This page features computer generated text of the source audio. It may contain errors or omissions, so always listen back to the original media to confirm content. You can search the text using Ctrl-F, and you can also play the audio by clicking on a desired timestamp.
So we're at the store, which stands for Intersex Trust a New Zealand, and we're at the Michael Fowler Centre for Out in the City. And this is the first time it's been in the Michael Fowler Centre. What? What is the The vibe, the the atmosphere Like, uh, I only moved back to Wellington a year ago, but my first week here was out in the park and out in the city has an amazing celebratory feeling because it's all contained. And you can really see the volume of people coming in [00:00:30] the was was amazing. It was It was a very, very full Yeah, we could see it coming across the waterfront from up here at the Harbour View lounge. And we got some great photos and great video of our intersex crew at the Crossing and money. Were you actually in the, um, no. I was up here on high view of te ara admiring and just so proud, Tearful, like, this is a historic day for I [00:01:00] the sex rights activism. And this is the first time that we've had a a collective group march here in Wellington ever. I'm proud. I'm deeply moved. Um, yeah, a huge range of emotions very, very difficult to say, but yeah, this is a historic day, Very important day. Um, as you can see, you know, we have our colours of yellow and purple. So this was developed [00:01:30] by a colleague in Australia, and this image has gone all around the world. So, you know, to have the purple and yellow and the pride march this morning was just extraordinary. So we've got an interesting dynamic with intersex human rights because sometimes on the ground, there's not that many of us that are out. And last year, man and I were here and, um, I did the I run off and I. I felt a bit lonely, to be honest, because I I had a big, beautiful flag but didn't have the posse. [00:02:00] So this year I did a shout out and I got a big bunch of, um, replies and there was 10 of us in total wearing these our new t-shirts, which are great. Um, and we made a bunch of signs and there was that, like, collective mass and joy and active L A which felt so joyful and amazing. Um, and it's a reminder I think that when we're so deep in this, sometimes we forget to look up and ask for help. Um, so that was a really beautiful experience of today. And [00:02:30] so is this the first time that the insect trust has, um, marched in either a or B? Um, actually, money probably knows more about this, but there's an amazing global history of intersex, um, engagement in different pride marches. Um, and I know that money was part of a really amazing Mardi Gras in Sydney. That was the first time the flag that had ever been So that was Mardi Gras five years ago. Maybe so that actual literal flag was the first intersex flag made. And we [00:03:00] carried it in that much. Yeah, so that's an amazing treasure for us to hold. And yeah, it's interesting when you think five years, there isn't a very long history. Um, and obviously there's been intersex, um, activists and advocates for much, much longer than that. Um, but our relationship of of being out but also fitting into the beautiful conglomerate that is the rainbow, um, is, you know, sometimes it's a journey, and not everyone who's intersex, um, relates [00:03:30] to being um, and and the rainbow community. Um, so, yeah, it's It's very important for us and that collective solidarity to be part of this movement and really great to be in the Pride parade today. And money's just put some signs out the front of the, um, the table. And I love this fuck normal sign that just says it, doesn't it? It does. Um, it's a bit controversial. Um, we got some t-shirts made, but only a few. And we were talking about the difference between, you know, protest [00:04:00] and and how we we are angry and we've got we've got something to say and there's passion in that's really motivating and great. And then there's also, um, I think the more like, family friendly one, which are like, intersex bodies, are beautiful and, you know, fix your hearts, not our parts. Um, So talking about consent we're talking about, um, you know, surgeries only, um, when people are able to articulate their consent for that and informed consent, talking about [00:04:30] engagement with under six people, um, so moving away from a medical model and into a social model that actually celebrates and, um lifts up bodily diversity as a natural variation. Yeah, and that's such a balancing act, isn't it Between, um, one being angry at some times, but then also pulling back at other times and advocating and doing activism in different ways? Yeah. Yeah. And sometimes we do forget [00:05:00] to and, um, I think that a lot of our natural states, um, are a lot more like we use humour when we get together. You know, we we love doing, um, playful creative communication. We talk about being into sexy as, like, you know, our power. You know, we're empowered, but we're also, um we're being playful and fun with it. And, you know, there's there's lots of stories like ancient stories of, um, you know, indigenous celebration of under six [00:05:30] bodies. And they were held very much in a place of esteem within society. So we're we're trying to reclaim that space. Um, and and, you know, we don't want to be talking about, um, Grim, you know, uh, medical interventions all the time. So it's really lovely when we can just get together and, um, and bring some of that fun into it. Yeah. So my name is Stephen. I'm the Children's and youth services coordinator for Wellington City libraries. And, um, the library has a store [00:06:00] here today just to promote our LGBT Q I plus collections and online resources give out badges, give out free books and just generally have some fun. It's very sparkly. It is very sparkly. We love cycles. Take take me through some of the badges. All right. Well, um, we have a whole range of really interesting LGBT Q I plus authors, um, on the badges many people enjoy collecting these, um, myself included. So we've got Christopher Isherwood. We've got Sao, we've got Michelle Foucault. We've got Catherine Mansfield. [00:06:30] We've got all kinds of interesting people in here. Um, we've also got, of course, the classic library pride badges with the library logo and various pride flags, intersex flag, bisexual flag, the progress flag, all kinds of cool stuff. So it must have actually taken quite a long time to to organise these badges. Yeah, but thankfully, it wasn't me who did it. It was Mary sitting behind us. Yes, And others. How did you go about selecting the people on the badges? [00:07:00] Uh, I didn't do the selecting. I believe Fiona did in previous years. And then some of my other colleagues at the library sort of spearheaded that and were looking for authors they knew were queer and had free images that we could download and put on badges. What are the most favourite badges that have been picked up? I think a lot of people have gone for the individual pride flags or the progress, Um, pride [00:07:30] badges so far, Um, I know that some people have been very keen on CFO. I know that I am. I always push the CFO. Badge whenever I whenever I see anybody. Yeah. And so what else is on the on the store? Well, um, we have some some sort of free giveaways. We've got plenty of free books to give away. Um, from our, uh, withdrawn collections. Um, we have various bits of information about our online services. So we we offer, um, a lot [00:08:00] of free services online. Anyone who's a member of the library from free movie and TV streaming through to eBooks and magazines, all kinds of stuff. And we explicitly collect, um, a lot of LGBT Q I plus material for our for our patrons. And we love to talk to them about it. So that's why we're here. It must have been quite a tricky year for you last year, with covid lockdowns and a lot of stuff going online. And, of course, the main Wellington Public Library closing. Um, how's that going? Yeah, [00:08:30] um, it certainly was a challenging year, Um, for a variety of reasons. But actually, um, in many ways, it offered us a whole bunch of opportunities, um, enabled us to really expand our sort of online presence. Um, sort of try some new things, reach out to new people, and, um, I think that as a general rule, we've actually come out of it really strong. A lot of people, um, I think really appreciated all kinds of stuff we did during lockdown. Um, you know, our events for families and live streaming and all that kind of stuff, So, yeah, it's been challenging, but we're rising like Phoenix from the ashes, I'd say. And [00:09:00] and why is it important, uh, for the library to be here today? Well, we just, um we we we do think it's really important to promote the libraries as some safe spaces for, um, LGBT people, particularly for LGBT Q I plus youth. And, um, we want it to be more widely known that, um you know, we actively support the community. We actively collect material that is relevant to to the community. And, um, we just want to make that known as wide as possible. Yeah. So this is gender minorities [00:09:30] out here. Oh, we are a charity run by trans and queer people for trans people. We do a lot of programmes specifically with youth and just like a lot of general sort of stuff, you know, we have, like, a we have, like, binder programmes and some coun and some directions to counselling and all this kind of thing. And yeah, we just we just run it much like you get Vinny or Salvation Army type of thing. All our all our cash goes straight to the actual charity. Can you describe, um, the store today? Yeah. It's just all second [00:10:00] hand stuff from the community. A lot of people just hand over their stuff. I've handed us stuff over before, cos you know, I lost 30 klos So some of my older clothes don't fit me as you can imagine. So yeah, we just it is very much like, you know, Saint Vincent de Paul's or something like that. Yeah, Yeah. And yeah, we have, like, T-shirts like fresh t-shirts for 20 bucks and then all the other stuff is five so real cheap. So can you describe some of the other things that are on the store today? So I believe this other stuff is just other stuff to do. [00:10:30] Like, I believe that's part of the binder programme, if you know, like how binders and all that kind of thing works. Yeah, So we've got a binder programme and then we've got, like, coffee mugs, other merchandise, and yeah, I think those two are just informational. Whereas I'm like doing the selling. I work for E Wellington Youth Service, which is a health and well being service for young people. Um, part of our role and cap you support and also [00:11:00] the emerging support service for young people in is to promote measles immunisation for young people between the ages of 15 and 30. We found that a lot of these young people have not had measles is susceptible to the disease, and that's led to outbreaks which is really so unnecessary as It's a preventable disease. It's an excellent vaccine. It's been used for years, very few side effects, and [00:11:30] we just want young people to get out there and get it. It's far more contagious than Covid COVID-19 we're all afraid of. But measles is actually a bigger threat in our community. And in fact, in 2019, New Zealand exported a nice batch of measles to Samoa and that killed a number of people. So we're really keen to get this out here. So did something happen, say, 15 years ago that stopped people getting immunised? Um, there are a few things. There was [00:12:00] a piece of really poor research by an individual that has since been discredited up, down and sideways. Um, it linked autism to measles, mumps and rubella immunisation, which has been proven to be absolutely false. But it scared a lot of people, and I can certainly understand that, you know, as a parent, you take your child in and you want them to have the safest thing possible. The other thing is, is the record keeping in New Zealand was really [00:12:30] poor, and we don't have good records for young people of their immunisation so kids might not know if they've missed it. So it's super important. Young people started having their immunizations put on the national immunisation Registry in 2005, so we can identify those young people. But this whole cohort between 15 and 30 just may not know. So it's so important that we get this out there, you mentioned covid. And, um, it [00:13:00] was, you know, it's obviously been a huge thing in the last year. How has covid affected evolved services? Um, well, certainly at Evolve and at KYS, um, we actually went into lockdown with everyone else, but we continued seeing our clients. We went to some different ways of visiting with their clients. We were on zoom with some consultations, but we did, um, full P PE and did swabbing for people people as they need to continue [00:13:30] with their contraception and, um, well, person care. So and at KYS, we have a huge car park. So we saw so many people in our car park and our P PE and did all the swabbing. And often we could do scripts on, um with a phone consultation or a zoom consultation. So very similar to evolve, so evolve and cover to you. Support. What kind of age group are you working with? We start at 10 until, um, young people turn 25. Are you the same? We are the same [00:14:00] at Evolve. Yes. Um, but our immunisation service for the measles, mumps and rubella programme extends to 30. Yeah. So how do you think young people coped with the that first major lockdown? I think there was a lot of anxiety. Um, really, A lot of young people, um, or almost like in some ways, for people that suffered anxiety. The lockdown was good because they were home in a secure environment. And it was after lockdown that we saw more anxiety [00:14:30] to have to go back out into the world. So that was quite a huge thing for us. I think. The other thing For a lot of young people, there was uncertainty around their jobs and their education. You know, so many of the young people that we see are in frankly, poorly paid minimum wage or those sort of shut down. And and they just number one. They didn't know when they were going to have work, or, um, if they were going to have work and what the future was. And also for those who are in [00:15:00] education, that was a real challenge as well. And why is it important to be here today? It's really important for us because