The title of this recording is "Matt talks about MALGRA". It is described as: Matt talks about the early years of the Manawatu Gay Rights Association (MAGRA), its development into the Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights Association (MALGRA) and then talks about its move to Te Manawa. It was recorded in Te Manawa Museum, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North on the 9th July 2017. This is an interview with an unidentified interviewee (or possibly interviewees) conducted by Jac Lynch. The name is spelt correctly but may appear incorrectly spelt later in the document. The duration of the recording is 11 minutes. A list of correctly spelt content keywords and tags can be found at the end of this document. The content in the recording covers the decades 1980s through to the 2010s. A brief summary of the recording is: The recording reflects the history and evolution of MALGRA, a prominent organization in the New Zealand LGBTQ+ community over a span of several decades, specifically from the 1980s to the 2010s. Initially, when Matt moved to Palmerston North from Christchurch in the mid-1980s, they were surprised by the functional and well-established support system for the LGBTQ+ community within the region. Pioneers like Peter, Kevin, Eddie, and Bill set a robust foundation for the association which not only provided safe places and venues to meet but was also pivotal in addressing legal challenges, especially during a time when same-sex relationships were still criminalized. MALGRA, during its inception, concentrated on securing rights, coupled with a prominent social role that included organizing monthly gatherings that were well received and greatly enjoyed by the members. A landmark moment for MALGRA arrived during the time when Fran Wilde initiated legislation reform. The association played an educational role, informing different groups about LGBTQ+ rights, and providing a valuable network for support. Methods of outreach and information dissemination included publications like the "Out" magazine and safe spaces like the Premier Drapery Company Ltd rooms, which later transitioned to the Square Edge Arts Centre. Over time, MALGRA's role evolved to address the diversifying needs of its community, moving beyond the provision of a nightclub. Recognizing the enduring need for safe, connective spaces, MALGRA expanded its services, establishing itself as a network hub that facilitates connections with various community agencies and support groups, particularly those aimed at young people and addressing transgender issues. The organization has undertaken the responsibility to support professionals who require information or contact within the LGBTQ+ community, thereby crafting a strong network that can be accessed for advice and support. Special attention is given to those who come forward about their identity at later stages in life, recognizing that the needs of individuals span across the entire lifespan – youth and older age groups alike. Another significant initiative by MALGRA was the establishment of the GLITTFAB Wellbeing Network, focusing on collaboration and partnerships to enhance community support without necessarily directly offering all services. The wellbeing network aims to bolster the work of others contributing to the community. Highlighting its educational and developmental role, MALGRA hosts symposiums where speakers and community leaders share knowledge and experiences. For instance, a previous symposium facilitated feedback to local politicians and MPs, including Louisa Wall, to address future challenges. These symposiums serve as platforms for learning and engender collaborative action within the community. In line with MALGRA's maturation and adaptation to contemporary needs, the organization no longer limits itself to distinct venues like bars but acknowledges its position within the broader community spectrum, ensuring accessibility to all its members, a principle exemplified by its participation in and presentation of diverse exhibitions and community events. In conclusion, over three decades, MALGRA has transformed from a grassroots organization concentrating on providing safe social venues and advocating for rights to a multifaceted hub that supports a broader community network and fosters acceptance and well-being across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The full transcription of the recording follows.  It includes timestamps every thirty seconds in the format [HH:MM:SS].  