A new Auckland LGBT community awards night planned for mid-2009 aims to reward people and groups who have made an outstanding contribution in the past year, says the organiser, K' Road drag personality Miss K.
"Since there has been no HERO Parade or Golden Stiletto Awards [both ended in the early years of the 2000's], there has been a hunger for colour, vibrancy and uniqueness here in the City of Sails," Miss K explains.
"Even during the Golden Stiletto Awards for us drag queens, I was often asked why not do a community based awards that embraces such areas as Drag Kings, Best Show at a Party, Best Straight Female and Male Supporter, Best DJ, Best Costume designer, Best Drag Cabaret, Best Volunteers… to name but a few.
"After much thought, pills to ease the arthritic pain and permission from the rest home," she laughs, "I have decided Auckland needs some fun and fabulosity associated with publicly acknowledging our own community members."
Miss K believes Auckland's LGBT community become quite fragmented over the last few years, so hopes the new awards evening will help reunite diverse groups of people. "With the change of government there is a possibility that some LGBT issues may be placed on the back burner so we need toensure that our voice is still heard," she also warns.
The first Auckland Gay Community Awards night is planned for Sunday 31 May – Queen's Birthday Weekend – at a yet-to-be confirmed venue. Proceeds from the event will go towards a charity still to be announced.
"You'll see hair as high as the Sky Tower, frocks as large as the Domain and eyelashes that create cyclones when fluttered – and that's just the drag," she giggles. "You will see women in suits and pretty frocks – some people may even wear onion sacks. Who cares what they wear – Yeah Right – so order limos, the red carpet will be laid and come along."
