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.