we know there's a huge group of young people that missed out on having their measles months and rubella immunisation, and we know it's eight times more contagious than Covid. So we really need to get that message out. We don't want another big epidemic like we had in 2019, so we're really trying to do the around this and get young people. It's such an easy vaccine. It's so [00:15:30] safe, and we're happy to do clinics evolve or ks any time. We're also going to be out in the community doing pop up clinics. Wellington City libraries has been amazing, and they're going to allow us to hold clinics in some of their branch libraries. Johnsonville Kilburn Um, and we're hoping some of the downtown libraries as well um, we're hoping that we'll be doing some of those during the school holidays, Um, and also on some weekends [00:16:00] as well. And you know where people are? We're happy to go, and that's a totally free vaccine. The only thing is you do have to, like, chat away to us for about 20 minutes afterwards. That's the only catch, sometimes for people. So just plan it a little bit. So we are in having as I was saying, We are basically reach out to the members of the community that are refugees, asylum seekers or immigrants. We try to help them out with the resettlement process as well, to show [00:16:30] them that there is a space for them to come to us if they need anything from legal assistance or counselling or whatever we can help them out with, Um, at this stage, we're trying to reach out to the members. We're trying to get to know their problems, their issues, so that we can have a better assessment of what they need so that we can sort out what we can give them. So where did Rainbow haven come from? How did it start? Oh, we start from we are part of [00:17:00] the community of the community. We are also we are refugees and we are part of the rainbow community and we find an A really big uh, gap in the in the process? Yes. In the resettlement process. Just we born, uh, the last year here in Wellington. And we are planning also to stay in other parts of New Zealand, too. Yeah. What are the main issues facing refugees or immigrants coming to New Zealand today? Uh, there are [00:17:30] and a lack of information about us. There are no many assistance focus in our community. And I think this is this is really one big issue, because we are, We have, uh we recognise that there are many, uh, you know, problems, health problems. And there are also community problems. You, you know, for contact with the community to be to feel, uh, integrate with the New Zealand community. And I think this is this is the fierce [00:18:00] issues that we we have to need to solve it. Yeah, so so are there many, um, rainbow refugees coming to New Zealand? Yeah, that are especially based here in Wellington. And we also looking for maybe find other places that also, uh, have, uh, refugees, Uh, and also migrants that are around New Zealand to many. And we are trying to represent also the migrants, [00:18:30] so people are actually coming to New Zealand as refugees because of persecution because of their sexuality agenda. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. There are many reasons about why New Zealand has this programme with the refugees, especially some people come just for not for not be accepted in this country. But there are also violence reasons. But there are also family [00:19:00] reasons that have problems, you know, into the families. And we are so proud to be part of New Zealand because New Zealand accept many have really tolerance policies with all of rainbow communities. I'm not aware of the exact number, but definitely there are a lot of people that come from not only South America, like we all come from, but other countries around the globe that they are. They [00:19:30] don't accept much their conditions, their gender identification and they have to seek asylum in other countries and they arrive to New Zealand for the resettlement process. Um, so yes, definitely there are several people that for our community that come with those problems, and here we are to give them a space for them to grow and thrive in A and New Zealand. As he was saying, how does it feel today personally, to to be in such a large kind of rainbow gathering? Oh, it feels amazing. [00:20:00] It feels amazing. We both the three of us, We come from South America. I personally come from Argentina, where the rainbow community is massive. There's so many, uh, sim, similar events. And ever since I got out from Argentina, I haven't been able to find that. And in Wellington, this is definitely a massive representation of all the different colours, shapes and people from all walks of life. And to me personally, that means the world because we are not home, [00:20:30] we're in somewhere in another country. But all these events and all these activities and all these organisations, they kind of make it feel more like home. So we're not We don't feel so alone within our own community. I'm Tiana. I'm a general lawyer at community law. Um, where community law is here to promote our services and and let people know that they would be welcome and, uh, would love to see them at one of our dropping sessions. So we have, um, dropping sessions for [00:21:00] free legal advice at both, um, our, uh, Dickson Street office and lower office as well. And then there's a few outreach clinics, including one, in conjunction with gender minorities. And yeah, so we're we're able to give legal advice about, um, there's a chapter in our book about gender and sexuality and kind of things about changing your name or any sort of legal issues you encounter with, um, with with the Global pandemic still happening and we're a year [00:21:30] into it now has has the have the questions that people have been coming to Have they changed in terms of what advice they they're seeking? Uh, so I'm personally pretty new to community law. But what I've heard is that, uh, we've definitely had an increase in employment cases, obviously, with with all the covid stuff, um, and we've been able to offer a service, a remote service for people who aren't able to come into the office if they're self isolating or immunocompromised or for whatever reason, they are unable [00:22:00] to access our services. They can go online and fill out a sheet to access that remotely. So that's probably the biggest change since covid. And it's wonderful today. I'm just thinking of covid. I mean This is probably one of the only places in the world where we can have thousands of people gathering without masks or social distancing. Yeah, absolutely. We're really lucky. It's a really special event. Yeah. Can you describe the atmosphere from today? Um, it's all pretty bubbly. Everyone's really happy. And, uh, I think I'm just really happy to be here. [00:22:30] Is this the first, uh, out in the park, out in the square, out in the city? You You've been to, uh yeah, I'm pretty fresh to Wellington, but, um, obviously being part of proud events in Auckland as well. Um, but yeah, this is the first time I've been with community law at this event, so I'm really proud to be here. Hi, I'm Angeli Toomey. I'm chair of Rainbow Wellington. And this is my colleague. I'm Mike Fairhurst. I'm the membership secretary of Rainbow Wellington. And our organisation provides social events and networking [00:23:00] for rainbow community members as well as campaigning on issues that are important to us. So what are the important issues for rainbow Wellington? Uh, so I'm particularly interested in the banning conversion therapy issue, uh, and reducing the stand down time for men to donate, um, blood. Yeah. Um, and other things that we're looking at supporting this year are changes to Human Rights Act to improve rights protections for trans people as well as, uh, changes [00:23:30] to adoption and surrogacy law. Um, there there's actually a plethora of things that are happening over the next couple of years from that sort of political angle. So we're really keen to make sure that rainbow voices are heard and represented and that, you know, our needs are met through, um, law change. So why is it important for the community to have groups like Rainbow Wellington? Um, I guess that because we are from the community, for the community and about the community, we can create [00:24:00] platforms for voices to be heard. Um, and we don't necessarily have, um, the manner to speak on all of the issues. But I think we can contribute together, um, and amplify each other's voices because if we don't represent ourselves, No-one is going to do that for us. Um, we need to, you know, build allies and build champions and wider community. But really, we have to tell our stories and platform our stories, and I guess that's what groups like Rainbow, Wellington and Inside Out and GMA and [00:24:30] all of the other really awesome groups in our community. You know, we're all kind of in this together working together. Can you describe your membership in terms of, like, demographics age and and and where they're from? Um so classically, we've had an older membership. Um, that had a lot to do with the, uh, homosexual law reform in the past. Um, and that's our kind of solid base. Um, but we're slowly moving into the younger and more diverse audience. [00:25:00] Yeah, and what are the benefits from somebody joining room? Wellington? Um, you get to come to all of our social events and networking activities. Um, we reach out to members for their views and opinions, and we use that to create strategy for our campaigns. Um, we do some member only activities as well and member discounts, and I think in addition to all of those things, it's about really connecting with the community and providing providing a collective voice [00:25:30] and being part of that wave and and volume of of storytelling and and raising our voices. So it's sort of being part of something that's bigger than just yourself and contributing to, like, a movement for change. Uh, and the money from our memberships, uh, goes directly back into our grant scheme as well, which help pay for things like the youth ball and this amazing event here in the centre. So did you go to the youth ball? I did, and I'm a bit old, but, uh, I saw it on instagram and it looked amazing [00:26:00] and I was very jealous. I I'm thinking we need to have a post youth ball for those of us who are outside of the youth demographic these days. So my name's Morgan. I work for Problem Gambling Foundation. I'm a health promoter. We have a service called PGF Map Maya and Asian Family Services. So MauA works for like, uh, Pacifica and Asian Family Services works with the Asian communities. We have free counselling on all the services. We also do community stores like this. [00:26:30] Um, we have free pins, free pop sockets and things like that. So why is it important to be here today? Well, the crossover from addictions with alcohol and drugs with the rainbow community is very clear. Um, but there is very little research when it comes to gambling with the rainbow community. So I made a decision that actually this is probably a community that needs that support. So having stores like this is important to have those first sight having those conversations. No one's talking about it the moment, and I think it's really important that we need to be [00:27:00] talking about this. You say that the connections are very clear for, say, alcohol and smoking. Can you just unpack that a wee bit for me? Yes. So we already know that our queer community has issue with drugs and alcohol, and all the bars that we have that are for us have poker machines in them. So the of it's easy to assume that we're going to be gambling if we're also drinking and doing drugs. So but again, there's no research. There's no support being put into this money to actually ask us these questions and [00:27:30] ask, Um, service services aren't asking if these queer communities are having these issues. So do you offer specific, uh, rainbow programmes? Not at the moment. So I am only here because I'm part of the rainbow community, so I've kind of made that leap and just with our organisations support said, Hey, yes, you can attend this. Um, I can work with the rainbow community because I've worked with the rainbow community before, but we don't specialise in rainbow support. Yeah, yet. And what What has the reaction been by? From from people [00:28:00] coming past? They're actually been pretty amazing. A lot of them are like, This is amazing work. You should be doing this more. Wow. I didn't even know you guys existed. Um, so that's been really good to hear. Um, we have had a lot of people say yes, I do know someone who's gambled. Yes, I was a gambler. Um, and again, a lot of them were poki gamblers, which is the harm that we are most fixated on at PGF. So, Yeah, I'm thinking there are thousands of people here today. Can you describe what the atmosphere is like? It is a lot. Um, it's very good. I've seen a lot of kids, which I really love. Um, there's [00:28:30] a lot of young people, which again I love. Um, it's just yeah, supportive people asking lots of questions, wearing what they want to see dressing as they want. Um, yeah, it's very hectic, but good. Yeah. So I'm part of the cross agency network, otherwise known as Carn, and we're basically trying to make government a more inclusive and better place to work for our rainbow and for those that use government services. So we're volunteer members from across [00:29:00] all the public service sector government departments, and we come together once a month and have meetings where we share resources and information and try to progress the voice and visibility of our rainbow in the government sector. Can you give me an example of some of the agencies that are involved? Well, right here today we have at this table a O, which is corrections. The Ministry of Health in Stats New Zealand MB is [00:29:30] also here in the department of but so it's basically all the different public service sector agencies are involved. What are the origins of the network? So we started in 2017 and just a band of us who were in our own agencies and started our own internal Rainbow networks decided that it would be really good to share information and help other rainbow networks get started in another agencies. So it was a very sort of organic, natural start. And now we've grown [00:30:00] to have quite a few members. And we just actually held a conference in the Parliament buildings over the