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Uh, my name is Remy. I'm from Auckland, specifically, uh, area south Auckland. How did you find out about the this year? Uh, I was actually contacted by, uh, the group called Rainbow Collective. So it was I was at a youth fun that they held last year. Um, that was my first like event within our community that I attended. So I was asked to come to this one as well. So yeah, what are some of your favourite things? That about [00:00:30] the I think it was really, uh it was really great how everyone was so open and welcoming. And everyone was like, I feel like we all benefited in some way or another by learning from each other. And I think that, um it's really important that we continue to share our stories to, you know, make things better for future generations. If there was anything you'd like to talk to people to let people know about who is like, maybe why to [00:01:00] come to them, for example, what would you say? I would say that it's definitely an experience like before I ever attended anything like this. Like, I don't think anyone could have explained to me the feeling like it. It is a really. It is a really good, warm, welcoming feeling. I just tried to explain it just then, but I don't. You know, it's one of those things where you have to experience it for yourself. You know, it's if you feel like, you know, you're interested in these sort of things and wanna see, like minded open people. Then I recommend that you should attend. [00:01:30] Yeah, my name is is. And how do you identify yourself? Identify as, uh, whereabouts Are you from? And how did you hear about this? Um, so I'm from south Auckland and, um, Central. Um, and I heard about the through, um, the organisation member collective as I do work with him and stuff. And yeah, um, when do you? When you came to this, what did you expect? [00:02:00] Um, I really didn't know what to expect, because it I've, um It's my first year. Um, and it was also my first time out of Auckland. So like I was expecting, I don't know exactly what I was expecting. I just knew that I was gonna be around like minded people, and I was just I was just really excited about a lot of that. People have talked about at a Sometimes you come here and walls between people, [00:02:30] um, that usually exist on the outside. Just kind of go away in here really fast and that you get to meet people. Uh, do you agree with that? Or disagree. And, um, do you have any experiences with that at this? Um well, for me, personally, I don't, um I try not to put a pause. I try and, um, always keep it up in mind. And I'm not one to listen to gossip and stuff like that. Um, [00:03:00] I'm really keen to meet everyone and see how they how they are and stuff. Um, this who is, um, has been for me a really safe place. Um, where we can just come voice our opinions, um, and not create some like conflict. Um, we're just and I know it sounds cheesy. We're just free to, you know, be us. Hi. Uh, what's your name? Hello. My name is [00:03:30] Bianca and I am 14 and I'm from Auckland. And how would you identify yourself? I identify as a transgender woman. So from male to female, whereabouts are you from. And how did you find out about this? Who so, Like I said, I'm from the Auckland. But I'm from the south of Auckland from a little town called and I'm involved in a, um I'm actually one of the lead girls for our organisation we're working with called [00:04:00] and I came with Chinese at this so far, what has been one of your favourite experiences? The food. We've been completely on earth and the workshops are amazing as well. I mean, like, I got to learn so much more about different aspects of everything around the LGBT Q I community. Is this your first? No, I've been [00:04:30] to and glitch and I mean, how was big and it was cold, but I was mostly laid back than this. So there wasn't as much workshops, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Um, glitch was, in my opinion, if we're going to be completely honest, wasn't really, um, organised compared to this. I mean, like, I just loved it like everything was just done. Done, done, [00:05:00] done. Do you hear me? Have you found yourself maybe getting an experience here that others might like to know, say, like meeting somebody that you didn't expect to meet that you had a lot in common with, or maybe getting closer to somebody you already did. Totally. Yeah, like, Yeah, yeah, she like I met, um, Robben from down in Nelson. [00:05:30] And we just travelled a lot like we sort of had similar goals in life. And it was really cool. Like hearing her side of the story. Yeah. And what about the workshops? Can you maybe talk about an experience from there at the workshops? It's pretty much stuff I've heard before, but, I mean, in terms of the way they presented it, um, it was a little bit boring. If I'm gonna be honest, I'm in, like, [00:06:00] Yeah, I was just, like, facts, facts, facts. No, like, do you get me? Like it was just really boring, but like at the same time, I was really informative. If somebody, uh, wasn't sure about coming to a and they were going to talk to you, what would you say to them? I would encourage them to come because, I mean, deep down, like with every person who's leaving here, it's sort of growing them. You know, I recommend [00:06:30] everyone to come because it's like there's, like, some stuff that you get that, you know, you get stuff out of this. Like, even if it's something little, you still take away something with you. Like with myself. I'm taking away new meanings, definitions, skills, the way to keep myself safe. Condoms. You get me? Hey, there. Uh, what's your name? Um, my name is Peter Williams. And how would you identify yourself? Uh, well, most people would, [00:07:00] um, to do with pronouns would, um, go by male pronouns. I would go through male pronouns, Um, otherwise I I identify as also, and whereabouts are you from? And how did you find out about this? Who? I'm from Auckland, Um, in South Auckland. Um, so, yeah, 9.5 hours. And, um, I heard about this. Who through my organisation. It was, um, an awesome opportunity [00:07:30] that I heard about, um to come and engage with the Wellington or family. Um, and to hear their voices and to be a part of the, um, discussion with the youth around what their concerns are their opinions and what their, um their vision is for the future. So, um, I heard about it through my organisation, and I was really excited to come, and it totally met my expectations and more. Do you want to describe your organisation briefly? [00:08:00] Yeah. So, um, I come from an organisation called Village Collective, and we're the Pacific Sexual Health Organisation ministry, uh, funded by the Ministry of Health. Um, our role in the community is to deliver sessions in schools, um, develop resources and, um, engage with the community around education and, um, bringing awareness to, um, how to be safe and build relationships [00:08:30] and so on and so on. So it's, um, a whole lot of it's quite a holistic approach that we have towards sexual health. Um, but it's all about the well being of our of our young people. What you doing? Yeah. Do you find some of your goals at your organisation? Are in line somewhat with this. I Absolutely Yeah. Judging from the topics that were discussed, it totally aligned