Glitter bombs, joy and politics: The history of Auckland's Big Gay Out

Melanie Earley Reporter from Central Leader

Kia ora neighbours, twenty-two years ago a couple of hundred members of Auckland’s rainbow community gathered in Point Chevalier’s Coyle Park for a family-friendly picnic.

At the first-ever Big Gay Out, a small stage was set up for performances from local bands and drag queens, and while the smell of a sausage sizzle wafted through the air attendees played games like “toss the handbag” and tug of war, along with running races in stilettos.

Kevin Dunseath, better known by his drag persona The Outrageous Miss Ribena, was emceeing that event and said he had “no idea” so many years later it would be going strong and attracting crowds in the thousands.

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