New Zealand History Charles Mackay: The fall and rise of New Zealand's first 'homosexual'
Oct 16, 2012
Join historian Paul Diamond as he dives deep into the fascinating and tragic life of Charles Mackay, New Zealand's first openly homosexual mayor. Discover how Mackay's journey spiraled from a 1920 shooting driven by blackmail to his shocking death in Berlin during political riots in 1929. Paul uncovers the societal fears of homosexuality at the time, the psychological treatments Mackay endured, and the political pressures he faced. This compelling narrative reveals the hidden chapters of New Zealand's history and the complexities of identity and scandal.
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Shooting As A Labelling Event
- The 1920 Whanganui shooting exposed a hidden homosexual identity into public discourse in New Zealand.
- Paul Diamond argues this case is the country's labelling event that introduced the modern 'homosexual' concept.
The Office Shooting Account
- Walter D'Arcy Cresswell claimed he lured and blackmailed Mayor Charles Mackey, then was shot in Mackey's office.
- Cresswell later said Mackey put the gun in his hand after firing and tried to stage a suicide.
Medicalizing Devotion And Crime
- Mackey's defence framed his actions as driven by "homosexual monomania" and medical treatment attempts.
- Court materials used then-current medical language like neurasthenia and metaphysician to explain relapse and treatment.