with, um with what? Our goals are as an organisation, [00:09:00] and it just, um it gave us that reassurance also, that we are going on the right track. Um, from being here at the it gave us that reassurance that yes, we should continue to go in this area because young people still, um, have concerns over this and that and this and that. So, yeah. Is this your first you've been to? This is my first shift to, um I've been to glitch, um, beforehand, which is earlier [00:09:30] this year. But this is my first shift to it. Yeah. Uh, would you like to maybe talk about the differences between the the differences between the I think, um, the glitchy focuses solely on, um, the decolonization of our people, Um, and focuses solely on minorities, Um, within sexuality, culture, background. Um, um, those who migrate here to [00:10:00] the country. So it was a It was just a general. Um, it was it was talking about the general, um, diversities in our in our country and how we can better cater to each of them. Whereas I feel the shift to focuses on, um, our overall community, our rainbow community, and how we can better serve our young people to be the, um, the leading force for our next generation. Yeah, which was what? It's [00:10:30] definitely what I got from the was, um it was empowering our young people to be bigger and better in the future. OK, I live in Wellington and I work in coast at a youth health centre. Um, and I heard about the through a tabby an email because I'm connected to inside out through a database, I guess. And, um, I'll see you all by an email. Why did you think [00:11:00] it was important for to bring yourself here in the background and my job? I have the privilege of working full time as a counsellor, but also, I facilitate, uh, a non hetro social hub, Um, which is, um, where I thought it would be really important and essential to allow these young people an opportunity to meet other people from the region and feel less isolated alone. [00:11:30] And that's why I wanted to mainly bring them. And I wanted to come along and be of value if possible, and my counsellor role to support other young people. So that's why I sort of brought myself as a counsellor and brought the young people for an opportunity to explore who they are. If you were to talk about one thing at this that you found valuable, what would that be for myself as a 30 year old um, coming as [00:12:00] the coun as a counsellor to support young people. What I personally took out of it was a real authentic, an authentic sense of the struggles that young people go through firsthand. I witnessed. And I was a part of privilege to be a part of some really tough, tough moments for these young people, from panic attacks to wanting to self harm, to wanting to give up because of how triggering some of this stuff was in a way of [00:12:30] realising how hard their life feels. And so as a counsellor, I've taken out a sense of a humbled and a wake up call to remind me maybe, of what it's like in action that these young people go through because often as a counsellor, you get you get to see them after the fact after the panic attack or after the self harm. But this was a really eye opening confronting look into what young people actually go through. So that's what I personally go through. Do you want to know [00:13:00] what I think the young people in the group went through or got out of it? Or just me? Uh, you can talk a bit about that, but I would like to hear your own experiences. Mostly No II, I guess for my own. OK, I'll just speak to my own experiences. The other thing I got out of this was feeling like as a as a slightly older young, gay gay person in the community. I felt like I was able to feel a part of something bigger, a part of a community, because I have felt also quite disjointed from the community because of [00:13:30] my own fears and worries. Sometimes so coming here has allowed me to feel connected again in a way of other like minded young adults or adults to have a similar purpose about supporting the people that are coming after us, that they can use some of our wisdom and guidance to heal to, um, get to to find a, to find a path that is authentic, true healing here. Just I guess it's just also [00:14:00] for me about networking, feeling like I've got a place that I fit into as an older person as well. So that was really supportive. Uh, and one final question. If somebody wasn't sure about whether they should go to a or not most likely, a young person, I guess. Uh, what would you tell them? I would challenge all their thoughts around why they don't want to come and sort of sit with that and kind of to to to ring up, to ring up and talk to one of the [00:14:30] organisers of the to have a personal talk or meet them in person and then so you can actually have a chance if you need to. If it's really scary to just speak out some of the worries you've got, whether it's about that you take medication, you don't know if you can take it or I can't eat certain foods or I don't like sleeping in with other people. Speak it out, name it with them because the Hui organisers will be able to help lessen that fear by reassuring you by giving you information because knowledge is power and if we [00:15:00] actually let out our fears, we have a chance to actually see if they actually are real or if it's just us like con con, you know, catastrophizing. Making it bigger than it is in our minds are really good at that. So yeah, just asking other young people that you may possibly know that are going. And if you don't, if you're new to this, just ring up the organisers send them an email, get them to call you back and get them to do their job, which is to support you and making a choice that's safe and being really clear also with some of the things you struggle with so that they can know how to look after you during the because [00:15:30] they will have support of people there. They should have support of people there to, um, to help you through help you through. Um, some of the challenges because that's the point. We're not all perfect. We all have our colourful backgrounds and our issues that we go through. And it's about, um, letting people know how to support so that they can and they will want to. That's been that's what I've seen this that I've just been to. And that's been really rich and amazing. Hi, there. What's your name and how do you identify yourself? Um, [00:16:00] sky, I'm just a trans man and whereabouts are you from, And how did you find out about this? Uh, currently living in Christchurch. And I found out the, uh, via Facebook just randomly posted on Facebook. I'm like, Oh, check that out. Yeah. Have you experienced previous Huy before? I was at two years ago here? Yeah. How did you find this, Huy? Compared to the two [00:16:30] years ago, um, I knew what I was coming in for this time. Like last time, it was going to be a whole new experience. Um, very similar, but a lot less sleep this time than last time. Um, and it's nice to see a lot of younger faces that I haven't met before. How would you find the differences coming in a couple of years older than last time? Um, I feel a lot older than everyone [00:17:00] now. Um, instead of being about the same age as everyone, like everyone hit here. Still in high school. I left high school three years ago. Um, so it's kind of funny to hear them