last two days, which we had representations from the seas across the government sector, as well as our MPs and members of our community for two days of a. Can you tell me some of the achievements that the network has been involved in? Um, well, I would say holding two conferences. So our first one in 2018 and one, as I said, that's just happened. We're also being [00:30:30] involved in pride events. Uh, part of our network has developed the pamphlet and and some documentation on including pronouns and our and We Linked in With The, which is the Public Service Sector Department. On that, we've also done some work around transgender policy, so transitioning at work. And so those are some of the documents that we share and work on, and different agencies have developed. What are some of the biggest issues [00:31:00] facing rainbow communities at the moment? That's a big question, and I think it's difficult for one voice to answer that because as we are so many different communities, we have so many different needs and areas of concern. But I would say some of the biggest ones are our safety. Still, that's still an issue for us. There's still a lot of homophobia transphobia, biphobia, just general queer phobia out there and how [00:31:30] we combat that to actually be able to just be our authentic Selves without feeling that we're going to be discriminated against, whether that's as small as a micro aggression or outward violence, and that happens in the streets, it still unfortunately happens in the workplace, in the homes in our schools, so that one of the biggest ones, I would say that I'm really working towards, but something that just came up even at our conference yesterday as we had a panel on aged care and elderly, and what came up there [00:32:00] was, How are we looking after our elderly rainbow? They're being pushed back in the closet, you know, staff that are working in the aged care homes really aren't trained to be, you know, aware of some of the nuances and some of the care, and so a number of them are being pushed back in the closet and are unable to be their authentic Selves after years of living that way openly. So that's going to be another big task for car. We're going to look at how we can actually progress that through the training [00:32:30] of staff that are working in aged care facilities, but also through departments like MB, which is responsible for that area. And just finally, can you describe the feeling that there is today here? Oh, it's a wonderful vibe. I started by joining with the that Marched over Here and you know, Wellington is really turning it on for us. It's a beautiful, sunny day. I myself, I'm from Tamaki Moko. So I'm always happy to land in Wellington on a sunny day. But it's colourful. It's vibrant. [00:33:00] The diversity here is outstanding. I'm looking at a brilliant age range and, um, expression of people. And, of course, as at any rainbow event, colour, colour, colour, smiles, smiles, smiles and lots of wonderful hugs, Um, we catch protection, and we're here to support gay pride and the whole weekend, and also to support the the shelter that we run up in Brooklyn. Uh, we we we home homeless cats, Um, as [00:33:30] a gay trans man myself, who are volunteers for the Cats Protection League. Um, I'm here to help show everyone that actually, we're really inclusive as well, and we want to support our community. Can you describe what the crowd has been like today? Um, they've been really supportive. They've been coming in. There've been lots of people who have come and told us that actually, they have adopted cats from us and that they're looking to adopt cats from us. And it's been a really wholesome vibe. Really. It's been the colour, the noise, the positivity. It's just been amazing. Is this the first [00:34:00] time you've been to an out in the park or in this case, out in the city? No, no, this will be about third or fourth time. Yeah, I go to, like, every queer event there can be. Everyone here is, you know, really welcoming. And you just feel like you can come in and actually just be yourself and express yourself in the way that you wish without the stigma from like the outside world. And yeah, everyone here is just so nice. And the vibe is just immaculate to be honest. Can you describe, uh, what's on your store? So [00:34:30] we've got homemade jam. We've got knitted mice and Beanies and Christmas cards. Uh, earrings that. I mean, all of these things have been done by our volunteers and calendars. You name it, it's there. Why do Why do you think it's important to actually be here today? Um, I think, uh, a lot of queer folk across New Zealand and the world have been facing a lot of stigma, not just recently, but, you know, for decades and decades. And I think it's really important that not only are queer organisations here to support them, um, but [00:35:00] also other organisations who don't base themselves on their queer identity to support us as well. Um, so, yeah, it's really good that we have people like a NZ like the cat Protection League, like, you know, small businesses coming up and actually saying, you know what? We're support of this community, but it doesn't just have to be queer People that attend these events. It can be supporting people as well. Absolutely. I think, um, here to support here to be part of it here to share and to learn um because we our volunteers, are everyone and everything, and we value [00:35:30] that enormously. We wouldn't be cats protection without it. So my name is Craig. Um, the store we've got here is faith communities united in love. Um, we're kind of a collective of a number of the faith communities within the Wellington region. Um, we've got N in Buddhism. Um, the so, um, international centre, Um, Wellington based, um and then the rest of them, um, are a collection of, um, affirming, [00:36:00] um, Christian churches and ones that are kind of, um, on a journey, um, to becoming inclusive, to challenge what they need to within, um, some aspects of Christianity, which, um, haven't been helpful to LGBTI Q communities. It's a nice way of phrasing it to to be on a journey, isn't it? I think that because obviously, things can change, can't they? And I think, um, definitely, um, for me, I'm, um, had an [00:36:30] upbringing within the Salvation Army. Um, and in the last, um, probably like, six or seven years. That's been a journey for myself coming out as a gay man. Um, and having to navigate, um, faith. Um, that continues to be an important part of of who you are and how you you see the world. Um, and I think in terms of, like, journey, um, it it feels like there has been points. Um, where I'm amazed myself at, like, how much has changed. Last night, we, um, had [00:37:00] the opening of the awaken conference at the parliament buildings. And, um, you think back to the 1986 homosexual law reform bill, Um, where the Salvation Army was with this, um, you know the petition. I'm kind of fronting the position. The petition. Um, and last night, um, I had a photo in the rainbow room with two of my parents. Um, both salvation. Um, my father's, um, Ian Hudson, who's the social [00:37:30] policy and parliamentary unit director, And my mom's the national director of all the addictions programmes. And so, um, like, he would have thought two salvation are there with their gay son in the Rainbow Room. And And did you talk to them about that? Because I imagine that would have been quite a massive journey for them as well. Um, it's actually really interesting because, um, I guess you know, like some of the ways that we can absorb a lot of the negativity that comes towards [00:38:00] rainbow communities. Um, that can affect our sense of self and our sense of being able to show love to ourselves and accept ourselves. Um, it was almost the case for me where, um, I had more issues around that sort of stuff than they ended up having. And, um, my father, actually, um, pre knowing, um that I was gay, um, had done little sort of, I guess, um, challenging [00:38:30] pieces within a lot of the Salvation Army and Christian community. Um, just articles, you know, like, let's talk about this. Um, this is what's happening. And so I think when I came out to them, um, my mom actually said at one point, like, I think you've got more of a problem with it than we do, and I and I suppose it's another aspect of, um just that whole journeying. Um, I actually have a friend who, um, was one of the first [00:39:00] people I connected with when I was in those initial stages of of coming to terms with, um this is who I am. And, um, what does that all mean? And where do I fit. And, um, he, um, is actually now the MP for new Plymouth. Glenn Bennett. Um, his parents are Salvation Army, um, or salvation. And for them, it was interesting, because I go to the same church as they do, [00:39:30] and they I think, um, it's been a journey for them. Um, but, um, it must have been several weeks ago. Um, he was married. Uh, Glenn Bennett was married in parliament to his husband. First ever same sex marriage in that building. His parents who came from a very, um I don't know if I want to say unaired, but just kind of an ignorant space. Um, and they they have really worked on it, and they actually took part in the official [00:40:00] bits of the ceremony. And it's that same thing, like, Oh, you know, just the strides in these last 10 years or so it is. It has been amazing to witness, and today is amazing to witness the the kind of youth here, the thousands of people here, Can you, um, give me a sense of, uh, the people are coming today. Um, so it it is a real mix. Um, we have people that, um I guess have come from church backgrounds, [00:40:30] and they're not so connected to that anymore. Or or faith backgrounds. Um, for some of them, it's maybe, um, a sense of, um yeah, bits of it still being important. Um, for some of them, it's just a little bit of a beacon to knowing. Oh, there are pockets. Um, within these faith groups that, um, are a reforming except you exactly as you are. Um, and particularly with, I think a lot of, um, things that say within America, [00:41:00] we've got, um I guess that part of Christianity that is very rigid. Um, a lot of it doesn't even seem to adhere to what you would say. True Christianity was, um and so it's nice for them to see, um, not only, um, an alternative side of that, um, but also just different faiths That kind of can sit alongside each other. And there's not this whole like you're wrong. Um, we're right. Um, [00:41:30] yeah, it's just a just a big mix. And sometimes it's just people that, um appreciate, um, the little, um, interactive bits we have. We're offering blessings that they can just take, um, with them just a little positive message. We've got a, um, little bowl here with some rocks around it where people can take a moment just to ponder any, um, struggles or troubles that they've got at the moment. And, um, just have a moment that they can release it into this bowl full of water. [00:42:00] Um, and leave it, leave it with us. So, um yeah, and just finally, just going back to the Awaken Conference last night. Can you describe the feeling of actually being in parliament with your parents? How was that? Um, I think in my mind I go back to these points where I, you know, I had this journey where I had, um, quite a dark place. [00:42:30] It was like the I don't see, like, the way out from this. Um and yeah, this this person that, you know, just saying the word gay. Like, I remember these points that, um, trying to vocalise That was a real hard job. Um, and then even sort of just that, Like beyond, um, your sexuality, Like Like, who are you, like, who are you and, um, to hit the stage? Um, last night, with this huge [00:43:00] group of um, LGBTI, Q Christians, um, allies, all from a number of denomination. Um, and not only my parents there. There was actually some quite high up stakeholders within the Salvation Army. Um, within the, uh I think it was social ethics and morals. Um, council. Um, we had a representative from the Maori Ministries, um, group and just sort of thinking like, here we are in parliament. Um, [00:43:30] and I'm just completely relaxed, um, feel right at home. Um, all my different, I guess. Like people. You know, um, all the people that are important to me of the year, Um and it's Yeah, it's just sort of these moments where you've gone from feeling like the world has been a really hostile place that you don't fit in to the sort of multicoloured spot where it's like, you're you and you belong. And it's not a case of fitting in you. You belong as you are. [00:44:00] So, um yeah, just sort of. There's, like, liberation a sense of peace, Like, kind of just like love. Um support, um, and coming from that year, that I, I suppose what You know, they often call it the closet anxiety. You know, to a spot where you actually felt like Like, this is what the world is really supposed to be like. Um, it was just, um it was a real high life. [00:44:30] Yeah. So I I'm Jamie. We're here with scouts. New Zealand. Um, so scouts is a youth organisation. Um, it's the largest, um, global youth movement. Um, in the world, Uh, and yeah. So purpose of scouts is empowering young people through adventurous activities to lead lives that make a positive difference. That's kind of what we do. Um, we're here today making catapults, spraying people's hair with fun colours, pony nails, and generally celebrating our diverse communities. Yeah. So how long has, um, scouts [00:45:00] had a kind of AAA rainbow, um, policy or or been really proactive in the kind of rainbow communities? Really proactive. I'm trying to think it's been a fair while, actually, New Zealand scouts, um, I can't speak for overseas. Uh, New Zealand scouts has been We've never had any particular policies, you know, saying no, no one's allowed. Um, but we've been really proactive about it, especially over the past sort of 10 years, making sure that we make it a very inclusive space. Yeah, because you've been out in the park a number of times now. And can you describe what the feeling is [00:45:30] like, um, from those events? Oh, it's always fantastic. You get to hang out with so many cool people they will come past. Um, yeah, it's always, I mean, for for us. There's a lot of different reasons for part of its visibility as well. Cos scouts internationally has a different reputation at times, Um, but it's such a cool vibe hanging out with everyone um, getting to, I think, make sure that our young people in our movement