27 August 2012
Let the party begin…
A wedding held on The Remarkables mountain range was one of many events making for a glittery start to the Southern
Hemisphere’s largest ‘Winter Pride’ event in Queenstown.
Australian Gay Ski Week visitors Sandra Gibney and Jo Christie ‘tied the knot’ in a civil service ceremony on Sunday
(August 26) after winning a radio competition in a DNA Gay Ski Week promotion leading up to the week-long event.
Ms Gibney said it was a “sensational” and “amazing” way for her and Jo to celebrate their hugely special day.
“We know it was all about having some fun, but everything about the day was so personal.
“We’ve had the rings in the safe at home waiting for the Australian Government to legalise gay marriage, but we’re still
waiting for that day to come.
“So when Mandy and Sally talked to us about this opportunity we couldn’t say ‘yes’ quick enough.”
Ms Gibney and Ms Christie, who own and run a café in O’Connell in New South Wales, lived in Queenstown between 2002 and
2005, and have been together for more than 11 years.
“Everyone’s been so supportive of our celebration, so we’ve now got a few phone calls to make to let the family know
we’ve taken the plunge.”
DNA Gay Ski Week event organisers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods said they were “privileged” to be Sandra and Jo’s witnesses
on the day.
Sally Whitewoods said it was a real coup to pull off this hugely significant event.
“It was wonderful to welcome our Australian friends to Queenstown and be able to organize their very special day, a
great start to our Gay Ski Week.”
DNA Gay Ski Week launched on Saturday night (August 25th) with over 200 guests enjoying celebrations at Ballarat Trading
Co. for the More FM Opening Party.
A sell-out Rocky Horror night at Dorothy Browns Cinema in Arrowtown on Sunday night set the scene for an epic week of
fun and activity for gay and lesbian visitors from New Zealand and around the world.
Sally Whitewoods described opening weekend as “incredible”, setting them up for the week ahead.
“We’ve had great feedback so far,” she said.
“We had such a mixed bag of events for opening weekend – the wedding was incredible and everyone made an amazing effort
with the outfits at Rocky Horror, and the Opening Party was a blast.
“Guests have said it was the best Rocky Horror interactive participation show they’ve been to. In fact, I think the men
look better in high heels and stockings than I do!
“I’d like to personally thank Dorothy Browns for letting us enjoy ourselves, creating special 'Dammit Janet' cocktails
and being the only cinema to let us take in water pistols and throw toast.”
Today’s (Monday) Wine Down Central Otago Winery Tour was a sell-out and the Wine Down Consumer Evening is being held tonight at
Queenstown Resort College.
Ms Whitewoods said the next ‘big party’ was the not-to-be-missed Broken Shed ‘Casino Royale’ Gala Evening at Skyline
where guests can ‘glam it up’ for the night, with entertainment from LA Social Club.
“We’ve still got some tickets available for that one, and everyone’s welcome to come along.”
The fabulous Miss Ribena will make an appearance at the free Karaoke night on Thursday August 30th at Skycity and people
are encouraged to make a date to catch up with old friends, and make some new ones at the Friday Frolics Party at Dux de
Lux.
DNA Gay Ski Week promises to wrap up the week in style with a ‘fluoro’ themed GAYDAR Mystery Dance Party at Queenstown’s
World Bar, featuring DJ Haylenise from Melbourne.
More details about the programme and events are available at www.gayskiweekqt.com.
DNA Gay Ski Week is proudly supported by DNA magazine, Broken Shed, SKYCITY Queenstown Casino, KIRRA Holidays, GAYDARgirls.com, Gaydar.com.au, LOTL, i-SITE Queenstown, curve, Winedown Central Otago, More FM Queenstown, BONZ, rainbow warehouse, Nautilus Wines, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Rata, puregaynz.com and Veuve Clicquot.
DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown
Saturday August 25 – Saturday 1 September 2012
Queenstown New Zealand
ENDS