Forty years ago being openly gay in rural Waikato was almost unheard of. But these days, it's a bit different.
On the streets of rural towns, people say society's perception of gay people is more open, but there is still some prejudice. But do people who aren't heterosexual say?
"I
think it is especially hard in the Waikato because we are that blokey rural sort of culture. That farming sports, sort of area," Waikato Queer Youth Senior mentor Logan Cotter says.
As a teenager, Shane Way found himself in a similar situation - growing up in Thames, struggling with his sexuality and fearing discrimination - it all led to depression.
"I was basically just ignoring the fact that I was depressed and just using drugs and alcohol to make myself feel better," Shane says. "Then one night I just cracked. I don't really remember what happened. I just woke up in hospital having to have stitches all over my body."