know that they're welcome and know that they're accepted, um, within our movement as well. Um, as well as letting other people know that scouting is a safe place and that they're welcome regardless. [00:46:00] So on a day to day basis, how how is that done within the scouts? So obviously every scout group is different. Um, but as a general role, especially in our older sections, we make a really intentional purpose. So, like I'm a venture leader, Um, and one of the things that I do is I, um, work with, um, the venturing spaces, especially in low low north island. Um, and we run training courses and stuff, and part of that is making sure that we we work with young people on diversity inclusion talking [00:46:30] to them about how to, you know, treat her with respect. Um, we've made sure that all of our branding is gender neutral. Um, we've made sure that our safe from harm training is really, um, valuing a variety of different issues, not just, um, you know, standard things. Um, we've sort of really diversified a lot of that training recently. Yeah, um, I don't know. I I'm busy watching what's happening here, and I'm not thinking about how her words properly, actually, can you describe what's happening? So what is currently happening in front of me is there are a few people [00:47:00] with some hairspray cans of varying colours making rainbows happen in here, and it is great, but we're also having a little bit choking happening because there's the spray. Can you describe, um, the the people are here today because it's it's such, uh, this is the first time it's actually been in the Michael Fowler Centre. Yeah, it's It's interesting being in the Michael Centre in Mountain Park. Um, there are less puppies, which makes me sad. Um, but there's just so many people and so many different people. So many young people, which is so good to see, um, but also so people of different [00:47:30] generations, which is really, really nice. Um, yeah. I always love coming out. Um, making time to see everyone. And it's probably one of the only places in the world where we can actually do this. Absolutely. Yeah, it's probably We had a, um The other weekend we had there was a small event happening, but it was the largest scouting event event happening in the world because everyone else has all their things cancelled. So, yeah, we were the largest scouting event in the world the other weekend, simply by nature of living in New Zealand. [00:48:00] So how has, um, how has covid affected? Um, the scouts in New Zealand. Oh, God. Hugely. Um, so during covid, um, scouts had to obviously, like everyone pivot a fair bit to an online strategy. Um, so we pivoted to a thing called skating from home. Um, and the focus of that was around connection community and continuity. So making sure that the young people in scouting felt connected to their communities. Um, were still doing things. Still had that continuity of going to scouts every week, even though [00:48:30] it was virtually, um, we also released. We released, um, some sc from home programmes. So every week, throughout lockdown and we've done it again like when Auckland's gone back into lockdown, we've released, um Programmes, um, across our three programme areas. So adventure, personal and community, um, and activities that young people can do. And during lockdown, we released those to the general public as well. So anyone who wanted to could access those activities that they could do at home, um, to do some cool stuff. So we had, like, kids going camping at home, building blanket pots, cooking stuff. Um, learning about diversity and inclusion was a couple [00:49:00] of the different ones we did. Um, yeah, a whole bunch of different activities. Um, throughout lockdown, and we got these really cool videos coming in from all these different kids doing things at home, having their Skype meetings and then having scavenger hunts and building all sorts. It was really cool. Yeah. So, um, my name's neo. I use he or they pronouns, and I am working at the inside out stall today. Can you describe what's on the table? Um Yep. So we have free stickers, Um, that are, say, inclusive schools together, Um, with [00:49:30] all different pride flags on them. We have bookmarks, um, with out on the shelves. Bookmarks. We have resources for parents that have a little campaign and pictures and pretty colours on them. Um, we have some crocheted, uh, jewellery. And And you've also got some t-shirts. Yeah. Yes, we do. We are giving away free pink shirt day t-shirts. And then we have day of Silence, T-shirts and then t-shirts that say challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia on them as well as some tote bags. [00:50:00] So we have lots of stuff. And can you describe the amount of people here today? Because it's huge, isn't it? There's so many I can't give you an accurate number, but there has to be, like, at least a couple of 100 thousands. Really? Wow, you're probably right. To be honest, it's a little bit different than usual, but like everyone seems really happy to be here. The vibes are immaculate. Um, people seem really excited. I've had multiple people come over to the stall and say that, like, this is their first pride, and they're so happy to be here. So I think it's just a really positive [00:50:30] environment today. So can you remember your first pride? Oh, yeah, I think I can. Yeah. It was so exciting. Like everything was so colourful and new and just it was amazing. And so when was that? Um I think that would have been 2016 or 2017. And did you march in the today? Yes, I did. Can you tell me about that? Because it had such a a large youth presence, didn't it? It really? Yeah, I think, um, it's just there's so many youth and people, um, coming along because [00:51:00] I think it's very community based, as opposed to, like, the Pride parade, which is a lot of corporate people involved. Um, so it's like run by community members. Um, and it's there's community members in it. I think the most like there are groups in it that walk in it like there's an insect group. There was a Japanese drumming group. Um, but I think it's just it's just community members and people who support us and I actually marched. My mother came along today with me, so it's really nice. Was that the first time? Ah, yeah. She hasn't come to pry with [00:51:30] me before. She loved it. She was so happy to be here and support me. And I'm just She's great. It was so nice to have, like, my here looking ahead for the rest of the year. What? What? What has inside out got planned? Um, I think we we have, uh we're having our out on the shelves campaign. Um, bigger and better. Um, bigger and brighter. Um, we have schools Pride Week, which started last year, which is continuing again this year. Um, we have [00:52:00] coming up in April. Um, which is gonna be a lot of fun, and a lot of I'm sure everyone will enjoy it so much. Um, and then just the usual stuff. Like, I've I ate some workshops for inside out. So, um, just those are always going on, and, yeah, lots of good stuff. What's it like being involved with, uh, inside out? It's so good. Like, um, I. I originally started volunteering because I wanted to help the way that, like inside [00:52:30] out. It helped me. So, like, um, being able to help youth the same way that I guess I was helped is just amazing. It's a treasure. So I'm Lou Percy. I'm the coordinator for Outer Spaces, which is LGBT Q plus Youth Charity. We're here Fundraising. We're here, including people. We're here giving you the space to hang out and just be themselves at what is one of the best festivals [00:53:00] I'd say in New Zealand, if not the world, Can you describe your store and also the space that we're in now? So our store, we have our naming New Zealand cohorts who are selling baked goods to raise funds for gender queer, non diverse people to change their naming documents and then the outer spaces. We have pride pronoun, Prins, pride flags. We have some community art that we got from our kids that we work with for schools out and we're fundraising [00:53:30] to keep those programmes going. And then we've also got our youth space where we've got badge making name, pin making colouring, bead making. We've got a we're starting a new project with our genderless wardrobe, which is basically if a gender um questioning youth doesn't have access to their own money or a different wardrobe that they can come in and choose some pieces and not have to pay for it. [00:54:00] This is a very busy space, Um, and it's probably I've been to a number of pride events over the years, and this has got such a youth, youth, focus and a lot of youth about that. Yeah, I'm I'm very much of the opinion that youth or not you that pride is should not only be for our, but also led by our and making sure that they feel included as much as somebody over 30 especially when it's especially when they're questioning their identity somewhere. That they can [00:54:30] kind of explore that without being judged is something I feel really strongly about. This is also the first time that it's been held at the Michael Fowler Centre. Can you tell me, um, what's the venue like? I think the venue. I'm actually preferring it out in the park. I think it's much easier for people to get around the workshop. You've got workshops going on. We have the opportunity to have the youth space as well as being able to kind of move around in this beautiful building that is the Michael Fowler Centre. It feels it feels like we're doing something really [00:55:00] important now. This year has been, uh well, I mean a global pandemic with covid. How has outer spaces coped with covid? I admit that I came. I came into outer spaces after the covid pandemic. But from what I've learned, we've adapted some of our policies. We've moved a lot more online. We have more of a social media presence than we did beforehand. Um, yeah, it's kind of we're adapting a lot to the spaces, but making sure that we still have spaces for the youth to [00:55:30] come to, even if they can't physically come to them. And isn't it amazing? This is probably the only place in the world where this could be happening today. Yeah, it's amazing to think. I mean, there were 1000 people who have responded to the Facebook event, and I have family in England who are still on lockdown, So it's amazing that we're able to do this as freely as we are without having to maintain the one metre distance, meaning we can really kind of get to know each other in a different way. So here we have John and [00:56:00] Des Des and John. How are you? Both enjoy the atmosphere here. It's incredible. Now this is the first time it's been in the Michael Fowler Centre. What's the venue like? Both. It's just people are everywhere and it's just amazing how many and also so many young people who would have no idea. I think I don't know of what we went through in the 19 eighties and there. There was a good point to make that [00:56:30] this really started in 1986 thanks to Des and Pauline and James. Wonderful. Could you ever have imagined that the fear that you started in 86 could end up like this? No, I didn't. It nearly folded. Uh, the second year I ran myself alone and financed it. And if I hadn't have made a profit, I would have lost money. But it was a success and then ran it for 10 years. And then, of [00:57:00] course, met John and John fell apart at that point. There are so many people here today, Des and John, can you give me a sense of what the atmosphere is like It's buzzy, buzzy. It's electric, It's full of joy. It's full of people who are happy to be who they are and out and proud. And that's what it's all about. And it's so good to see so many smiles. And if I go back to the very first sphere, when we had these, Homs [00:57:30] came along to try and upset up, and I don't see anyone here that I would say that category. No, I think everybody is here to enjoy themselves. And whatever the gender or sexuality is isn't an issue. It's a it's a Wellington event and people should be proud for those who organised it. I What I love is the diversity of people. There's a store for the Indian group and so on. And this [00:58:00] is to me wonderful. Don't tell me we've got the national party too, I. I I've seen quite a few politicians today, which is well, that that's good. Maybe they can learn something from us now. The last year has been pretty tough with with Covid and the lockdowns. How how have you both been coping with with covid? We've done very well. And neighbours Uh a very mild. We weren't allowed out initially, but neighbours were wonderful. And I think ultimately [00:58:30] we probably enjoyed our time together as I Yes, John did some wonderful cooking and our garden is looking fabulous. It wasn't a hassle, and I'm very proud of what this government has done to keep us safe. What do you both hope for this year? What's your main hope? That we see COVID-19 abating, that people are getting vaccinated? It seems like it's going to be around for many years. [00:59:00] But if people get vaccinated and the more the merrier and also hopefully we will put on the news and it won't be depressing. I don't know that you can guarantee that. But what I would like to see is the same points as Des has just made. But I would hope they would lead to the opening of the borders, a travel bubble, at least with the islands and with Australia. And of course, I'd love to see New York and Paris again. But that's probably on the long finger. [00:59:30] Yeah, yeah. [01:00:00] You like to talk to us about what's happening here. What's happening here? Well, these people, as you can see you can see these signs. They're using abusive language. You can hear them. And we are here [01:00:30] for lesbian visibility. And this is this is what we are just for lesbian visibility. And they are right in our faces threatening us. Who's the inclusive ones? Who they are, who's unsafe. We're being told we make them the unsafe ones. We're We're 75 on older, and they are They are threatening us. It's not OK. It's not OK. We're harming nobody. We've got a history [01:01:00] of lesbianism in Wellington area for people to look at. That's all we're doing. We are lesbian feminists who led the fight right the way through. This is the way we sit and go Pack your shit and go pack your shit and go pack your shit and go pack your shit and go pack your shit and go get and go. [01:01:30] Pack your shit and go back and shit and go back your shit and go back your shit and go that shit going that Go home. Stay