Gay Community Development in New Zealand in the 1970s and Implications for the Health of Gay Māori Men in the 1990s

Clive Aspin

Travel and migration have been identified as significant contributing factors by research  into some of the social problems posed by the AIDS epidemic, and there is evidence to suggest this is the case for New Zealand Māori.

In recent years there has been a consistent pattern of travel between New Zealand and Australia, which has led to a large number of Māori (especially gay ones) taking up long-term residence in Australia. There are now indications that this trans-Tasman migration may be a significant factor in the rates of HIV infection among gay Māori men.

This paper looks at some of the historical accounts of Māori sexuality, particularly  how transsexuality was viewed by writers in the 1970s. The views expressed reflect the prejudice gay Māori men have been subjected to, and that drove many to emigrate. Nevertheless, there are signs that gay Māori men have played a key role in the gay community development that preceded AIDS and that has been fundamental to the fight to stop the epidemic.

The paper concludes by outlining initiatives that have been taken by gay Māori men to work towards fairer and more just outcomes, and that deserve institutional support.