talking about high school, and then I struggle to remember high school. Um, yeah, it's nice passing on the wisdom kind of thing. So they have knowledge, and they have knowledge that is teaching me. Did you make any connections? with many people at this that you hadn't previously [00:17:30] met before. A lot of people I trade when they come not to go and talk to people. I know, Um, because, you know, there's only so much I already know them. Do you know there's kind of that level? Yeah. I already know you. So I'm gonna meet someone who I don't know and actually learn more about them. Um, but it was interesting to hear different people's perspective. Most of the queer stories I've heard have been from white people. Although I grew up in a very island populated area. I didn't talk to them a lot and going through school. [00:18:00] All my friends are white, So getting that kind of side of the story was kind of cool. OK, One final question. If somebody, particularly a youth, was really excited or worried about coming to and they didn't really know what it was like, how would you encourage them? Um, it's one of the most amazing experiences for a young person like you're coming into a space where you're no longer the minority. Like here. Being sis [00:18:30] or straight is kind of the the abnormality, and, um, yeah, It's really supportive space. No one judges you or expects anything from you. You're just you and free to be who you want to be here. I'm Dean, and I'm gay. Whereabouts are you from? And how did you find out about the, uh and I found out about Rainbow Goose. I was asked to come along, um, by one [00:19:00] of the members. Why did you decide that? It was important, Um, because it was about young people about the, um, sort of inspire, like, inspiring communities. So I thought it'd be quite cool to learn about and those other people, stories and stuff. So I thought it would be quite cool to come along and, like, listen to other people and, um, gain knowledge to bring back take back to and you say, take back to Do you think there was anything that you will be taking back to And what might [00:19:30] that be? Um, probably more about, um, sort of different cultures and how we can identify them and work with them as well as, um, different gender identities and sexualities. Um, because there's stuff that I didn't know, and it'd be quite nice to, um, to share what I now know with people who may be questioning your own identities Still coming into this space, Have you Did you know what to expect? Had you been to a before? Um, I've been to the, um, facilitator training for, [00:20:00] um, youth. So I knew a little bit about what they were like, but, um, this is definitely a lot more, um, engaging. There was a lot more happening. Um, more people, quite. Yeah, it was just a lot larger. And there was a and the workshops were a lot more intense, so they're a bit more. Um, it was really exciting. There was so much to learn. If there was one main highlight or example say, like, a workshop or meeting a certain person, What might that be? Um, I [00:20:30] would probably say, just like meeting new people, especially people who had, um, gender or sexuality identities that were new to me And like being able to find out more about them And how they felt with, um, like about, um, with them. And also just like all the workshops in general were really inspiring. Like they just had key features that just stood out. Um, like some of them. I was just, like, learning. Like the way there was discussions around them, like people could like, express like, [00:21:00] express their own ideas and feed into it. And it was just quite nice to like share those experiences. If there was somebody not quite sure about coming to a what would you share about the that might change their mind? Um, the fact that it's so everyone's so equal. Like there's no minorities. Everybody can feel good about themselves and especially who they are without fear of judgement. And they can also learn so much. It's just so much to learn here. Um, unlike, uh, out [00:21:30] in the community when like in your own hometown, for example, there's a lot less to like. It's harder to find information. Whereas here it's all there. It's all in front of you. And you have real life experiences. Unlike going on like the Internet and finding examples that sort of stuff so you can actually see it for yourself. Hi there. Uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Um, my name is Ken and I identify as male. Is this your first? No, I went to [00:22:00] a few years back. Can you maybe point out some of the differences between this and the previous one? Uh, mostly the people like there's a lot less people here this year, but it didn't really detract from the overall experience. It just made it a bit more Feel a bit more like communal. Almost. Yeah. Did you get to make some connections with new people while you were here? Yeah, I made quite a few new friends. It was really good. Could you tell me maybe an example of somebody that you [00:22:30] found some? Something uncommon with, um Well, when we first got here, I ended up bonding over the general awkwardness after the greeting with one of the owners who ended up being the owner of my group. So there was that talking about this. We had so many different workshops and activities and things, and it can be kind of overwhelming. But did you still think you managed to take away something from all the [00:23:00] time that you were here? Yeah. I definitely feel like I managed to take something away like there was a lot of, like, new information just from the workshops and that. But then there's just the general like sense of knowing more people who are in similar situations. And just that in itself is really nice. One like workshop that I really, really enjoyed was the first one that we actually did, um, Morgan's workshop, like on gender and sexuality. That was really, really interesting. And like I knew a lot of the stuff that we talked about, [00:23:30] but there was still, like, a few new things and new terms and stuff that I learned it was really good. And how long do you think that you've been in the community of discussing sexuality? Gender sex? Probably like around 2, 2.5 years now, I guess, Yeah. Do you think it's an ever learning process? Oh, definitely. Yeah. And one final question if somebody wasn't sure [00:24:00] about coming to a and they didn't really know what to expect. Um, what would you tell them? Well, honestly, for everyone, it's really, really awkward at first, but it doesn't. It takes, like, not long at all to get over the general awkwardness. And you just find that everyone here is really kind and accepting. No matter who you are, they just are kind of there and don't really care. They just like you for who you are. It's really great. There's just an overall sense of community. That's amazing. Hey, [00:24:30] there, uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Uh um, My name is Amy. I'm a Maori Trans woman and a lesbian. And how did you find out about this? Um, Tabby, the organiser invited me to come down to speak on a panel. Um, so that's how I found out about it. And that's how I managed to get all that on to for it. And where did you come from? Um, I live in, so it was a bit of a track down. Have you been to any previous [00:25:00] before? Yeah. Yeah, um, I've