New Zealander Craig Hoyle
Part 1 of the Craig Hoyle Story
New Zealander Craig Hoyle is hilarious, intelligent, warm, loving … and gay. What is especially remarkable is that 20-year-old Craig Hoyle, like generations of his family, was brought up in the Exclusive Brethren Church – one of the most homophobic of modern-day cults.
As you read Craig’s story, you will begin to understand why his life became unbearable and why he decided he had no choice but to leave the Exclusive Brethren.
It is sad to add that Craig’s story is not unique – not by any means.
The special thing about Craig Hoyle is his courage.
We salute the man Craig Hoyle!
Notoriously isolationist and conservative, the Brethren started in the UK in the 1820s but it only arrived in Invercargill, NZ in December 1992. It now has around 160 members in NZ’s southern-most city.
The eldest in a family of seven children ranging down to nine years old, Craig until recently worked in his dad’s Invercargill tyre shop. His whole life, from his day to day work and leisure through to his lifetime prospects, were mapped out inflexibly, and enforced, by the church.
Perhaps it might have been a bearably conformist life if Craig wasn’t gay.
In his own words Craig, comfortable with being identified by his real name and background, tells his remarkable and inspirational story to GayNZ.com’s Matt Akersten.
I still love you even if your gay….Love D.R Smith
I have seen your family around and wondered where you went to.I used to work at that camera shop Photocentre. Thought you were married off and living somewhere else. Think you are incredibly brave Craig. You are what you are and have nothing to ashamed about being Gay. Invercargill is a small town and i’m sure you will bump into your family alot. Maybe in time they may accept you for what you are….. you are still there son and brother.