The Labour Party appeared in force to celebrate the 11th Birthday of iconic Auckland gay bar, Family Bar and Club, including Labour Party Leader, Andrew Little.
Andrew Little, Jacinda Ardern, Louisa Wall, and Carmel Sepuloni were welcomed to the exclusive drag room above Family Bar’s main dance floor where Miss Ribena thanked them all for their support of the rainbow community. She commented that although other notable parties had also been invited to celebrate alongside the rainbow community on this occasion, Labour were the only party who chose to appear. However, Jan Logie of the Green Party did attend the following VIP function.
Andrew Little’s support of the GLBT community was solidified in 2015 when he attended and spoke at the LYC Big Gay Out receiving cheers and applause, unlike currently Prime Minister John Key who’s speech was largely booed by the audience of rainbow people. He was also one of the 77 MP’s who voted yes to the Definition of Marriage Amendment Bill which gave queer couples the right to marry in New Zealand. He was quick to address the Orlando Massacre ands unafraid to call the shooting a hate crime.
Of course, Little’s appearance at Family Bar and Club’s 11th birthday was about more than the venue’s celebration. He told express in conversation that he was very happy to be there in support of the GLBT community alongside his fellow Labour MP’s. Little is committed to the GLBT community and consolidated his place one of the most progressive candidates for Prime Minister and an ally to our community.
Alongside Little was GLBT superwoman Louisa Wall who introduced the bill which gave queer couples the right to legally marry in New Zealand. She is currently the MP for Manurewa and a staple at rainbow events throughout the country. Recently she was a guest of honour at Auckland Council’s event celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill.
Jacinda Ardern and Carmel Sepuloni are both strong supporters of GLBT rights in New Zealand and attended the event.
Image: Aatir Zaidi
