Wed 2 Jun 2010 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Brett Sheppard Tributes are flowing for two businessmen who have played a central role in New Zealand's gay history. The Westside Sauna and Out Bookshop are being closed by owner Tony Katavich. Situated on downtown Auckland's Anzac Ave, they are two of the final businesses in the 'Out! Group.' Only Travel Desk remains, under independent management. The businesses were once part of a string of ventures run by Katavich and the late Brett Sheppard, which at their height in the 1970s and 80s included bars, clubs and saunas across the country. The pair also published the long-running Out! magazine and ran an erotica supply company. Georgina Beyer worked for Katavich and Sheppard during the late 1980s, as one of the performers in the glamorous Bloomers Review at Alfies club in Auckland. She says Katavich and Sheppard have left a legacy. "They made a major contribution to our lifestyle, to our politics, to media, to business and travel - and the desensitising and inclusion of things gay male oriented," she says. Beyer hopes Katavich and his life partner can now take time out for themselves. Former assistant manager of Alfies in Wellington Mal Vaughan echoes Beyer's comments, saying Katavich and Sheppard made a big contribution to the New Zealand gay scene through their businesses. "Now I hope Tony will be able to take some time for him and his partner John to relax and enjoy themselves, knowing they have made such a worthwhile contribution to the lives of New Zealand's glbt people." The businessmen are also attributed with playing an important role in the fight to decriminalise homosexuality, which culminated in the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in 1986. Auckland local body politician Bruce Kilmister was one of those involved in the battle and recalls the pair's businesses becoming the community hub from which most gay activism was supported and forged. "Whilst Tony was infrequently seen, his business partner Brett Sheppard was often the public face of gay community at public meetings during the often tense and bitter fight for law reform." Kilmister says not only did they provide the use of their facilities, publication and persuasive voices, but they also frequently provided financial backing. He says the closure of the two businesses marks the end of an era.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 2nd June 2010 - 9:34am