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Hero image for The People Next Door

The People Next Door

Television (Full Length) – 1994

Melanie Rodriga's The People Next Door was Aotearoa’s first prime time documentary about queer Kiwis and their lives and loves (pioneering 1980s series Expressions of Sexuality, which was sidelined to a late night slot, mixed queer and straight interviews across each episode). Eight gay and lesbian New Zealanders (including The Topp Twins) recall coming out to friends and family. For Francis Mouldey acknowledging his sexuality meant a painful tussle with social convention and religion, while Rangitunoa Black faced hostility from her whānau before finding peace with her partner.

 

Look at the way Jools' hair comes over like that — that's a "lesbian lick".
– Lynda and Jools Topp comment on a favourite childhood photo

Produced by

Triangle Television

Acknowledgements

Made with funding from NZ On Air   


 

Music

'The Message is Love' composed by Arthur Baker and Richard Scher, performed by the Gay and Lesbian Choir with lead vocals by Zan Wright

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