Gay Liberation Taranaki Newsletter – August 1976
Organisation: Gay Liberation Taranaki
Date: 20 August 1976
Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand
This is Newsletter No. 2.1 from Gay Liberation Taranaki, dated 20 August 1976. It captures a moment of growth and optimism within the local queer movement, with the group reporting its largest-ever meeting turnout and renewed energy around organising.
Key details captured in this newsletter
📈 Largest turnout recorded:The newsletter notes the group’s biggest ever meeting, showing increasing confidence and visibility in 1976.
🤝 Desire to organise openly as gay: Strong language about “getting on with the job of being gay” reflects the political and personal courage required at the time.
🧠 Support services emerging: Plans for social events and counselling services point to early community care and wellbeing initiatives.
🗳️ Decision not to hold a 1976 conference:The group chose not to run a conference that year, with notices sent to affiliated organisations — showing strategic decision-making and national links.
🛠️ Committees formed: Small committees were set up to organise social functions, reflecting increasing structure and sustainability.
📍 Meeting location: The next meeting was to be held at Les’s place, New Plymouth — a reminder of how personal homes often functioned as safe community spaces.
✍️ Signed by: Brian, Editor.
