John Key cheered and booed as TPPA protests disrupt Auckland's Big Gay Out

Sunday, 14 February 2016

More Big Gay Out selfies with the PM at the Big Gay Out.

John Key was booed and glitter-bombed during annual Big Gay Out appearance in Auckland.

Three protesters also closed in on him holding signs that said 'capitalism is climate change war and pollution'.

John Key meets the Big Gay Out crowd

One man was seen being detained by police and taken away in handcuffs. A witness said he was 'swearing and carrying on'.

He was then booed by protesters throughout delivery of a short speech on stage. The vocal protests against Key seemed focused on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement issues and were in marked contrast to the usually positive reception to the PM at the Big Gay Out in past years.

*Prime Minister John Key target of flying-dildo Waitangi protest**

Fashion personality Colin Mathura-Jeffery was one who welcomed Key's presence.

Protesters try to interrupt Prime Minister John Key's meeting and greeting the crowds at Big Gay Out.

He said the TPPA protesters boo-ing the Prime Minister during his speech on the Big Gay Out main stage was disappointing.

'There is a time and place for everything and this community has fought so long for recognition, so that when people and politicians such as him make the effort to turn up these events, it's a real shame to alienate them like that.'

John Key meets the community at the Big Gay Out.

Others, like Mathura-Jeffree, were cheering in support of Key, one yelling 'I love you babe' as he walked past.

A group threw pink glitter all over him and his entourage as he passed - though whether that was a gesture of goodwill or 'glitterbombing' is unclear.

Lively costumes were in vogue at the Big Gay Out.

'Glitterbombing' is a form of protest by some groups with a bevy of conservative politicians in the US the subject of glitter showers.

Thousands of Aucklanders - and some from further afield - turned out for the annual Big Gay Out festival on Sunday.

The Big Gay Out celebrates Auckland's LGBT lifestyle.

In its 17th year, the event at Coyle Park, Point Chevalier on Valentine's Day was more colourful than ever.

Drag Queens, in their choicest outfits, also made their way through the crowd, posing for photos and offering inspiration to the newly out of the closet.

Crowds at Auckland's Big Gay Out, a flagship event of the Auckland Pride Festival.

Prime Minister John Key poses for selfies at the Big Gay Out - though TPPA protesters were far less welcoming.

And the LGBTIQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual) community have special reason to celebrate - it's the 30th year anniversary of the 1986 Homosexual Reform Bill - legalising homosexuality in New Zealand.

Revellers among the crowd, enjoyed the good weather and colourful atmosphere.

'Wish you were here, it's just fun; family environment, laughs, no dramas, no hate, no discriminate. Come on down, there's heaps of food' one group said.

Other politicians, including the leaders of Labour and the Green Party, were also set to make their obligatory appearances.

Labour Party leader Andrew Little mentioned the latest Canterbury quake before making a political speech.

'Take a couple of moments to spare a thought for Christchurch.'

Buses to the event were bringing more from Karangahape Rd every 15 minutes at its height.