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Hi. My name is I'm from Hawaii, and I'm here today to support this movement. Um, and hopefully gain more education about New Zealand. Queer, I would say, um and it's just really exciting to be here. Thank you. I'm Bernard Lee. Um, stop it. I'm I'm from born raised in Borneo. Uh, but I spent some time in the States in Austin, Texas came back, was here [00:00:30] since, uh, came down to Wellington to study. I've been in Wellington since 2010. July is my It's been five years, So love it. Second home. So, uh, describe for me where we are and what we are a part of today. Um, we're at the New Zealand National Library in Wellington. We're in an organisation. Well, we're in a place that's organised by the gangs. Would you say that? Yeah, that that's correct. And it's [00:01:00] a wonderful place where communities get to share their stories and history and how how they got together, how they formed and the history behind each community and group. Um, basically sharing their their how they how they got together. Yeah, love it. So there's quite a few groups here today. Um what what have been some of your favourite kind of stalls or or speeches that you've heard. I really enjoyed the youth groups that came out. Um, they're [00:01:30] definitely representing, and I think it's really great that a lot of youth are being educated about these kinds of access tools that they have now. Um, Lakesha earlier said that she wishes that there was information for her when she was younger. Um, but I think it's great that there's a huge youth representation here today, just kind of sharing their identity and where they are and who they're helping. And it's a great message. I agree with, uh, Walter as well. Um, the youth are [00:02:00] from transform Rainbow Youth inside out. Um, naming new are are all form well, all organised by the youth themselves and from such a small group. That actually does a lot, which is astounding, which is really, really informative, and especially what they said about this transgender community and having their information out for the public and for the medical [00:02:30] side. And we well, we want the youth to have access to all those informations correctly as well. Um, and the lack, another group that actually touched my heart was the, uh, the Chrissy Trust Memorial, which shared an in depth understanding of what the older generation had to deal with in the past. When when a person dies, if the families are not supporting [00:03:00] them, um, it's hard. So I get from that. It took, uh, well, it it gave me an understanding of how, um, seniors and the older generation had to go through and is dealing with at the moment which, um, which sort of touched my heart? Yeah. So we're in 2015, and we're coming towards the 30th anniversary of homosexual law reform in New Zealand. Both of you, from coming outside of New Zealand [00:03:30] coming into here. What do you think? Um, it's like for rainbow people in New Zealand. Compared to say, um, uh, other parts of the world. Well, I'm from Hawaii, and we've had civil union, which isn't necessarily a legal marriage. We've had it for a while since the early nineties, I believe. Um, but my husband and I just got married this year, and I think it's I think it's great coming from Well, I would say air quote America. Um, just [00:04:00] because I feel like there's a freedom in Wellington, especially to walk around with my husband and be affectionate instead of having to withhold my affections in public. I know there are certain parts of America that don't appreciate or don't acknowledge freedoms for all. And I think in New Zealand, especially with this with the passing of the law in 1986 and I think it's just really fantastic. And I hope that they continue with [00:04:30] the movement and open more freedoms and more doors for queer individuals. Um, 1986 was the year I was born. Exactly, exactly 1986 was the year I was born. Next year I'm going to be 30 Exactly like the, uh, how long has law reform has been in New Zealand? So, um, I'm excited. I'm excited. And, um, it is It is really [00:05:00] It's heartwarming to know that I could I could be in New Zealand and be myself and coming out for me wasn't that fruitful or eventful? I guess. Um, and being when I arrived here, like, five years ago, that's when I came out to my mom, and it was it was She still has, uh, ideas of me [00:05:30] being in a phase. I guess so. Being away and being myself here kind of makes it worthwhile. And knowing that I'm celebrating my birthday as along with the law, reform makes it so much better.
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