been to and I sort of helped out with the, um, organisation for glitch. Um, earlier this year. What are some big differences you found between the who and who? And Glitch? Um, well, obviously, this is a youth. So, um, the demographic obviously, um a lot more young people, which is interesting. Um, it's, like, really cool to see, like, a lot of young people who honestly know, like, a lot more about [00:25:30] like queer stuff than I did when I was their age. It's always really interesting to see that Hui is always a really interesting place to be. Um, it can be a little stressful being away from home, um, with a lot of people who you don't know. But like every time I've gone to Hui, I've always ended up making friends with a lot of people. Um, so I definitely don't think that if you're apprehensive about coming to Hui, I definitely think there's a lot of value in doing it. Are there any, um, awesome connections or moments that you've had at this tour you [00:26:00] might like to share? Um, yeah, just bonding with people who I only knew on the Internet before this and making sick jokes at their expense. It's been really nice, Um, but it's just like we're actually like quite a small country. And so a lot of us sort of tangentially will know each other already. And so I'm meeting up in something like this and going to cities other than my own to meet people who I know but don't live near. It's been really great. Hi there. What's your name and how would you identify [00:26:30] yourself? My name is Maynard, and I would identify myself as a young trans man. Yeah. And where have you come from? I've come from Auckland. And how did you find out about this? Um, I first found out about this, um, from my friend, who is one of the, um, volunteer organisers. Why did you think it was important for you to be here? Well, initially, I was just My friend asked [00:27:00] me if I'd like to come and I I didn't really know much about it or what was gonna happen, but they kind of explained a little bit about what was going to go down at the and it sounded quite swell. And I was like, Oh, cool. But then when I got here, I ended up learning a lot more than I realised I would. So I noticed that you came in a bit late. How did you feel coming in Midway? Did you still feel welcome, or was it a bit different? Yeah, I definitely still felt welcome. Um, [00:27:30] I was quite nervous because I didn't know many people. Um but as soon as I got here, um, I just like I managed to meet a lot of friends, and that was really nice. Did you manage to make it to any of the workshops? Ah, yeah, I did. I went to a few, Um, I think maybe three or four and those were really cool. It was pretty red hearing from people within the community who, um, [00:28:00] like, not only do they identify as queer or amongst the not only are they part of the GL BT Q community, but they also face other adversity. So they still experience challenges within our community, which I found that really interesting. And it kind of put things into perspective for me a bit more. Could you talk about some of those challenges that you heard about? Yeah, I guess. Just, um, particularly people from different cultural [00:28:30] backgrounds. Um, I really like one of the speakers to, um, something they brought up. That kind of, um I found interesting was because they were, um, into sex. And I thought, and just some of the things I said I really believed in and sounded really important, like, um, you know, surgery being able to um yeah, just There were some things [00:29:00] I I was like Wow, that is so true. And I can't believe things are still this way. And we have I don't know, we There's a lot of progression to be made. I guess in all realms and many different realms of and, uh say what? What? How would you describe a to somebody that had absolutely no knowledge but were thinking about coming? Um, I would say it's a really great opportunity not only to meet a lot of different people and make a lot [00:29:30] of new friends, but also to, um, just build, Yeah, No, like you build connections and also you get to it. It kind of, um, like I I'm definitely going to walk away from this feeling really fortunate that I've, you know, I'm in my twenties, but I I'm surrounded by support of family and friends and I. I remember being young and it was really [00:30:00] hard, but at the same time, I don't know, I like personally, I just feel really fortunate. Um, because I think I'm like, compared to where I've been, I'm in a good place now, Um, so I think. But I think it's also, um, it's it's it's quite special to be around people who are a lot like you and also a lot different because, um, I don't know. It feels very homely. And it it's There's definitely a strong [00:30:30] feeling of belonging. I think that comes along with it. Um, my name's James. Um, I would identify myself as gender neutral when you were coming into this. What did you expect? Um, I expected to be entertained. And I was What were some of the things that you thought were valuable [00:31:00] from this that you might remember for a long time? Um, witnessing, seeing a lot of sad youths coming in first coming, probably coming from areas they don't love or families that are completely right and see them completely open up with others was really rewarding for me. If you were invited to another in the future, do you think you would come? And would you, [00:31:30] uh, try to bring others along? That might need it. Um, definitely. If I was available, Um, I don't know who I would invite. Most of the people that I know probably wouldn't come. So if say, you were confronted with somebody that you that was quite young but really wanted to come to the but had some fears. Um, what do you think that they should know about A to kind of like, [00:32:00] let them know that it's OK to be here. Um, I just let them know that there's always support all around them, and they'll be amongst people that are the same as them, or identify with what they're going through and just let them know that it could help them a lot. Um, my name is Jess. Um, I am a trans woman. Um, I'm androgynous [00:32:30] or a butch, Um, which I guess is my gender expression presentation to and where have you come from? And how have you heard about this? Um, I grew up in Hamilton, Spent most of my life there, but I live in Wellington now. Um, I'm Tabby's partner, and Tabby is one of the people who is the organisers. So that's how I heard about it. Have you been to many previous [00:33:00] Hu before this one? Um, I've been to a couple. Yeah, not heaps, but, um, do you want to talk about what they were? And maybe some of the differences between this one and the previous ones? Sure. I think the first I went to was in Tamaki, Um, which was a film, Um, which was It's not Not really a youth who so it was quite different in that way. [00:33:30] Um, and it was more around butch firm identities. Um, and then maybe the second one I went to was which is Yeah, two years ago from now, organised by the same people as this one. I guess it was quite similar in a lot of ways. Um, in terms of being a queer youth, who in the same space as this, um, yeah, [00:34:00] uh, drawing upon all of the workshops that you might have attended all of the people that you've talked to, the connections you've made. Can you think of any examples that you might take