I am getting very encouraged about how accepting our city is becoming of gay people. We are supposed to be the most conservative city in the country but we dont seem to act like it.
For a start we have a Pride Festival.
Second, we have a gay bar, a gay club and a gay sauna.
Third, we have an openly gay MP representing the city
and now we might be getting an openly gay city councillor!
His name is Tony Milne. He's a young guy who spoke at the Pride Festival this week. He seems very progressive and forward thinking. Of course he's not been elected yet but it will be a real bonus for the community as well as the wider community in general. He is representing The Labour Party and did stand at the last General Election in the Rakaia seat. His attempt in that safe National Party seat was unsuccessful. If there are any blog readers from Christchurch then you might want to check him out. The city would benefit from his fresh eyes and clean approach. Because of his young age it will add value to the city council which is already governed by older sorts.
By the way, did you know that in our 121 seat parliament based in Wellington we have from my memory at least 3 openly gay MP's and 1 transgender MP. Pretty diverse for a small country eh?