January 23, 2007
NZAF and Marquis Condoms present: The Seventh Annual “Big Gay Out”

The seventh annual Big Gay Out, Auckland’s fair day for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, takataapui and transgender communities, will hit Coyle Park in Point Chevalier on Sunday February 11, from noon till 7pm.

The schedule is full to bursting with a wide range of local entertainment, expanded activities for the kids, visiting dignitaries, and the launch of a new Safe Sex Text service.

“People attending Big Gay Out this year can expect a bigger, more diverse event than last year,” says organiser Larry Jenkins of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. “We've expanded on several fronts, giving people more to do, more to see, more fun basically!”

Big Gay Out is organised and sponsored by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Marquis Condoms as a vehicle for raising HIV awareness, encouraging safe sex behaviour and building strong communities. A total of 13,000 visitors attended last year’s event.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, Opposition Leader John Key, and Mayor of Auckland Dick Hubbard are among those on this year’s guest list, alongside other MPs from both major political parties.
The entertainment line-up promises something for everyone, with everything from drag stars to pop stars on the menu. Big Gay Out veteran Mahinarangi Tocker will appear alongside performers from Queen of the Whole Universe and local chart-toppers Boyband, who are reforming especially for the Big Gay Out.

“It’s a chance to say thank you to our gay audience who supported us during our whirlwind 6-week journey to number 1 last year,” says Robert Arnold, aka Gay Boy.

Most importantly, the safe sex message will be given high priority at the Big Gay Out with the Gay Men’s Health “Basic Training” Tent, which will see the launch of a new initiative, Safe Sex Text.

“We believe this to be a first for Australasia,” says Gay Men’s Health Team Co-ordinator Douglas Jenkin. “It’s an interactive service where gay and bisexual men anywhere in New Zealand can text in sexual health questions and get a personalised response from our health promoters.”

Visitors to the “Basic Training” tent will be able to get a souvenir photo taken of their day at the Big Gay Out, and thanks to a partnership with Orcon Internet, get a copy on disc to take away with them. Those looking to glam up can head over to the “Safe Sex Beauties” tent for a free makeover courtesy of the Cut Above Academy.

The Big Gay Out is firmly established as a major event on both the Auckland and GLBT community calendar. “It’s one day in the year that we can truly celebrate the full diversity of our communities,” says Larry Jenkins. “I’m pleased to say that this year’s Big Gay Out looks set to, yet again, be a fabulous day for all.”

ENDS