Linda
Linda grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand, and came out for the first time in the late eighties, although she still makes decisions about coming out almost everyday. At that time, gay relationships were still illegal and visibility was an invitation for abuse from strangers. She met her partner in 1994 and they spent time living in Wellington and Adelaide, before settling in London.
Linda joined her employer’s Ukulele Band in 2018, and is now the official Ukulele Monitor, responsible for the band’s instruments. Outside of work she loves to spend time with her partner in their self-converted campervan Beryl, and is currently training for her black belt in traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate.
What does your identity mean to you?
I am me. Being a lesbian is one aspect of my life and, while it means my long term relationship is with another woman, it doesn’t even begin to define who I am. I am a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, step mother and friend. Coming out in the late 80’s, fighting for legal recognition and the right to marry in New Zealand has been part of a journey which happened alongside all the other aspects of my life. All that I have done and experienced has made me unique. Only I can be me – I am a woman, lesbian and …