home, Jo. No! Well, these people are turf. They're anti trans feminists. They think trans women are [01:02:00] not women. They are. These people are just misinformed. bigots, and we're trying to protest them because we think they should not be at our venue, because this is for pride who are who are oppressed. Not they think they're oppressed, but they're not. That is how I describe it. Um, they're just the feminists, Um, the feminists that don't believe in trans rights, that's all. And they're they're being idiots and saying that, Oh, trans people's cause cancer and shit. Why do you think they're here today? Because they hate [01:02:30] us for no reason, because they don't understand. Fuck here. I like you. So what? They're doing these curse, which are the feminist to against trans people. They are videoing us. Some of us are minors, which is illegal, and they are here trying to tell us that we shouldn't be queer. We shouldn't be part of this community. And what we are is we're protesting them so they can go home and leave us to have our pride all inclusive. We think they're here because this is [01:03:00] a explicitly trans supportive event. And the older generations they think that trans people aren't real. Um, that we're predators, and what they're doing is they're trying to dissuade us they're handing out harmful propaganda to try and change the opinion of us and the public. And it's really, really, really sad. Yeah, [01:03:30] right. Me, I know. Yeah, [01:04:00] Doctor, I Murray, we're just standing outside the Michael Fowler Centre. And, um, can you describe what's happening at the moment? I'm standing with people who are supporting trans people here and especially our Trans youth. And the turfs are here, and they are talking about [01:04:30] not giving rights to trans people. And I'm sorry. I'm very upset by it all. It is quite distressing, and I've been accused of all sorts of difficult things by the when I talk to the turfs. But really, I'm here to support our delicate trans people who need the support they don't need to be hated against. But there's a there's a there's a twist to it. These the turfs are people who I used [01:05:00] to know. So they're my ex friends, and I find it distressing to see them talk so hatefully towards me and towards my Trans friends. I think they honestly believe that, um, that it's not right to change agenda. Um, and I that's I think that's what they believe and that that we are kind to anybody [01:05:30] who describes themselves as anything seems to be an affront to them. It it it comes from another era and it I. I think it belongs in another era that today we are very kind. And I'm very proud of our youth today, who are teaching me lots and lots of things about inclusivity and about change and trying and alternatives. And that speaks more to the reality of my life than one truth being true forever. [01:06:00] I think they're actually just packing up now because they've been met with quite a bit of opposition, haven't they? Today they have. And I'm very proud of the of the trans youth who are standing up for themselves, which is terrifying. I find it terrifying standing up to the turfs, and yet the trans youth are doing it themselves. These are 16 year old people that are know that know themselves so well that they are supporting each other, and I that delights [01:06:30] me very much. Yeah, So this pro counter protest started with three people with a sign and a trans flag, and within the space of what an hour and a half, it's turned to nearly 30 people against five or six. And I feel like that speaks for the love for our trans community, for the gin gender, queer [01:07:00] community and that love wins over hate. What? Why do you think they came today? These these people, I feel sorry for them because they hold misguided views. They aren't able to open their minds to the reality that not everyone conforms to the societal norms that we we [01:07:30] place on them. Right? And we people who don't conform to these societal norms have every right to exist. Can you tell me what it was like when there was that confrontation happening? How did how did it feel? Terrifying. I'm absolutely terrified on the inside, and I see them getting out their phones and photographing our youth, which is against the law. So I stand in front of our youth and I stand in front of their cameras because I don't want [01:08:00] them to have any action on our youth, who are I remember being young and queer, and that was terrifying enough, let alone having people yelling horrible things at me as these people are yelling horrible things at our youth and I. I hate that that action is happening. And I think one of the really hard things is that everyone is part of the rainbow community, so it's actually community members attacking each other. I'm sorry. I just want to slightly disagree with that. [01:08:30] If you don't support everyone and the and the queer community, you're not part of our community. And and that's exactly what they said to me that they are allowed to be here. And I guess they are allowed to be here because democracy is pretty hard and and I have to accept that they're allowed to be here. But I find it so hurtful to hear their hate. I find that so hurtful. I don't like it at all. Yeah, [01:09:00] Could you just describe what's been happening here and kind of how it came about? So lava was It's a turf group that registered to have a stall at out in the city, and when I got alerted that they were coming in, obviously did my homework and sent them an email. They are not allowed in this space for the safety of our Trans and for the safety of most marginalised communities, and I think they sent me an email saying that if I do a reply back to them, they'll pretty much on the threat of like, we'll take action [01:09:30] And this is their form of action, which is quite funny because it's, you know, five of them versus the whole community, and it just shows that their opinion does not matter at all in society. So how did it start? How did it start like today? How did it start? Well, Lava decided to show up, and I obviously alerted my committee that they are going to show up. And City Council told me that they were going to show up and the community just came together, bounded together, and it just shows I didn't organise any of this [01:10:00] counter protests, and it's fantastic, and it just shows that the community is here for each other and we will not stand by transphobia. Yeah, I'm here today with the quilted Bananas radio show, and the quilted Bananas radio show is probably the longest running community radio show [01:10:30] in New Zealand, I think. Ah, so I wondered if it was I didn't know for sure, and you probably know way better than I do, but yeah, I know it's been running for over 30 years and was originally the lesbian radio show, Um, and sustained as the lesbian radio show as a weekly show for, um Yeah, almost 30 years. And then just in recent years, it shifted just to be to change its name and probably kind of its co has become a little bit more inclusive than just, um, aimed at lesbians. And so, yeah, so the kind of show lives on, but yeah, it's pretty [01:11:00] amazing to have lasted that long on community radio. And could you tell me, what does quilted bananas stand for? Yeah, So I have to look at this. I do forget. So quilted banana stands for queer intersectional, intersex, lesbian, Takata, trans NB, diverse bisexual asexuals and Nanas because a lot of the people on it are identified as Nanas as well. So from that yeah, we kind of We established this name of quilted bananas, which was just a bit of fun, really, But was a way [01:11:30] of trying to say we're broadening out now in terms of who we're aimed at as a listenership, but also who we want to be involved in it. Yeah, and And I read somewhere that that that it's also about, um just all those, uh, slippery overlaps within communities that actually, it's things aren't as binary now, are they? Yeah, totally. And that's, you know, a journey that certainly the radio show has really been on because it was established very much as a lesbian radio show show. Um, and just sustained, as I say, for a long [01:12:00] time, as as a lesbian radio show, which is amazing, I think is amazing for it to have, you know, had a weekly kind of show just, um, run by lesbians. Um, but over time, yeah, like like that's kind of doesn't quite define everybody that's involved and everybody that we want to be involved. So definitely there's had to be some, you know, some big discussions about what is the show about now And who are we about now? Yeah, and it's really interesting because, um, like, literally about 10 15 minutes ago, I was outside and there was a a bit [01:12:30] of a protest going on. Um, and and I guess around turfs and exclusion and I. I guess some people haven't had those discussions yet. Have they? Yeah, and I think that's the thing. And that's and even on, um, definitely on a collective like this. We would have people that have been discussing this for years and years and years and others that, you know are really new to the discussion. And so there's still long way to go in terms of where everybody's own kind of feelings are about it. And so, yeah, the protests [01:13:00] here today are part of that that actually that discussion continues on both sides of the kind of debate and the discussion. And some of us have got used to kind of discussing, um, this kind of stuff for years and years and others are only kind of just come into it. Really? Yeah. So within quilted bananas, how did how did those discussions kind of happen? How how How did you navigate that? Yeah, I mean, we have a pretty strong collective, and we have everyone does their own individual shows. [01:13:30] Um, but we obviously have regular collective meetings, and so really, we were quite clear at making those discussions quite explicit at some of those meetings, So, um, yeah, we would have it almost on an agenda to say, Look, this is something we want to be discussing next week at the meeting, everyone goes off and does their own individual thing on their show. And that's what's great about it. It's really creative. You can, you know, your show can be whatever it wants to be. But we have then kind of developed a really to make sure that your show can be whatever it wants to be. But we obviously don't want [01:14:00] it to be offensive or we don't want it to, You know, it needs to be an inclusive show. So we've had very explicit discussions about it. Basically, Yeah, which probably sits you up for the next 30 years, I guess. Because actually, if if you've got those lines of communication open, I hope so. And I think we've got a pretty strong now around what the show and is all about. So, um, yeah, maybe hopefully another 30 years. Or should we check in in 30 years time? Yeah. Yeah, I see you in 30 years, then. Gareth. [01:14:30] Uh, so my name is Aaron Soma. Uh, I'm part of the group Wellington. Indian Pride. Uh, we launched just a couple of months ago, and this is out of a need for, uh, being able to, uh, be positive and, uh, enjoy and celebrate your cultural identity as well as being part of the community as well. Uh, in some traditional cultures, perhaps like the Indian, uh, community, Um, that can be a hard thing to do, and those worlds can be quite separate. What we want to do is encourage people, um, to celebrate the fact that they can be Indian [01:15:00] and part of the rainbow community at the same time. So here at out of the square, which is a fantastic event put on by the Wellington Pride Festival, um, we have a So we've had lots of great connections, um, people that are Indian and people that are not Indian, who know Indian people who may benefit from our group. And what we aim to do is to create a social network for people, uh, where this group fits, as well as ensuring that the community is along with our journey. So over time, we've been having conversations [01:15:30] with, um, some of the leaders of the Indian community who are supporting us, saying this is fantastic what you're doing. We love what you're doing, and we're here to support it. So the the wider Indian community is is right behind this initiative as well. We've had support from the Wellington Indian Association and the Wellington Indian Sports Club as well as committees. Um, within those organisations. You know, what I realise is that we can't do this on our own. It takes supporters backing us as our vehicle for change. We need to feel loved and supported by them. [01:16:00] For Indian families, it can be really, really difficult coming from traditional, uh, or religious backgrounds, Um, where sometimes views just don't align. But as we know here in the rainbow, community lovers love and that's all that really matters. Um, they love us. We love them. And so we are part of this world together, and that's what those connections with the community aim to do. So what changed last year to to prompt the formation of the group? So I'm Indian and I'm gay, [01:16:30] and I'm I'm married to my, uh, husband. Uh, we've been together for 10 years now. Um, we marched in pride last year together. I noticed in Wellington uh, pride parade. There weren't any cultural groups there had been previously, but there weren't. So I took it upon myself to reach out to the Wellington, uh, community, the leadership, um, to talk to them about, um, identity and diversity and inclusivity. And they were on board with that, Uh, so it's been a good [01:17:00] few months of very healthy conversations to get to this point. We are are backed by them, and we are just rolling out, um, a few different events and things like that. Visibility like what we're here for today. Um, and it's been really great. We've, uh there are tough conversations along the way. There always are, but nothing, um, that was worth doing was ever easy. And so we're here for that. Um, and we're just so grateful to be in those conversations and having, uh, people back us at the same time. And have [01:17:30] you been surprised by any of the responses? One thing I've been surprised about is, uh, living my life in isolation as an Indian gay man. But ever since I launched Wellington Indian Pride, I've made other connections with other Indian people who are part of the rainbow community, and that's what it's all about. It's about knowing there are other people out there that are just like you and they celebrate with you. And they are also Indian, proud and part of the rainbow community