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Liggs and Nicola
Liggs Hoffman and Nicola Wood had a civil union ceremony  five years ago - but haven't opted to "upgrade" to marriage. ( RNZ/ Alex Ashton )

It's nearly two years since gay and lesbian couples were given the right to marry in New Zealand.

Since then, more than 1500 same-sex couples have tied the knot and the rate of civil unions has plummeted.  Worldwide, more countries are now following suit - including the United States and the United Kingdom.
 
But how has the Marriage Amendment Act changed the lives of gays and lesbians living in this country, and has it been the silver-bullet against homophobia that some thought it would be?

This Insight explores how same-sex marriage has changed what it is to be gay in New Zealand, and asks where to now for the queer rights movement.