away that you might remember for a long time? I think just all of the openness that people have shared shared their like personal stuff. Um, I spoke on one of the panels, which was [00:34:30] I was quite nervous about beforehand, but I'm really happy with how it went. So, um yeah, I guess I feel a bit more better about public speaking since then. Um, yeah, and just I think the the the workshop was I thought it was just really cool. Um, yeah. I feel like I learned a lot from that. [00:35:00] Uh, thank you. And one last question, if there was somebody maybe quite young, maybe not. Um, and they were thinking about coming to a but they were quite worried. They have some fears. Um, how would you describe a hu to them To make them know that it's OK. Um, I'd say that it's just a really welcoming space. It's a space where people don't assume anything about you. Um, [00:35:30] or your kind of participation in in activities is optional. So you can kind of do what you want. Um, yeah. And you'll meet amazing people who will, you know, are really warm and just kind of wanna hear your stuff if you want to share it. Yeah. Hi, there. Uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Um, I'm Jay, also known as Joseph, And I am pansexual. [00:36:00] And where have you come from? I've come from, which is in the North Islands. How did you find out about this? Um, Tabby came to my youth group, Uh, a couple of years ago. And she told me about the one a couple of years ago. And since then I've just been waiting to come to this one as well. So I came to the last one. Um, the last one. Patrick, who are there? Any big differences you found between this one and the previous one? Um, [00:36:30] I was kind of sick, this one. So I didn't really notice a lot of changes, but yeah, it was pretty. It was really good. I like this one as well. There was a lot more people that I didn't know. How would you describe A to somebody that has no idea and is thinking about coming? It's a really safe environment, and it's really, really awesome to make friends and such for someone who's in a diverse in their school and stuff like that. So, yeah, why do you think people [00:37:00] keep coming back over and over because it's safe and it's really fun. And people feel safe here and they can be themselves. Could you describe a bit about why people feel safe in this place like this? Um, people are friendly here, and they don't judge you like they would like other people would anywhere else. So it makes you feel comfortable in being yourself here. Hi, I'm Kate. I am a gender fluid bisexual, and I'm [00:37:30] Abby and I'm bisexual. And where are you guys from? And how did you hear about this? Hoy? Um, I'm from Whitby, part of Wellington region, and I go to school up in college. And so after talking to the counsellors there, I joined into Project youth like the KYS Support group thing. And we got told about this through Andre, who runs Project Youth, and we all came down. So that's how [00:38:00] Yeah, pretty much the same. I just joined Project Youth with Kate and found out about it there. So And I'm also from Whitby. Have you guys been to any previous Hu before? I have never been to a previous. This is my first. This is also my first. So coming into the space for the first time, obviously you've never been to this. And, uh, what were you expecting? And were [00:38:30] your expectations changed at all? I have no idea what I was expecting. I was almost expecting it to basically just be school camp, but full of queer people, which it kind of was it was just the no queer school camp. Um, but it was really great because it got intense at sometimes. It was really emotional, but I really loved it like I wouldn't have changed coming for anything. So [00:39:00] yeah, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wasn't entirely sure why I was even going, but I'm glad I did, because I met so many amazing people. And it was just such a good time. If there was one moment or maybe connection that you've made at the that you think resonated with you that you'll remember for a long time. Uh, what might that be? God, I can't think of a moment, but, um, even just becoming friends [00:39:30] with Fay, one of the, um, people who came here because they're also gender fluid, but they're, you know, owning it. They're older than me and their parent, but it's just it's so cool because it was almost like she was looking out for me. Um, and it made me feel really protected, and they're awesome. So [00:40:00] I'd probably have to say the talent show because we just got such a deep insight into what some people do and how they live their lives and what they're good at. And it was just really cool. Uh, another question. Say, if you met somebody quite young and they weren't really sure about coming to a hoodie or not, you know, they're quite worried they have some fears. Um, how would you describe the hoodie to them? To kind of make them feel like, Yeah, this is something I should I should go to. [00:40:30] Um, I would have to just really say that this is just like a great boating experience, because it can get a bit scary. But I mean, like, we even, like, adopted someone here like a 13 year old gender queer kid and because they were quite scared about coming here. But we adopted them and they had [00:41:00] a great time here, like it was just such a great building experience for like, um, confidence and knowing who you are, like being able to come to this thing and seeing a whole bunch of other people that won't make assumptions about what you are. Do you think that's quite different from the outside world? It really is, you know, coming into a place where everybody else is in some way a minority. It's quite a connection [00:41:30] because out there it's a very cisgender hem of world. I would probably describe it as like a weekend, which sort of creates a community of those of queer people that you can just feel safe with and make loads of new friends and just be yourself around them. It's great. Do you think it's easy to make connections at a um, not to start with, but as soon as, like, everyone starts opening up, [00:42:00] then you just sort of gravitate towards people and it becomes really easy to make friends. And would you guys be down for a in the future? Hell, yeah. Bring me up. That's exactly what I was gonna say. Um, my name is Tan and I identify as vim. That's my primary identity. And where are you from? And how did you find out about the Sui? Um, I'm originally from a place called Rye [00:42:30] Valley in Marlborough. Uh, but actually, I live in Wellington at the moment. Um and I found out about it because I was, um I'm part of the part of inside out, and I was part of the organising committee, so I kind of been kind of known about it since before I'd even began organising. So yeah, um, coming to this. What did you expect? And were did Were any of your expectations wrong, or did anything change? Um, I've been to a few before, [00:43:00] so I kind of knew what to expect. Um, what's different was, um, having, uh, more young people here this time. The difference that made that I definitely noticed. Um, they actually do have to change things up a bit when you have that many people. And so that's a good learning thing. We need to learn for next time, uh, around how to manage that. Um, but it was Yeah, it was amazing. So, I, I