and proud. [01:18:00] And that's really important. It's about, uh, it's about connection. And I think the last year with COVID-19 has taught us that we all must care for each other. Look out for each other. And, um, that social connection is one of the most important things we've got. And we need to make it, uh, loving and worthwhile. Can you describe what it was like marching in that pride parade last year? I mean, I love marching and pride. My mum was there watching me, and she was a a proud mum, and, uh, I loved every moment of that. So every time [01:18:30] I I wear a rainbow flag, um, I do it with pride. Um, but I can and there are others that can't possibly in the Indian community, and and so our goal is to really encourage those people that they can do that, too. And if it's not for them, if it's not the right time, because everyone has their own journey and wrong time and different time frames. It's important to know that we are there as their voice, too. And when the time is right, we'll still be there for them. And at today's store here at out [01:19:00] in the city, Um, can you describe the response to to the group we've had lots of people come up to us today and applaud us for what we're doing? Um, presentation for people of colour, um, sometimes lacks, um in the, uh, rainbow community. Uh, and so I think people have been, um, surprised to see us. They've been, uh, felt refreshed, seeing what we're doing and hearing our story. Uh, and that's what we wanna do connect with the wider community. Um, the response has been fantastic, because if I've not seen, uh, Indian people that have come up to us, [01:19:30] it's been people that are non Indian who say I have Indian friends, um, or flatmates. Uh, that would also love to be part of this group. They are part of the rainbow community, but are facing their own issues. And so it's those added connections that will make a difference. As I say, uh, if it's not right for someone right now, it will be down the track. And that's that's OK, too. At Thank you. Uh, greetings, everybody. It's a real privilege to be here. [01:20:00] I'm joined up on stage by two of my MP colleagues. Uh, this is, uh, Barbara Edmonds. Barbara is the MP for man. Give it up for bar. And to my left is, um Glen Bennett. Glen is the MP for new Plymouth. Um, I think I can confidently say he's the first gay MP for New Plymouth, and he managed to get married the day before. He gave his maiden speech in Parliament in February this year. So [01:20:30] before I, I get going, I'm gonna look scan the crowd because just a couple of minutes ago, I got to have a wee chat with Dez Smith and John Joli. If Dez and John are here, are still here and can hear me, and they wanna materialise anywhere in 1986 which is a long time ago. Uh, Dez and John hosted the first ever what was then called Gay and Lesbian Fear in Newtown School in 1986 as part of the campaign to [01:21:00] promote homosexual law reform. Their idea that they had 36 years ago is what's turned in today. So to deers and to John, can we just give them a huge What? Yeah. I bring out the best wishes of the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. She's had some other events, Um, on today, which means that she can't be here, But she did ask that, uh, we pass this on. It's a massive pride with him because they've got the parade [01:21:30] up in Auckland this weekend as well as this event, uh, here today. So, um, it's a huge time for us, and it's a real honour and a privilege to be here. The biggest thing I wanted to do today in getting up here is just to acknowledge that, um for all the communities that are part of this beautiful rainbow that we have here in Wellington, I want you to know that we continue when we're down at Parliament to make sure that what we're doing when we're passing laws and we're doing things down there matter for our communities and I want to say really clearly [01:22:00] we haven't finished yet. We've done some really great things over the years. We passed homosexual law reform act. We got marriage equality and we changed the Human Rights Act to prevent discrimination. These are all huge and important things, but we haven't finished yet. And I want to say a specific, uh, shout out today to our trans community to say that he and we know that the issues that we've got to resolve there are important. Those issues are around the [01:22:30] way the Human Rights Act recognises our trans community the way that we make sure that it's easier in terms of birth certificates. Yes, the yes, the marriages bill is back. And we are going to make that change that really important for us to be able to stay and share with the trans community, but also in the day to day issues of access to health services, being treated fairly in tenancy situations and so on. We know we've got to do more, and we will be doing more, uh, in that area as well, and the other one, because I know it's a big topic for everyone, [01:23:00] is that by the end of this year, conversion therapy will be banned and it is practise that has no place whatsoever in a society such as ours. The thing we got to do is make sure we ban the thing we're trying to ban. And so it's really important that we do the work to get the definitions right to make sure we capture and don't allow loopholes to see people in our communities thinking exploited. [01:23:30] So that's the work that's going on now, but that will happen by the end of the year. There's a heap of other things that we want to be doing and getting on with to make sure we affirm, uh, all of our communities. But I just wanted to get up here today and say on behalf of Barb and Glen and our whole Rainbow Team and Labour and and and I I this year zero Minister Avi as well you can come on the stage. I It's absolutely, absolutely. It was really handy to have an infectious disease specialist in our that as we were dealing with [01:24:00] COVID-19, and that's, uh, doctor. Aha. So we've got a big rainbow team in Parliament. We also work really closely with the other political parties, and I do want to mention that we have a cross party rainbow network so that we bring all the parties together because I don't want human rights and the rights of our community to be politicised. They should certainly be what we do at Parliament and up. Poll goes Sorry. Acknowledge the other parties that we have, um, here today who are who are part of their group. So other than that, and this email wants to grab the mic, I just want to say happy, Have a fantastic [01:24:30] day. So the last time we spoke, Grant, it was at the Pride parade in 2020 and it was just a couple of days before lockdown. How's last year been for you? Uh, yeah, it's been the most crazy year of my life, but I think that probably applies to a lot of people, not just me. Uh, incredibly busy. Not particularly good for my mental or physical [01:25:00] health, But, uh, I'm really proud of how New Zealand got through it. I mean, for for me. I mean, I've just been following what you've been saying on the TV, but for you, I mean, it must have been incredibly scary, because, I mean, no one's done this before. It was I mean, there was no playbook for what we were doing. New Zealand hasn't had to handle a pandemic like this. And so we largely based it on science and on evidence radical, but also on our instincts about what New Zealanders would, um would would want us [01:25:30] to do and let's look after each other. And I feel like that's what we did. And it just means that we can have something like today where we've got thousands of people without social distancing without masks. Isn't that amazing? It's fantastic. And that is, I mean, that's the privilege that most countries around the world just haven't had. And so we you know, I mean, I think sometimes we might take it for granted just a little bit. But, um, but equally New Zealanders deserve this because they work so hard and that concept of of looking after each other, I just feel like it's it [01:26:00] is part of New Zealanders and you know, I think Jacinda leadership Ashley's leadership were tremendous during that period. But actually the the the success is owned by by all the people who are here. This is also a really amazing time for rainbow politicians because we've got the most rainbow MP S out rainbow MP S in New Zealand. Ever we do and and as a parliament, I think it's really important. I just said it in my comments on the stage. Now that actually we we're moving to the point where it's [01:26:30] not so much a partisan issue anymore. You know, we have a cross party rainbow group that everybody is represented on. Um, so I think progress on some of the issues I was talking about before trans rights Um uh, conversion therapy. Those sorts of things will be so much, much easier with a parliament that's got such a diverse representation. Certainly in the Labour Party caucus. Honestly, you know, I mean, I'm a bit overwhelmed. Um, not just by the talent overall, but by the talent of the Rainbow Caucus. And so Yeah, it's fantastic. So what? What do you hope for this year? What? [01:27:00] What's your dream? My dream for this year is to get every New Zealander who wants to be vaccinated and is above the age of 16, which is what the rules are, which is what the efficacy is vaccinated. That's what we've got to do. Um, because that will allow us to return to some sort of sense of normality. I've got a million other things I need to be doing this year. Sorting out the housing crisis, getting on top of child poverty, starting to address climate change. Uh, but actually, for me, that's the thing. The most important thing in terms of rainbow issues, um, we'll get that conversion therapy legislation [01:27:30] through. And that will be really important bit of work to do on how we deal with trans rights and the Human Rights Act. But I'm sure we can make some really good progress on that this year, too. Uh So I'm Tyler, and, um, we're volunteering here at the, uh, Wellington Rainbow Team stall. There's a whole bunch of activities from singing to badminton to dance, even a couple of reading groups, uh, for the queer community. So we're just here signing up people and getting information, [01:28:00] see if we can get many people as we can. So how how does Rainbow Team Wellington work? Um, because it's a It's a collection of organisations here. Yeah, it's like a collection of organisation and they give us support and like organising stalls and so on and so forth and sort of just make sure there's a cohesive pathway for things to sort of run towards. Why is it important to be here today after for visibility? I guess just so that we keep making sure people know that there's these activities they can do in a in a space that is inclusive to them if they don't [01:28:30] feel comfortable going to like a mainstream sort of environment. So today is the first time this is being held at the Michael Fowler Centre. And there are, I would say, thousands of people around. Um, can you describe the atmosphere? It's kind of alive, which is good, and it's very, very, very colourful. Um, to be fair, I haven't seen the Michael Fowler Centre this colourful, um, I it's It's quite nice to see all the different things people are wearing and all the stalls and stuff. It's good. My name is Bridget Hughes. My stall is to do [01:29:00] with my my tiny little sewing business called Wayward Masquerade. We make dice, we make dice bags, we make dice jails, we make historical garb. Um, we do a lot of geeky things. Um, and most of what's on the table I made. Wow. And you also do Rainbow Dragons? Yes, they are one of our actually, we have pride dragons in about 14 different designs. Um, the the rainbows are the the most visible, I guess. Can you can you take me through some of those designs? OK, so we have, uh, your original, [01:29:30] Uh, well, not original. Your your your generic six bar Rainbow Dragon. Here we have, um, the Black Rainbow. This was inspired by the 2017 Philadelphia private flag. However, I unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a fabric and a brown as well. But it's so it's it's a work in progress. We have two trans designs. Um, like a a very vivid version and a more pastor version down here, we have the We have the ace. We have a gender. We have non binary gender fluid. What else have [01:30:00] we got? Um, we had pan, but we've sold out. We had, um, a romantic, but we've sold out. Um, we also have polyamorous. We have, um, an earlier version of the the the lesbian flag, which is in terms of chronology. Somewhere in between the lipstick and the pink and orange, and we're actually planning to run a Kickstarter in June. Fingers crossed that it goes ahead to get the ace by Trans and the new, uh, well, the new pink and orange lesbian flag into a manufactured format so that [01:30:30] they become more affordable because handmade, unfortunately is expensive. So So how long does it take you to to make one? Depends how difficult the dragon is. Um, if I'm doing really well, I can put one together in a couple of hours, but that's that's getting them cut out for me, like in on an industrial on a commercial scale. Um, if I have to cut them out or if something goes wrong, it's quite a lot longer. So they Yeah, they are. They are a little bit time consuming, but I do like them. What? [01:31:00] What's your biggest seller? OK, so it started out as the red and black manufactured dragon, but the rainbows are catching up. Uh, in terms of the handmade ones, Ace is the clear winner, followed by Bye. And then we have, uh, trans as the next one, and then the rest of them, we sort of see not many sales But it's nice just to have them because especially, um, teenagers and kids. You actually see them come up and they just light up when they realise that that's for them. And even if it's not something that as a teenager [01:31:30] you can afford, it's just really nice to they can actually find their dragon. Today's event has just been so chock full of people and particularly youth as well. I mean, what what? What is it like being having a stall here? Uh, it's intense. It's, um, on the one hand, it's really nice to talk to people and to see these different identities and see people not being afraid to show their it is. It's It's good, it's nice to It's nice to exist in this space. And I think when your existence [01:32:00] and our existence as a community isn't always guaranteed or safe or accepted, it's just nice to have that space. So, yeah, Chaz, if you could just introduce yourself