Gay rights activists have done a considerable amount in bringing the issue of homosexuality to the attention of the New Zealand public. Organisations for lesbians and gay men have done much to dispel the myths about homosexuality. Demonstrations, pickets, public forums, radio talkbacks and TV current affairs programmes have all contributed to the campaign to secure recognition of the rights of homosexuals. Why is it then, that in 1981, solely on the basis of my being gay:

• my landlord can evict me from my flat
• my brother has more claim to my estate than my lover
• a hotellier can refuse me accommodation
• an employer can fire me
• the NZ government does not acknowledge my rights; in fact denies me any rights
• 1 can be denied a visa to enter the USA
• the police can kick my door down and arrest me for performing an "indecent act" in private
• I can't walk up the street holding my lover's hand without fear of being beaten up by some homophobic protector of patriarchal moral values