The transcription begins:  Matt, can you tell us when you first started? It would have been in the mid eighties when I moved here from Christchurch. But, um, yeah, these are Yeah, it was an interesting time. It was an interesting space, and and a whole group of new people. Some I knew, but, um, many I didn't. So were you out when you Yeah, Yeah, yeah. Um, and I was a little astonished how you know [00:00:30] he was this organisation functioning. So well, having having, um, come from, I guess a city where being out was was cool, but, um, there were still risks, and so I wasn't sure what? What? The measure was here. Um, and unfortunately, I met up with really good people who who were very good guides. And I mean, there were great people running this organisation at that stage. People at, um, Peter and Kevin and and Eddie and [00:01:00] and Bill and people like this who who really set, I guess a good, solid framework for the organisation. What was the role of the organisation? I think it was it was around ensuring that that they were safe, safe, um, venues or a safe place for people to meet, um, and certainly an opportunity for people to respond to the what was then, of course, the legal challenges that we [00:01:30] were facing. So it was an organising and safe place, supportive social role. So they would they would organise monthly functions and that sort of thing. Um, and they did that really, really well. But at the same time, there was a focus on our rights and, um, and the need to address those huge gaps and to address the fact that at this time it was still a criminal offence for men. Do you remember any of the activities that [00:02:00] would have put in, um, around the social functions? There were great parties. Really, really good parties. Yeah. Those those folks knew how to throw a party. Um and, um and and lots of, um, focus, I think around, um, making sure that that, you know, people could get there, that the information was there. Um, but then, as well, there was the realisation in, [00:02:30] um 80 85 when Fran Wilde stepped forward and people started to respond to that. So already, um, people like Peter and Kevin had been, you know, quite, um, quite open about where they were at and, um, and about themselves and educating, um, different groups. And I think that was really valuable. How did people find out about how did they? Then it was advertised in most of the magazines, [00:03:00] like out and the like and and the safe space. The space that I remember was up the back of the square edge, the P DC. That was the one I knew, too. And then, um so the P DC rooms and then, um, later square edge. When, when, Um, we started club queuing. Yeah. Um, so what's the role of Mal now? Now? So Mal has moved, I think, beyond providing [00:03:30] specifically a nightclub, um, and moving more toward recognising that there are other needs people within our community have. I mean, I think the provision of of a space like a gay bar is is probably not there for many, many people. But the need for a safe place or a point to connect with others is still there. Um and that's an ongoing thing. I think when people [00:04:00] are are identifying who they are, where they're at, um and and where they're at, um, with with who they're at, sort of that whole process, um, that each of us engages in our own way. I think having a network that people can connect with and often they're going to, um they may go to different agencies. So what meal is doing is connecting with our community much more so we've kind of come out of the closet [00:04:30] in many ways. Um, and we're much more open about who we are, where we are, Um, is here we are at, um so one of the things we developed was the glip fab well being network. Now, the glit fab well, being network is about, um, working in partnership with our community. So we're not necessarily going to be providing all these amazing services around the community. But there are people who are doing that, and what we [00:05:00] want to do is to really support them in that role. And it can be a challenging process for many a challenging role. So, um, when practitioners are in need of information or a point of connection with others who are sharing that kind of work, it's really beneficial to have a good network, a network that can be pulled together at any time. And so so if there are professionals out around [00:05:30] the man who who aren't touch with someone who's queer, identified or gay, lesbian, bisexual Trans, if they are needing to get hold of someone for some advice or put people into it and people are doing that So, um and part of that, I think there's still that need for those baseline support groups, you know, those, um and certainly for our young people, definitely. We need those. And so Meal is looking at What is our role [00:06:00] in this And what do we need to do? Do we need to do it ourselves? Um, as a starting point. And so certainly looking at that, um, there are some supports already out there for for, um, people who are engaging trans issues. Um and, um, the challenges experienced in that we're not in a position to really work with that. That's not our US. But we do know people. So, um, [00:06:30] again, it's recognising. There are some people who are who are identifying who they are at a or speaking out about who they are at a later age. And while there are supports for younger people. Does Mal have a responsibility or a role, then, um, around working with people who are who are in that older age group. Um, because, like, I always think the needs we have are across the life span, and it's great that those services are are there for [00:07:00] our youth. But we we can't forget that, you know, there there are older people in our community, and we need to nurture