expected it to be awesome and intense [00:43:30] and all these things, And it was It was great. Yeah. Um, do you think having more young people brought something new to the in a positive way as well? Yeah, and I I did. And I think another another thing about all these young people is that quite often we have had them previously. A lot of young people, they already know each other, but this was a really big group of people, and most of them didn't know each other. And it was from, um a lot of different places. So that was a really, really amazing seeing, um, seeing [00:44:00] kind of what it's like, um, with a lot of people making friends, um, that they didn't know. And for some people, they come they come by themselves from small places and, yeah, seeing that, um, that was amazing. So having a lot of people here was, um, actually really awesome and having the people from Auckland um, Rainbow, um village, collective and, um, health centre stuff they were. Yeah, Having them here was extra special. Awesome. Do you have a moment or maybe a connection that really [00:44:30] stuck out to you during this time at that kind of resonated that you will hopefully remember for a while? Oh, I, I don't know, because it's like when you're part of the organising committee, like it's so overwhelming that it's like you don't even have time to really think about anything or, like, kind of pick up on that stuff very well until after. But I have to say one of the highlights for me was, um so in the Pacific Workshop. All the workshops are amazing, [00:45:00] but, um, it was started off with an incredible poem, um, or performance piece by Peter. Um, and I just cried like an idiot, and it was It was really phenomenal. And I think, um, I think I was saying to him that it was really awesome having, um because, you know, we all connect, and we all learn in different ways. It was really amazing to have, um, a creative piece, um, around identity and expression and things like that. Um, as part of this because I feel like that is a really important way for a lot of people to connect to these things. Like me myself. Like, [00:45:30] you know, that's what got me ugly crying, like in the audience. Um, but that was phenomenal. So yeah, and one final question, Uh, if there was a young person or an old person and they were really excited about coming to a they didn't really know what to expect. Um, how would you describe it to them? Or dispel some of their fears? Oh, I would describe, like what to expect from a is basically, um, [00:46:00] it's a I think It's a really important, safe space in the way that, um it's a place where, um, people can come and be together, be with people like them and different than them. And it's a space where they can be, um can explore, um, who they are. And, um, they can maybe be able to express parts of that that they often aren't able to or don't feel safe to, um, outside of the space. Um, [00:46:30] and like some key words about who he would be like Like this, Um Oh, exciting. Full on, um, meeting people learning a lot. Um, they are very. They are quite intense. I think I found them quite intense, but I think it's like those things where it's so It's quite full on during the weekend, and then you leave and you're just like, wow, like, once you've had a chance to reflect you like it's it's really, um, special and really amazing. Um, I don't know what kind of myths there would [00:47:00] be about it. Um, maybe 01. A myth is that it is just for, um, queer trends. It's just that it's just for, um, our rainbow community. Um, it's for everyone. um, straight people C, gender people. You know, um, you know, we wanna we wanna offer that space to, um everybody. So that is one Hey, there. What's your name? And how do you identify yourself? Um, hi. My name is Bella, and [00:47:30] I'm a transgender female. Where are you from? And how did you hear about this? Um, I'm from Wellington, and I heard about the because he was like, Hey, would you like to help organise a hue? And I was like, Yes, please, it sounds amazing. And yeah, I know that you've been to previous hui before. What did you expect? Um, coming into this, I just wanted to make sure that some of the smaller things that, um haven't run so [00:48:00] smoothly at other were running a little bit better here. And I think that they were just like, simple things. Like trying to get a more diverse range of workshops and trying to, um, make sure that the topics that we talk about on the same topics that you hear at every single they are really different topics that you wouldn't talk about. They aren't talked about at other. So we like the minorities panel and Pacific Island panel and even the Asian workshop, like those are three things that I don't think I've ever seen at a workshop [00:48:30] before. So that was really good. And I'm really glad that we managed to get that diversity diversity into it. Were there any major key differences between this? Um, I think that for me, this was very, very big. Um, compared to other that I've been to, like, I've been to big, but they've normally had a lot of a lot more funding and a lot more support, like, um, from an organising committee. Whereas with this we had a small organising committee and we [00:49:00] we had a good funding, but we didn't have, like, a huge amount of funding. And so for us to get such a huge turnout, I think is incredible in itself. So that was probably one of the big key differences with this. If you were confronted with somebody, maybe young, maybe old, They had never been to a hoe before. Quite worried. Um, about company about, say, meeting people. How would you describe what it is coming into a Huy and making connections? [00:49:30] Um, I think that coming into a um, you're gonna meet new people. It's just expected. You know, like, you'll sit down next to someone and you just introduce yourself or you'll stand up for food. And food is always a good topic to, like, discuss and or even just like waiting in the car. Park for a is is always like there's always like these small opportunities where you can only just stand there and look awkward. Or you could just say hello to the person next to you. And so even if you're, like, really shy, there will always be someone who's not, and they'll want to introduce themselves. So, um, if [00:50:00] you're coming and you're, like, nervous to meet new people, you shouldn't be because there's always going to be someone who will just introduce themselves to you anyway. And you can build up connections with other people and grow your confidence and stuff. So, yeah. Hey, there. What's your name and how would you identify yourself? Um, hi. I'm Jay. I identify as gender fluid on the A romantic spectrum and polys. How did you find out about this? And where did you come from to get here? Um, I found [00:50:30] out about it through. Um, my, the queer Youth group that I go to called schools out the central group and I live here in Wellington, so I just walked here. Is it your first? Yes, it is, uh, coming into the space. What did you expect? Um, well, I knew a couple of people, So, um, kind of through the group they go to and a couple of people from school, But I don't really know if I had any expectations for it. I [00:51:00] just kind of wanted to try something new and thought it would be a good way to kind of, uh, have a go