Wellington waterfront walk tour

This abstract summarizes the "Wellington Waterfront Walk Tour" audio recording presented by Roger Smith, recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The recording provides a historical and cultural tour of Wellington's waterfront and significant locations relevant to the LGBTQ+ community in the 2010s.

The tour begins at the former Carmen Rue La, a cabaret nightclub where drag performers worked discreetly. It then proceeds to Civic Square, a site of significant rallies and gatherings, including the annual Rainbow Fair and pivotal events supporting marriage equality.

The City Gallery is acknowledged for hosting both a controversial Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition and community meetings about homosexual law reform. The Wellington Town Hall served as a venue for the Asia Pacific Out Games and was a site of both pro and anti homosexual law reform meetings.

The narrative moves to the Harris Street cruising spot incident leading to MP Colin Moyle's resignation. Marilyn Waring discusses political homophobia and its personal impact. Frank Kitts Park Lagoon is recognized for hosting Beacons of Hope, a memorial ceremony for those lost to AIDS.

The tour touches upon the waterfront parade route associated with the Love Parade and the Asia Pacific Out Games, before heading to Te Papa, which houses the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt.

The recording proceeds to Circa Theatre, which has hosted significant performances, including works about the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. The theatre's recent productions explore meaningful relationships like that between composer Douglas Lilburn and painter Rita Angus.

Various participants reflect on the experiences and legacies of LGBTQ+ individuals in the context of activism, visibility, and remembrance, like the devotion dance party and the influence of role models who fought for recognition and equal rights.

The audio tour provides insights into the history of Wellington's LGBTQ+ community through locations like BATS Theatre, the Taj Mahal Toilet, and Downstage Theatre, revealing struggles like police entrapment and the challenge of breaking stereotypes in art and theatre.

The journey concludes at the Michael Fowler Centre with reflections on Carmen Rupe’s life, representing courage and authenticity against adversity.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Roger Smith

2010s, aotearoa new zealand, walk tour, walking, wellington

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