Dr Gertrude Glossip reports from the Wellington Outgames

Blaze columnist Dr Gertrude Glossip attended the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames. Here's her report:

The G-Spot: Beautiful Aotearoa
Written by Dr Gertrude Glossip | 07 April 2011

BEAUTIFUL AOTEAROA

Dear blaze readers, what a whirlwind March! We’ve returned from our Outgames/cycle-touring adventure in beautiful Aotearoa (Maori for New Zealand) with myriad happy memories. Will was struck by the rise of Maori language and culture since his last visit 25 years ago. We appreciated seeing the silver fern-on-black flag flying, a fitting national symbol.

March 12-19 was filled with Outgames activities which involved over 1400 participants from 23 countries. Unfortunately Will had to dash off before the conclusion of the impressive opening ceremony at stunning Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand), where both Governor General and Wellington Mayor spoke, to attend the final performance of Mates and Lovers. Ah, so much to do and too little time!

After Wild Sex on Sunday afternoon I was whirled off to Dancesport at the lovely Wellington Town Hall. Trying to be discreet, I made something of an entrance, which was commented on by the compere, out gay TV personality Tamati Coffey. On Monday and Tuesday Will zoomed about town by bicycle attending events including swimming, squash and tennis. He commented on the camaraderie and good sportspersonship pleasingly evident.

From Wednesday to Friday Will attended the Outgames Human Rights Conference. The impressive line up included ambassadors from the Netherlands and USA, MPs, academics and international activists. The Kingdom of the Netherlands was a principle sponsor, enabling Pacific Islander delegates to attend on scholarships. The ambassador spoke of his country’s commitment to human rights, now celebrating 10 years of equality in marriage.

There was a smorgasbord of concurrent sessions: the Yogyakarta Principles of 2006 (a set of international principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identities); wellness and queer health issues; homophobia in sport; spirituality; and being out at work and at school. Will was impressed by the confidence and positive sense of self with which queer youth spoke.

There was strong transgender, intersex and Fa’afafine representation. Of course discourse about labels arose: LGB, LGBT, LGBTI, Queer. Pacific Islanders commented that such labels don’t fit their culture. “We have 22 ways to say who we are,” said one speaker and suggested MVPFAFF could be added to LGBTIQ! I’m for Queer or Rainbow Family.

Dear readers, Will felt gay men’s drag was decidedly unrepresented – not a drag queen in sight! I should have made a manifestation and Will and I could have presented our ‘Sissyhood and Good Sportmanship’ paper together. There are always compensations however. I had the great pleasure, indeed exhilaration, of cycling from Wellington Zoo to the closing ceremony fully frocked!