at, like at seeing what other people would think of me being myself. And do you think that you were able to be yourself at this place? Yeah, definitely. Can you give an example of say, how you were able to be yourself at the, um, just people using right pronouns, Um, and my name? [00:51:30] Because I most people use my birth name outside of, um, just in general, people just call me about my birth name. And so they didn't do that here. Right? Pronouns just cool. Bunch of people who were pretty accepting of anything. Really? Um, and would you be interested in a future? Yeah, definitely. So coming from that, if you were to talk to somebody that hadn't been to a before, what would you say to them if they were, like, really unsure [00:52:00] about whether to come or not? Um, I'd say that it's definitely an experience that you want to have, and it's an amazing group of people who come and it's an amazing environment. And there's really, really awesome workshops that are run. And it's just a generally really cool thing to do and participate in. My name is Rupert. Um, I identify as a queer trans man. And how did you hear about the and where did you come from to get here today? [00:52:30] Um, I heard about the Via Tabby and who I'm very good friends with. And, um, I've been meaning to get up to Wellington, and I've missed the last few. So I thought, Well, I'll kill two birds with one stone, come up to Wellington, see them and attend a a. Fantastic um So I came all the way up from Christchurch. What, come into the What did you expect and were any of your expectations a bit, [00:53:00] you know, Wrong. Um, I mean, I've been to two before. I think so. I know the deal. I know that they're really emotionally draining and, like, super intense. Um, And the past two times have come as a youth. And this time, because I'm 27 and sort of post transition. I really wanted to give back to the you know what the who has given to me. So I chose to go for a, um, volunteer [00:53:30] facilitator slash group leader position. Um, so I didn't really know what to expect, because I, I don't have any experience doing mentoring or counselling or, you know, anything like that. Um, but I'm you know, I like to think that I'm good with people, so I thought, you know what? What could possibly go wrong? Um, I was expecting it to be dramatic. As as I said, they're generally dramatic and, you know, it had its dramas. And there were points where I was kind of like, Oh, my gosh. What have I done? [00:54:00] Why did I choose to facilitate? This is really intense. Like what if something terrible happens? Am I liable? But um, actually, it was basically everything I wanted it to be, and more, um, I made, like, a really strong rapport with all my kids that I was looking after, um, and they gave me some really nice feedback about, like, you know, being supportive. And it was really amazing. And I think despite [00:54:30] the emotional drain, I would definitely facilitate again. Uh, so as a of your group, um, how did you find that role? Like, do you think people liked being in their own groups? Do you think it brought us closer together? I think so. Um, we didn't have a lot of group specific specific activities. Um, which probably, you know, it would be nice. Um, as I think has happened [00:55:00] to other who where we all sit down for a group meal together. We did that a couple of times, and that's always really a bonding experience because there's something about, like eating, you know, eating food with your people. It's a good time to chat and just have everyone together to, I don't know, just make friends with each other. Otherwise, it's quite easy for, you know, individual members of the group to go off and just hang out with their friends from in real life or whatever, But, um, I think my group was really good. We were really close. [00:55:30] Um, Morgan, who was also to with me was really cool. And, you know, we got our pansy power like, um, like, not patriotism pride, you know, flower pride going in. And I think they all got really into it. They were a really cool bunch of people and, like whoever chose those people to be in my group say they did a very good job. Um, if you were to talk to somebody that didn't really know much about who you know, they were really worried about coming. [00:56:00] Um, how would you kind of let them know that it's OK? And how would you describe a Hoy? How would I describe a hoe? Um, if someone was unsure about coming, I would say I was unsure about going to my first one. I thought, I don't really need this. I'm secure in myself. I have queer people around me blah, blah, blah. But it was like a really amazing experience. Um, it's really empowering to be [00:56:30] There is nothing quite like being as a queer person, a queer young person being in a room full of other queer people. It's like you. You never get to experience that ever. Even if you go to a gay bar, you know, it's just generally one kind of person. It's this, uh, like, I couldn't even recommended enough and especially, um, personally, me, I don't know. Being from Christchurch, I have, like, a white middle class upbringing, [00:57:00] and I have never learned much about, like, Maori Protocol or history or anything. I never got taught it in high school. Um, so initially I was kind of like, Oh, you know who I don't know anything about, You know, and all this. So I'm gonna do something really bad or, like, embarrass myself because I don't know anything but it It's so valuable and you learn heaps like pretty much All my knowledge is like stemmed from the that I've attended and learning about all that side of New Zealand and stuff [00:57:30] as well. So I think this, you know, there's no fears. Everyone's really supportive. We're all really awesome people, especially the, um and yeah, they they're structured and they're safe. And this has proved that we can deal with some, you know, pretty what? What seemed to be serious problems at the time, and everyone's come through it really well, and I think everyone's just grown from it. So come to the who is awesome. Um, [00:58:00] I'm Daisy. I'm a CIS girl, and I think currently that I'm an asexuals bi romantic bias, and I'm attracted to all genders. But gender is a factor in my attraction. And where are you from? How did you get to this? Uh, I'm from Wellington, and I got to this because I heard about it at schools out, which is a group I go to, and they said, This is on. It's cool. And I was, like, Sweet, come to this. [00:58:30] Did you know many people? Uh, I knew a couple There were people that I'd met, like last week that I knew were coming, but I wasn't completely comfortable around, So there were people I knew I could fall back on, but, you know, I was kind of Yeah. Do you find that you stuck with the same group or that you were able to make connections in the space? I was definitely able to meet new people like I branched out a lot and half the time the one person that I really knew I could rely on, [00:59:00] I didn't see them for a lot of it. I was like, they were off somewhere. I was off somewhere else. So, yeah, um, those connections that you made, do you think any of them really stuck out and resonated? Say you met somebody, and you're like, Wow, I've never met somebody like this or, you know, you could give an example. Maybe of something meeting somebody that really