them, too. Um, and I think so looking at that. And then, um, I'm thinking, Does Mel need to provide this? And if it does, who who's the best people to do it? And I always think people who walk that journey are always the best people. So linking into our own again, Um, and one of the other things we do is each year we [00:07:30] have a symposium, so we bring speakers together. We bring experienced people together and have them share their experience, share their their community development skills, their knowledge, their understanding and one or two people can pick up on that. So, last year, we had, um Well, we had a good learning last year. Never do it at labour weekend because everyone goes away, but, um, at Labour Weekend last year, we had great people, like and? [00:08:00] And Tom, um, we had, um, Tabby and Connor come through, and that was really good. You know, we we had awesome, awesome people, um, and and, um, to come and speak to us and challenge us and ask questions. And, of course, it finished with our opportunity then to feed back to our local MP. Um, City council people, and also, um, to have Louisa Wall join us. [00:08:30] So we were able to feed back, so it kind of came to a conclusion with that and then the ongoing challenge of moving on from there. So we're doing that and looking at how can we best meet, um, meet our community and make sure that our community is safe. So when we talk about a safe place, we're not just talking about a social venue, we're talking within all context. So that symposium was for the 30th anniversary [00:09:00] of Oh, no, that was That was just last year, did it? Yeah, we just did it. And so that was the glit symposium. And this year, we're doing symposium too, which would be an interesting challenge. so again we want to bring in speakers. There are there are people we would love to involve, for example, from the military from, um around our community to hear their experiences and [00:09:30] learn So with with that. So this move to to It's not as if you've got an office space or any permanent presence like that, is it? It's Can you tell us more about the place to be it? Really? It's a place to be and it places us. I think then that broader spectrum, that broader rainbow of what is the man too? If you look at Manu as really reflecting its community, then man is most definitely doing that with us [00:10:00] being here from our point of view. Um, but also it gives us the opportunity to reach out and connect with others. Um, so previously we'd been in square edge, so we've been down the back of the the long lane, which was safe for some people, but not for everyone. And then, of course, we we were upstairs, which was sort of like a closet upstairs. And I think we've come out in so many ways, and this is our our [00:10:30] I guess locating ourselves much more clearly within our broader community, so you can access. It's kind of lovely. That top Twins exhibition is on at the moment. It is so cool. Rebecca Swan's exhibition is very clear, and we had we had Rachel's exhibition on Butch and um, yeah, so you know, it's great to see this happening in Palmerston North. Who would have thought, um, that we would be doing this? It's just [00:11:00] really quite exciting. The full transcription of the recording ends. A list of keywords/tags describing the recording follow. These tags contain the correct spellings of names and places which may have been incorrectly spelt earlier in the document. The tags are seperated by a semi-colon: 1980s ; 2010s ; Aotearoa New Zealand ; Christchurch ; Club Q (Palmerston North) ; Connor McLeod ; Fran Wilde ; GLITTFAB Symposium (2016, Palmerston North) ; Homosexual Law Reform Act (1986) ; Jac Lynch ; Jem Traylen ; Louisa Wall ; MTV ; Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights Association (MALGRA) ; Manawatū ; Mani Bruce Mitchell ; New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) ; Older People ; Out (magazine) ; Palmerston North ; Palmerston North GLITTFAB Wellbeing Network ; People ; Premier Drapery Company Ltd (PDC) store (Palmerston North) ; Rachel Hoskin ; Rebecca Swan ; Space ; Square Edge Arts Centre (Palmerston North) ; Tabby Besley ; Te Manawa Museum ; The Closet ; Tommy Hamilton ; Topp Twins ; access ; activities ; advertising ; advice ; ageing ; bisexual ; butch ; closet ; coming out ; community ; connect ; council ; criminalisation ; eating ; exhibition ; farewell ; gay ; homosexual law reform ; knowledge ; lesbian ; love ; magazines ; military ; nightclub ; older age ; opportunity ; other ; parties ; partnership ; queer ; race ; rainbow ; running ; safe space ; social ; spectrum ; support ; time ; top ; touch ; trans ; transgender ; understanding ; venues ; work. The original recording can be heard at this website https://www.pridenz.com/matt_malgra.html. The master recording is also archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, New Zealand.  For more details visit their website https://tiaki.natlib.govt.nz/#details=ecatalogue.1089785. Please note that this document may contain errors or omissions - you should always refer back to the original recording to confirm content.