Gay Liberation Taranaki – Special Notice to Members (c. 1975)

Organisation: Gay Liberation Taranaki

Likely Date: 1975 (pre–1976 restructure period)

Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

This is a “Special Notice to All Members” from Gay Liberation Taranaki, circulated in the mid-1970s. It reflects a moment of strategic reflection and tension within the group about:

• The future structure of the organisation

• Possible restructuring along the lines of Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE)

• Debate about whether the group should change its name
  

Key themes & insights

• 🔁 Organisational restructure being considered Members are asked to read material from Campaign for Homosexual Equality (Christchurch) as a guide for possibly reforming the Taranaki group’s structure.

• 🧭 Concern about the future of the movement in TaranakiThe notice frames this as critical to the “future and continued growth of the movement in Taranaki.”

• 🏷️ Debate about changing the group’s nameThere is clear resistance expressed to changing the name “Gay Liberation Taranaki,” noting that:

  • The name had gained acceptance in the community

  • There had already been struggles getting newspapers to accept advertisements

  • A name change could mean renewed barriers and public pushback

• 🗣️ Strong call for member participationThe tone emphasises that members must engage seriously in this debate and attend the next meeting.

• ✍️ Signed by: Les, Secretary/Treasurer