and tell me how promised land and subsequent books are going, uh, yeah, so, um, promised Land was started in or released in February 2017 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, and then we've released two subsequent books, Um, maiden voyage, which was released in June 2018. And, [01:32:30] um, Raven Wild, which was released in August 2020. And how have they been going? Good. Yeah. Um, we've had a great response. Uh, two or three of the books and probably the most, uh, common feedback we get are like, Oh, I wish I had this book when I was growing up, So yeah, that was why we created them as well. Is it more a national audience or an international audience? Um, I think there's a lot of people in New Zealand who still don't know that our books exist. Uh, I think I think it's about [01:33:00] 44% of our orders on our online store. Promised land store dot com. They come from America and Canada. Uh, and then I think there's another 23% that are from Europe, so, yes, it's probably dominantly international. Has the, um, pandemic had any effect on book production or distribution or anything like that? Yeah, the impact of covid. Um, obviously, we couldn't sell any books. So, uh, during our lockdown, we lost three months [01:33:30] of sales. Really? Um, and then, um, in terms of our book Raven Wild. We were on the We were meant to release that in June last year, so we had to delay that by 33 months because just getting books into the country. And, um, we decided to give our illustrators a bit more time in terms of well being because we were like, we're in a global pandemic and you're trying to illustrate and finish the Children's book. Well, maybe we should delay it a bit. Yeah. Can you give me a bit of a synopsis of of the, um, the storylines for soul fire in [01:34:00] Raden World? So Soul fire is about a 12 year old boy called George who enters a magical realm called mythic, where artists have magical powers and he has to fight this evil lord Hera, who is determined to eliminate, um artists and get rid of them and imagination. And Raven Wild is about a courageous young boy called Hawk who transitions into a young woman called Raven and then goes on a adventure to stop [01:34:30] the animal kingdom from being, um, kind of conquered by an evil poacher who wants to get hold of this magic gem that will allow him to control all creatures great and small. So, um yeah, that's so So where do you Where did the ideas come from? For the for the books. Um, well, the original the original book promised land. The idea was Adam and I both come from a film background. So we developed an animated feature project that we wanted to get off the ground. Um, and so it was really giving ourselves that brief and go, Well, if we were [01:35:00] gonna make an animated feature like the ones we grew up on, Um, there's a American lyricist called Howard Ashman who passed away in the early nineties. And he did Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid. And we were like, Well, if he was around today, what type of story would he tell? And so that was where the inspiration came from. I think, uh, and then that was, you know, when we said, Oh, what if there'll be a prince and a farm boy who meet and fall in love? And so that was our jumping off point. Um, And then, more broadly, it was, uh, about telling a story so much. Queer media [01:35:30] is sort of defined by the rules of our world. So, um, most of the time our identity will be part of the conflict. And we were like, Well, what if there's a world where equality exists? There's no homophobia, no transphobia and like everyone is equal. So therefore, your storytelling rules are completely different. You can't fall into any of the kind of patriarchal or, you know, normative rules. And so anything's possible. And then that we were like, we decided that was how you normalise that for a new audience kind of aspirational, like [01:36:00] what you wish the world was. But we were like, Well, it can be And this we make up the world. So yeah, and what's coming next for both of you? What's in the what's in the plans? So at the moment, because we've got the trilogy, um, really, like trying to sell our current stock? Um, and I am working on a second book to soul fire. Um, I've been writing for quite a while, then bit slower than I'd like, But until we can kind of into national distribution like that's been our biggest [01:36:30] challenge is trying to get into those international distribution and publishing kind of realms, and we have developed the screenplay. So we are like, trying to I recently about three weeks ago got a manager in L A. So hopefully we'll try and push that forward. Now, maybe that will make the publishers pick it up. So I'm Kim Wheeler. I work at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, and we're testing here today at the Pride event, Um, the final pride event for the for [01:37:00] the year in Wellington and you're testing for we're testing for HIV and STIs. So the NZAF partners with sexual health clinic and we do a rapid test for, um, we're particularly focused on gay and bisexual men transgender, um, men and women, and also the African community because they're most vulnerable to HIV. And then our colleagues from the, um, sexual [01:37:30] health clinic provide a test for, um, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. So we've got it all covered, all the bases covered at the moment. So what will happen is we will attract clients in who need or haven't had a test in the last six months. Um, and they'll come in here and we will be able to provide them with that service. We notify everyone that if if they have a positive test Um but usually we send something out to say, Were you positive [01:38:00] or negative thoughts and things and then we refer them on to the to the health service. So this year is quite a significant year in terms of HIV and A I DS because I think it was 1981 when the first, um kind of public discussion was happening around AIDS in the US. Although it's got a longer history, we now know, um but where are we at nowadays, with HIV in New Zealand, So IV in New Zealand is still [01:38:30] on its way downwards So far as new infections are concerned, However, men who have sex with men, gay and bisexual men actually are most remain the most vulnerable group in New Zealand. Um and so we're still keeping that process going. It's very important for people we're we're now targeting. Our services are preventing transmission of HIV. Um however, when we are able to identify someone who is positive, [01:39:00] then we are able to facilitate their process into the system. So of course, as you know, um, people now with HIV, um, if they're on treatment early. Uh, their life expectancy is normal, so HIV is no longer what it used to be. Um, there are still a few people, sadly, who present too late, um, and have a DS. And so you can be treated [01:39:30] very well for AIDS at at this time. But it is very difficult. It's much more challenging to come back from an aid diagnosis than it is to start treatment earlier. Remain undetectable. And that means as a person living with IV, you cannot transmit HIV to other people. We're currently a year into the COVID-19 global pandemic. And I'm wondering, are there any resonances between [01:40:00] what happened with a I DS in the eighties to what is happening now with covid? There's certainly if if HIV and a I DS had got the same response that we had to have to covid, we would potentially be in a much better situation at the moment. Certainly covid has affected um, many processes many countries. So all over the world, there are people who [01:40:30] are potentially not accessing testing, not able to get, um, ongoing ST I testing, um, and not able to get on, therefore not able to get on to treatment. But in relation to covid, I think we haven't seen there was a change, of course, during the lockdown, with people having, um, But we were offering The AIDS foundation was offering actually home test kits so people could do their own testing at home. [01:41:00] And has there been a change in the actual, um, sexual behaviour as well? Because, I mean, for a time, um, it was very much keep to your bubble. You know, when we were in lockdown, um, and and there was a move away from, say, casual encounters and also things like, um, the sex on site venues have seen a decrease in people going there. So So, um, yeah. Do you have any comments on the on the change in in kind of in terms of behaviour, Or I think, Well, definitely. [01:41:30] With everything closed, people have have reduced, um, the the opportunities for, um, uh, random sexual encounter, I suppose, have have reduced somewhat. And, um, but because New Zealand was in such a good situation, I think that we as we've progressed into level two away from the lockdown, I think we've We've come through that, and so people are back to [01:42:00] their normal lives now. Yeah. Um, there has been a change. Um, for example, in Wellington here, with, uh, one of the six on site venues has recently closed down. Um, so you know, there are there are less options, but now many people are, you know, able to hook up online through grinder and those sorts of So So why is it important for Athena Centre, the AIDS Foundation, to be here today at this event? [01:42:30] The New Zealand Aid Foundation is very, um, important, well known organisation. In response to HIV, um, we have recently moved from A We've become a service and outreach, a melded service where the the foundation was providing two areas of service previously, and the two, components of service have come together. Um and so we tend to target our services [01:43:00] now in this prevention, testing and prevention area. Um, it is always good for the AIDS foundation to be seen, um, in events like this, and it's wonderful to be able to contribute to the health of people you know, in potentially very vulnerable situations. So it's a very powerful thing. We're also able to promote our ongoing services this way. Um, and while a test today, [01:43:30] um, you know, a person having a test today who may not have tested for some time is actually it's very helpful to then engage in the service as well, uh, and continuously engage. So today I'm here with the young nets, but more broadly, the New Zealand National Party. And why is it important for the young Nets to be here? Well, it's important because a vast number of our members are of, um, the LGBT community. So it's great to show that we're here in including them [01:44:00] in making they making sure that they feel included. Um, no matter what and what's been the reaction to the nationals, uh, stall here today. Good, good, and very receptive also to the young Nets. Because obviously, we came out early on the ban of gay conversion therapy. And when we pushed the party, um, to to back it as well. The reception trust has been fantastic today. So the young nets are supporting the conversion therapy ban? Yes. And what what about other legislation [01:44:30] that or or things that you want changed for Rainbow Communities? I think there's a vast number of things. I mean, we always go back and consultate with our members, and it's always what the members want to see. That at the end of the day, Is there a particular policy off the top of my head? No, I don't have that. But we're always engaging with members and making sure that their views are represented. How did you get involved with the young Nats? Well, I've been involved with the young Nats now for about three years. Um, I'm originally from the Hawke's Bay, um so followed the party back home. And when I came down here, I got involved, Um, [01:45:00] at a at a week, I should say, What are the what are the things that draw you to the young Nets as opposed to another political party? I think it comes down to the values of the party. Um, things like personal responsibility, freedom of enterprise. That's what really resonate with me. And that's the reason why, uh, I joined the young Nets as its youth wing, but also the party as well. And how are rainbow people represented within young nets? Do you have, like, a a caucus or how how does that work. So within the party, there's National with Pride, which is [01:45:30] a interest group of, um, that represent that community. Um, and also within the Nats. There's also quite a few, um, members who are also members of the LGBT community. So they was. They're very, um, well represented and always can feel like they can reach out to whoever's in the various different levels of leadership. Yeah, and for you personally, um, what is it, like attending or being part of these kind of events? Oh, it's great, I. I think the atmosphere that at these events are are second to none. And it's always positive to see how [01:46:00] how everyone here is having such a great time. And everyone's here for genuinely the right reason, which I really enjoy, right? So my name is Samantha Bush, and I work for the Ministry for Primary Industries, and I'm here supporting the Primary Pride Network within the the industries. Yeah. So how long has the Primary Pride Network been around? Um, well, there was the first iteration, but the second iteration that I've been involved in has been about 2.5 years now. And so what does it do? Um, [01:46:30] basically, we support a diverse and inclusive, um, network throughout the whole of the the Ministry for primary industries, making sure that everybody feels welcome to bring their whole Selves to work every single day and making sure that they get the support that they need when things do go wrong or happen. So what are the benefits from working at NP? I, um Well, basically, there's a lot of different places that you can be. They're all over the the regions and all over the country as well as overseas. So many opportunities for you to grow and do different things. I've known a lot of people who've gone through the ministry and started in one place and end up [01:47:00] in a completely different place in the ministry because they found something that interests them. Um, and because we're making it a more diverse and inclusive place to work, we think that it's a really great place for the rainbow community to work. So So, what areas does MP I cover? Um, there's forestry, new, uh, New Zealand Food safety. We have biosecurity, we have fisheries, and then we just have our corporate services, which manages all of the different areas. And why is it important to be here today? I think to show people that our ministries