An estimated 8-10,000 people attended the weekend's Ansell Big Gay Out, according to co-organiser Jonathan Smith. The high profile Hero Festival 2003 event attracted a crowd “way above our expectations” says Smith, enjoying stalls, competitions staged entertainment and hot sunny weather. Smith says a highlight of the day for him and co-organiser Sandi Goodwin was the welcome extended to Prime Minister Helen Clark and visiting MPs who strolled the Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier, grounds. He also praises Auckland City Council's involvement in the project. Other fond memories of the day for the organisers of the NZAF-underwritten family picnic and entertainment day include “the dog control man congratulating us on the way we briefed all dog owners and the way they complied, finding out the Vodafone Bus driver was queer, the hard work and commitment of all our volunteers, the entertainment on the main stage, our wonderful MCs and performers, the number of stall-holders we had involved. Smith says he was particularly please that the BGO provided a “safe, secure” where GLT people were proud to be gay “with all our extended family around us gay or straight... and the acknowledgment of our diversity, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, takataapui.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 19th February 2003 - 12:00pm