the sensations of pain and pleasure. Gary had fucked me four, maybe five times but in two thrusts this Man was creating more sensations inside of me than I ever dreamed possible. I pushed my arseback towards Mr Boyes and scratched my cheeks on his coarse pubic patch, savouring every rock-hard pulsating inch.
"Aaw, fuck ..." I groaned.
"Yeah?" asked Mr Boyes. "Y'like that, Stevie-boy? Y'like my fat cock stretching your little boy hole Huh C'mon, tell me how y'like it ... Let me know how much y'want it ..."
"Aaww, yeah!" I moaned. "Fuck me, Mr Boyes! Slam that fat dick into me! Feed me with cock! Split me open! Fuckin' breed me! I need it, Mr Boyes! Fuck me! Please! Fuck me!"
Mr Boyes withdrew his cock, leaving me feeling empty, gaping and desperate for more, his cock-head pressing gently against my hungry boy-hole."Well, he cooed, " since you asked so nicely ..."And he slammed back into me - over and over he pummeled into my ass, screwing me, fucking me, raping my boy hole. I yelled, I cried, I whooped as new sensations drenched my ass, my body, my brain. The pain gave way into pleasure that no person should ever have a right to experience - so wrong, so nasty, so powerful ... and yet so fucking gooood!!
"Oh, shshit ..." hissed Mr Boyes. 'Fuck! I'm cumming! Fuck, yeah, you little bitch! I'm fucking cumming! CUMMING!!"
He slammed his cock deep in my arse and I felt it expand, pulse as he blasted my guts with his hot man-juice. At the same time, almost without realising, I shot my load, never even touching my dick, blasting load afterload clear over my head and splattering on to the cartons behind me. As I came down from my orgasmic high I opened my eyes to see Mr Boyes looming above me, sweat dripping from his face on to mine.
"Clean me up, pig boy ..." he sneered. He stood upright and, grabbing my head again, plunged his still-hard cock down my throat. As an obedient pig, I laboured to suck his God-cock clean of my ass juices,shit and his God-spunk. Eventually he withdrew his dick from my eager mouth and cradled me in his strong arms."Welcome to Waiporati," he murmured, as I sucked on his meaty left nipple.

"If you're up to it, I hear that Mr Jenkins needs a new stock-boy for the hardware store. And Mr Hill is always after a new delivery boy... I have a feeling you're gonna be needed by a lot of men in this town, Stevie-boy ...."