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| irn | 3498 |
| master_filename | 000899_MIX_evergreen_chrissy_witoko.wav |
| master_md5 | EEB8792DBC4B8F943AF4C290EE924476 |
| master_duration | 1:21:50 |
| master_sample_rate | 44.1 kHz |
| master_bit_depth | 16 bit |
| master_channels | 1 |
| media_reference | 000899 |
| media_source | PrideNZ.com |
| copyright_position | In copyright |
| copyright_ownership | Gareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com) |
| copyright_ownership_note | |
| submitted_to_nlnz | 21-07-2022 |
| public_url | https://www.pridenz.com/remembering_the_evergreen_and_chrissy_witoko.html |
| meta_url | https://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/3498.html |
| plain_text_url | https://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/remembering_the_evergreen_and_chrissy_witoko.txt |
| production_date | 02-07-2022 |
| production_day | 02 |
| production_month | 07 |
| production_year | 2022 |
| recording_type | Event with interviews |
| series | |
| sub_series | |
| title | Remembering the Evergreen Coffee House and Chrissy Witoko |
| description | The Evergreen Coffee House was a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community in the 1980s and 1990s in Wellington. Established by Chrissy Witoko, it still holds a significant place in our collective memory. In July 2022, Leilani Visesio and Wellington Museum held a unique event to bring together Chrissy's friends and whānau to pay tribute to Chrissy and the Evergreen. A very special thank you to Leilani and the speakers for allowing this kōrero to be recorded and shared. The Evergreen street sign can be seen at Wellington Museum, and the photographic wall montages can be viewed online at Te Papa. Details. 0:00:01 - Kevin Haunui. 0:03:04 - Waiata. 0:06:15 - MC Fiona Lam Sheung. 0:07:01 - MC Drew Hadwen. 0:08:27 - Speakers introduce themselves. 0:12:35 - Jacquie Grant. 0:18:00 - Chanel Hati. 0:25:40 - Des Cooper. 0:33:10 - Renee Paul. 0:35:30 - Kay'la Riarn. 0:43:00 - Gaye Hawkins. 0:51:15 - Des Cooper. 0:54:20 - Leilani Visesio. 0:55:30 - Pasi Daniels. 1:04:40 - [toasties and special coffee are served]. 1:05:00 - Interview with Fiona Lam Sheung. 1:08:00 - Interview with Jacquie Grant, Pasi Daniels and Des Cooper. 1:16:10 - MC Fiona Lam Sheung - closing. 1:17:24 - Kevin Haunui and Tiwhanawhaha. |
| summary_computer_generated | This abstract summarizes an audio recording from an event held at Wellington Museum to commemorate the Evergreen Coffee House and Chrissy Witoko, key figures in Wellington's LGBTQ+ history. The event features voices of multiple individuals who hold close ties to the community and had personal connections with the iconic Evergreen Coffee House and its proprietor, Chrissy Witoko. The recording encompasses the vibrant culture and community spirit that spanned from the 1960s through the 2020s, providing a rich tapestry of narratives, experiences, and memories. The audio captures a warm and engaging atmosphere as various guests recount their memories, expressing the significant impact of the Evergreen Coffee House and Chrissy’s contributions to Wellington's LGBTQ+ scene. Speakers discussed the establishment’s function as a safe haven and social hub, where toasted sandwiches and special coffees were staples, and where a unique sense of camaraderie and solidarity emerged. The speakers provided vivid descriptions of the venue's layout, ensuring a judgment-free environment with strategic placements of mirrors for safety and a convivial atmosphere conducive to conversations and connections. Anecdotes about the early days of Wellington's gay scene were shared, highlighting the freedom and community support that were found despite the challenges of the era, including discriminatory laws. There was a consensus that spaces like the Evergreen Coffee House, spearheaded by influential figures like Chrissy Witoko, were crucial in fostering unity and resilience among minority groups at a time when their very