are becoming more inclusive and showing that our rainbow at MP I come [01:47:30] here and see us and know that they're working in a place where they have that support, where they've got people who are just like them and want them to bring their whole Selves to work. Can you describe the the the number of people here today and the kind of the atmosphere? The atmosphere has been electric today. We were part of the march that ended here at Michael Centre this morning and just the amount of people that were there. And today we've had so many people come through the doors. It's been hundreds. I think, um, I wouldn't I would I wouldn't have been able to count. It's been so many people, but met so many wonderful people [01:48:00] saw so many politicians around, which is really encouraging, um, to see the parties here representing the youth and that kind of thing. It's really amazing. It's it's been super great and the entertainment has been wonderful. So my name's Gavin. I'm a trustee and the treasurer of the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand. Um, trust. And we are the owners, if you like, for the community of a community archive that's housed at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Yeah, and at the store today, we've [01:48:30] been, um, talking mainly for people who are interested in some of our recent creative output. Like the archive is a live, uh, zine that we've, um, collaborated on with, um Wellington Zine Fest recently. And we've been signing up volunteers, and yeah, I'm just generally talking about what the archives are up to, and in particular, our plans to create a create a digital archive and do digitization of their collection items and our finding aids. That sounds very exciting. Tell me more. Um Well, [01:49:00] I think our our immediate focus is on, um, digitising our index card catalogue, which is a, you know, a printed print card based catalogue. We've made photographs of every card. We've run an OCR process, you know that recognises the text on them, but we've got 7.5 1000 cards that need to have that final 10% of text. Um, errors kind of corrected online. And we're planning to run an event later this year that we're calling a transcriber [01:49:30] on. We want to involve people across the whole country, um, working with us online, You know, we'll connect with them via zoom, you know, zoom chats and so on. Get them involved in helping us transcribe, Um, those index cards and we're gonna make a fun event out of it will happen across the whole day. Um, but we think that's a great way for us as a Wellington based archive to kind of connect with people that want to understand what the archive is all about. All across New Zealand, I imagine a fun [01:50:00] and exciting event, but also an event where you could be uncovering some real treasures. Yeah, absolutely. I think, um, we we did a pilot with their posters, uh, index cards and the the the few volunteers that we got to help out with that were really stimulated by the breadth of the subject material. They were really interested in the way that we described items and we got lots of engagement about the subject terms we were using as a as a community archive. It's important that the way we describe things reflects [01:50:30] the language that people use these days, um, to describe items. So we got lots of engagement about that, And people really enjoyed, you know, being exposed to, you know, quite a wide range of material and subject matter. So that language of description Does that mean that you actually then have to retrospectively go back to, um, older indexes? Older cards and Andre interpret them? Well, I think we'll always retain the original metadata that they had, but we'll certainly we're very open [01:51:00] to kind of. And we're keen to kind of supplement those those subject terms so that they they they can, um, kind of, uh be found and discovered by people using modern modern language. Yeah, so that that's that's another aspect of our work programme. We've got a got a plan to do that, Um, and but it's really important that we get community input into what terms we use. So we that's part of what we would do during the transcribe is maybe have AAA Forum, an online forum where people [01:51:30] can say they they find a term that they think, Oh, it's not quite the right match. How about using this language. I want them to come and contribute that and be part of the discussion and the dialogue about about how we, um, index material and make it discoverable. Yeah. So once things have been indexed and made discoverable, uh, what happens then? Well, we're fortunate enough that we've received some funding to get particular collection items digitised so they'll be photographed, um, [01:52:00] and then, uh, stored in a in a range of electronic formats. And then they'll be linked up with these, um, index cards that describe them so that when people search for particular items, if that item is available electronically or digitally, then they'll be able to access it directly online. Um, so that's that's a big programme of work. But we're making a start by piloting with a range of different, um, items across video, audio, photograph, collections, posters, manuscript [01:52:30] collections and and we wanna we wanna select items that, um, have got kind of current interest and particularly items that kind of connect with the school curriculum. Um, you know, particularly for high school students who are learning about activism, including homosexual, the homosexual law reform period. That's that's one particular focus. So we want we'll select items that are good to help us understand what our correct digitization processes should be. [01:53:00] Pilot items that they're going to be relevant to has legs. Noticed an increase in schools wanting to, um, dive into the collections and use the collections. Yeah, absolutely. Um, we regularly get requests for school visits from Wellington schools, and some of them have even come from as far away as the Hawke's Bay, which is fantastic. Um, so we you know, we encourage that, and it's we we're finding even at the store today. We're being approached by, [01:53:30] um, youngsters that, you know, visited the archives maybe even two years ago, and they've come back and kind of wanna want to kind of maintain the connection with us, which is which is awesome. Yeah. So this is the first time, um, out in the park is now out in the city and it's in the Michael Fowler Centre. How has the space been for? And, um, can you describe the, um, the atmosphere today? Well, I think, um, we think the atmosphere is fantastic, and it's it's amazing to see so many young people [01:54:00] and families here. The space has worked really well, for us, it's great. And people can just sort of, like, promenade past us, Um, and come and come and see us. And we're not having to deal with, um, holding our paper materials down in the wind. Um, we could have a, you know, a nice, um, stable display. It's great. I we're in the second tier, and the ceiling was a bit too low for for me to put up the banner. I was going to end up creating a sort of a health hazard. [01:54:30] Um, if I put the tried to put the banner up, but that's that's not a major grumble, because we've been able to have this other display materials. So I think generally it's been a really positive, um, experience for us. And it's, um I I'd be very happy if they continue with this format. Um, next year. Yeah. And can you describe, um, the the the mood of the crowd? Oh, I think very celebratory. Lots of smiles on people's faces. People [01:55:00] willing to come up and have a chat. Um, yeah, it's been brilliant. Yeah. Hi. Um, I'm James Malcolm. I'm here with outline today. We're a nationwide, uh, Rainbow Mental Health Organisation and we offer peer support services around the country free and anonymous. Yeah. How has Covid impacted on what outline has been doing? Um, so we've been really fortunate, actually. And we've had an awesome partnership with spark, and they've been able to help us. So we used [01:55:30] to do all of our, uh, peer support, uh, over the phone. In our support line, people used to have to come into the office, and we're actually really, um, able to really quickly have a turnaround into remote volunteering. Which means that now volunteers can, uh, take calls from home. And that's been like a huge game changer for us. And it actually meant that we were able to continue our services pretty uninterrupted throughout covid and and have the type of inquiries or calls changed over the over the last year. Yeah, there's definitely [01:56:00] been a lot more, uh, isolation has, like, been a huge, uh, issue for I mean all communities. But, like, especially this ram, the rainbow community, uh, has had a lot of time that when you're locked down with your family who might not be as accepting or just like, away from your chosen family and your support networks. That can be tough. So definitely that has been something that we've seen an increase on. So how did you get involved? Oh, I apply. I've been working at outline for three years now. I'm the communications coordinator. Um and I just, uh I don't [01:56:30] know. I just I was working in hospitals. To be honest, I was like, Oh, this seems like a better job to be able to to work for the community and, uh, expand outline's name. And I think we've done a really cool job at at getting the word out there in the last three years and or and beyond. And so why is, um, it important for outline to be here today? It's really important to outline. I mean, specifically, uh uh, because we have Historically, we're a nationwide organisation and so it's really important for us to branch outside of Auckland like historically, we, [01:57:00] uh, have always been a his a nationwide organisation. But it's just starting to become a really big priority for us to, uh, expand our marketing and let people know more about us. Outside of Auckland, that's been like a big focus of our organisation. Um, so, yeah, we're really excited to be here. It's the first time in recent time, anyway, that we've been in Wellington for pride. And can you describe the atmosphere today because it's been, I'm sure thousands of people have been through totally. Yeah, it's been a great atmosphere. Everyone's having a great time. It's really cool to see all different types of people coming together and celebrating [01:57:30] pride. It's like, Yeah, it's a great It's a great thing to watch Jan. Earlier today, there was a protest outside the Michael Ler Centre by, um, AAA Small group, and that was counted by a larger group who were protesting their protest. Um, I was just wondering, do you have any comment on that? So, um, I saw the counter protest in front of him. Um, and really, What it demonstrated to me was that this is a very, very [01:58:00] small group of people who are not in step with the community as a whole, and, um and that just feels so obvious when I come into the space and the diversity and the energy and the sense of just kind of joy in the event. Um So that's what I'm taking away from this. How do you think? Because there's obviously quite divergent views. How How do we get [01:58:30] through this? Um, the sense I have is we just need to keep moving to progress. Uh, trans non-binary and intersex rights, and and, like other things that are and kind of politics that are fear based, is usually once you progress the rights, people realise that actually, their fears are unfounded. And we just need to keep moving. And people will realise that you know, the world is they not maybe a little bit better [01:59:00] than it was before. One of the things that really stood out to me was the strength of, um the protest against the protest and and just the amount of people and the diversity of people that were protest that that were standing up and saying, No, this is not right. Absolutely. And, um, you know, when I initially heard that there was going to be that protest I, I just felt quite sad about it. And, you know, for some of the [01:59:30] people, at least who have been respected elders in our community, um, and that they would be putting themselves just at such odds with the community and isolating themselves in effect, um, just makes me quite sad for them. Yeah, and that's because it's causing harm in terms of the views. But actually, when I see the strength of the community in this context, [02:00:00] actually the strength of the community will outweigh those marginal views. And it was also quite interesting that, um it was a AAA wide range of ages. It wasn't kind of young against old. It was. It was It was a wide group of people. Yeah, absolutely. And, um, and this it on some levels. This doesn't feel new to me. It feels to me like a little bit like some of the discussions [02:00:30] we had in the nineties and others were having in the eighties before I was out. Um, around kind of the, you know, the place of bisexual women and the lesbian community as an example. And, um and we we may have not got to the perfect place, but the heat of that's gone. Um, and, um and I just Yeah, I and it feels like actually we're in a much better space as a community in [02:01:00] terms of far more connected across our diversity than perhaps we have ever been, which I think is a great thing. And I, I just which is not what I was expecting to feel today. I feel as if I'm far more connected to the strengths of our community and wanting to focus on that than I am. Um, the descent. And I've certainly felt those strengths within the MFC. Um, there are quite a few new groups. Um, there was a a new [02:01:30] refugee and migrant group. Um, there was the Indian group that are that are here now, and, um and these have just formed in the last year. Yeah, absolutely. And seeing people with stickers around, you know, ending racism and that being part of our collective voice, I mean, that makes me so happy. It really does. And that we started this festival with which, through my mind and was just it felt to me [02:02:00] a a coming home for our community to a space that many of us have never experienced before and was deeply affirming. Yeah. So finally, how would you sum up today? What? What? What's the feeling? You take away connectedness and solidarity. And, um, and joy. Three words. Never been good at keeping [02:02:30] to instructions.
This page features computer generated text of the source audio. It may contain errors or omissions, so always listen back to the original media to confirm content.
Tags