July is on its way out as I write this but I want to mention the prelude to July 11, 1986, when the law allowing homosexual acts between consenting males was passed, thanks to Fran Wilde MP and all those who marched and worked towards this resolution.
It was very grim stuff marching in Auckland, or indeed anywhere at this time. At least in Auckland we had friends and strangers who’d be with you whereas in smaller places there might be one or two or three standing on a corner holding up a placard. It is the courage of those people I have remembered over this July.
Imagine saying no I’m not going to give up my seat on this bus…imagine standing up and saying no I’m not going to fight because I don’t think killing or maiming other people is the right way to go…imagine standing up for the first time and saying to a bunch of male MPs, ‘Women have a right to vote’…imagine saying, ‘Not One More Acre’…
Its also true that though we can’t all be first, we can all be second. Or third. Or whatever number is needed. In fact sometimes victory is won simply because a second, third, or more, people stand up. Yes I know I’m a leftie but solidarity really is the name of the game.
So here’s a wave to all of us who have followed and to all of us who have stood up first.
Waving to the ones I followed in June/July 1986..waving to those who were the first to pay the living wage, to those who first said Me too. And to all those who speak up, who stand out and say no..
…and a huge high hand wave to all of us who follow…