existence was not fully recognized or accepted by society at large. The recording encapsulates a discussion about the evolution of social dynamics within the LGBTQ+ community, posing reflective questions about how technological advancements and legal changes may have altered the sense and strength of personal networks compared to earlier times. The event also urged the younger generation to preserve these stories, and the speakers called for the creation of contemporary community spaces that could emulate the essence of what the Evergreen Coffee House once stood for. By the recording's end, the audience honors the legacy of Chrissy Witoko and their life partner Andrew through a chant, encapsulating a powerful sense of loss, remembrance, and ongoing legacy. The abstract concludes with acknowledgment of the event's role in rekindling memories, reinforcing the importance of community support systems, and celebrating the individuals who paved the way for a more inclusive society. |
| interviewer | Gareth Watkins |
| voices | Chanel Hati; Des Cooper; Drew Hadwen; Fiona Lam Sheung; Gaye Hawkins; Jacquie Grant; Kay'la Riarn; Kevin Haunui; Leilani Sio; Pasi Daniels; Renee Paul; Tīwhanawhana |
| tags | queen; trans; transgender; 1960s; 1970s; 1980s; 1990s; 2020s; alcohol; alcohol laws; alcohol license; catering; clothing; collage; community; drag; drugs; exotic dancer; family; gangs; home brew; jukebox; kapa haka; midnight movies; mirror; police; sailor; sex work; special coffee; striptease; toasted sandwich; wharves; window; Alfies 2; Bistro bar; Bojangles; Ca d'Oro (Auckland); Doodle Inn; Evergreen Coffee House; Jacquie’s Coffee Bar; Knutcracker Suite; Les Girls (Sydney); Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; Powder Puff (referred to as the Powder Poof, Wellington); Purple Onion (Sydney); Royal Oak Hotel; Sorrento Coffee Lounge; Sunset Strip; Tavern bar (Royal Oak Hotel); Tete a Tete; The Balcony / Le Balcon; The Owl's Retreat; The Purple Onion; Wellington Museum; Aotearoa New Zealand; Cuba Street; Hastings; Lower Hutt; Marion Street; Samoa; Sydney; Vivian Street; Wellington; Dorian Society; Mongrel Mob; Tīwhanawhana; cracking it; hidings; news queen; ship mole; speakeasy; Carmen Rupe; Chanel Hati; Chrissy Witoko; Dana de Milo; Des Cooper; Doug Timbs; Drew Hadwen; Fiona Lam Sheung; Gaye Hawkins; Jacquie Grant; Kay'la Riarn; Kevin Haunui; Leilani Sio; Liza Minnelli; Luamanuvao Winnie Laban; Michael Jackson; Pasi Daniels; Ray Johns; Renee Paul; Sue Timbs; Ngāti Kahungunu |
| tags_computer_generated | gay; Youth; movies; theatre; history; Auckland; straight; law; venues; icons; support; writing; music; Australia; marriage; scene; school; abuse; friends; legacy; Māori; Parliament buildings; language; respect; children; diversity; rugby; anxiety; internet; gym; dance; cars; fear; karate; love; gaming; kicked out; farm; faith; food; nightclub; culture; advertising; hate; spaces; passing; Iran; attitude; freedom; Kawhia; technology; comedy; Surrey; hope; Stuff; mary; running; ladies; change; conservative; bouncer; soccer; understanding; suit; safe space; top; clubs; compromise; disappear; struggle; dress up; walking; fashion; tinder.com; race; bars; cafe; closet; other; posters; hiding; army; glamour; honour; testing; connect; waiata; entertainment; code; hospital; shopping; Hollywood; costumes; teacher; future; work; cats; face; Iceland; pain; eating; community support; water; emotional; security; lifestyle; Africa; Korea; Tokyo; Job; God; Seattle; coffee; copyright; coffee bar; Space; tea party; the other side; hit; dancing; tough; People; Older People; Events; rainbows; birthday; Cuba; access; data; audience; knowledge; harbour; Christmas; time; wind; hotel; quiz; Joe; powder puff; violet; author; fire; smile; sad; the block |
| location_name | Wellington Museum |
| location | 3 Jervois Quay |
| broader_location | Wellington |
| location_lat | -41.28535669574016 |
| location_long | 174.778075926947 |
| precise_locality | true |