excited you. Uh, not really. I think everyone in general was just so cool. I was like, This is really awesome. It was really cool, though. Meeting people from different backgrounds, like the people from [00:59:30] South Auckland, Because I live in Wellington, So I don't, um, get to meet people with that with those experiences and hearing about how their lives had been. That was really interesting. And with the workshops, uh, did you attend many of those, uh, all of them? Yeah, that's really impressive, by the way. And also did. How did you find the workshops? Is there anything that stuck out to you about them? Uh, I really enjoyed them. They were really interesting. And again, [01:00:00] I especially enjoyed the ones where you learned about other people's experiences. So what they like the panels on, like queer Asian experiences and, um, being queer and Polynesian and all of that. That was really interesting. Would you recommend a somebody else? Definitely. Like, it's been a really fun experience, and I've met loads of people, and I'm just going away from it like I want to do this again. I really enjoyed it. This is your first, right? Yeah, my first one And say somebody wasn't sure about [01:00:30] going to a they They just weren't really sure. Like, I don't really know what it is. Um, what would you say to them? How would you describe a, uh, I'd say that it's just a place where you get to meet people who are like you, and everyone's really open and supportive, and no one's gonna judge you, like in the outside world. Um, and it's just a great place to meet new people and to connect and hear people's experiences and have a good time and eat nice food, [01:01:00] which is always important. So what's your name and How would you identify yourself? Uh, my name is Lee, and I identify as, um a queer person. Um, and probably lots of other things as well. But I can't think of them right now. Um, yeah. Where where do you live? Uh, and where have you come from to get to this. So currently, I live [01:01:30] in Wellington. Uh, when I was growing up, I lived in Masterton and the, um but I, um I now live in Wellington. And how did you find out about this? I said I'd like to volunteer to help organise it. Uh, so involved with the organising of the, uh Is there anything that you found valuable about that Something you learned? I learned [01:02:00] that Friday night are great when there's fried chips? Um, I don't know. I think, um, I've learned a lot of things coming here, and actually, once the started, I've realised that there are a lot of things that we could have possibly done better, and, um uh, you know, But I think that's something that, um, they'll always [01:02:30] you'll always get things out of and out of things that you do. There are always going to be ways that you can improve. Is this your first? Uh, no. This is my second I was involved in the inside out. Um, that happened two years ago. Um, I volunteered in the kitchen, and I think I took an activities, um, workshop on, like, crafting and crown making. Um, and I really, really loved it. It was the first [01:03:00] time I'd ever heard or known about this idea that there were spaces, that you could come for a weekend and hang out with other queer and minority people. Um, so I really wanted to be a part of it this time. So, having gone to a previous did you have any expectations about this that were radically different? I expected it would run a lot smoother. Um, I [01:03:30] I think my expectations were met, um, in lots of places. So I expected that I would meet lots of cool people, and I would probably learn a lot of new things. Um, and I definitely learned a lot of new things. I think having, um, Pacifica and Maori. Um, and Asian, um, talks was really, really important. It was really important to have them involved, Um, so that it wasn't, um quite so, um white [01:04:00] majority. And it was really important, I think for a lot of the youth to learn these things as well, um that they probably didn't know about, um And importantly, um, as some of the people from the Pacifica panel said that they learned some stuff from us. So it was really good and reciprocal, and we each were able to take away different things. And final question if somebody maybe a youth, maybe not, was really unsure about coming to a, um, how would you describe [01:04:30] it to them? I think is a word that a lot of people assume will be, um, for Maori only. And it's not, um it's a space for anyone to come. Um, there are a lot of people who come and they don't know anyone, and it's really intimidating for them, and they're really anxious. But actually, by the end of it, when we sit down and talk about how we feel, they say, Actually, I came and I was really scared, and I've made all these [01:05:00] friends and I've opened up, and now it's so easy for me to go up to people and and ask how they are, um, and people, um, grow so much. And, um, I would say, definitely. Come. Um, you don't have to know anyone that's coming. Obviously, that's really cool if you do, um, but it's definitely OK for you to just come and everyone makes an effort. Everyone wants to learn new things and meet new people. So it's definitely would be worth your [01:05:30] while if it was possible to come. Hi. Um, I'm Lydia and I identify as a lesbian, and I am gender queer. And where have you come from to get here? Today came from Hamilton. Um, it was a eight hour bus ride. It was very long. How did you find out about this food? I found out about it from which is Waikato Queer Youth. It's a QS A in my hometown. And I also found out about it from a guidance [01:06:00] counsellor at my school at the QS. A. That I run, she helps with it. Is this your first day? For it is indeed. And did you had you talked to anybody that had been to before? I talked to my friend Alex, who is part of wacky, and she's basically just said be ready to be addicted to Hoy, and, uh, you're gonna love it. And I was like, Ok, sweet, but, um yeah, that was it. Really just I just talked to one person about it. There was not many people who've been to please. Yeah. [01:06:30] So looking back on you, pre who and now post who, uh, do you think there are any differences between your whole attitude towards them? Absolutely. Um, I think I understand Alex's view. Um, yeah, I'm definitely going to more. Um, I think like I came with a really, like, unexpected. I didn't know what to expect. So I, I came with this kind of attitude like, Oh, I'll just [01:07:00] take what I can get out of this. And I think it's important. It was important for me to have that view because if I had come, like with a negative attitude I, I don't think I would have got as much out of it. But, um, I think like my attitude towards who of, I don't know, I didn't really have a bad attitude to start off with, So I think it's just really improved and, like, I'll just be an advocate for people like when I'm discussing who, and I'll be, like, totally go to one. And you're gonna love this. So yeah, [01:07:30] before coming to the did you know, many people that you knew would be here. I knew two people, my friend Crystal, who I actually met online. Um, and we bonded over mutual sexuality and, uh, my friend Laura, who goes to wacky. So not knowing many people, Uh, did you find that it was easy to make connections? How did you find, uh, coming into a space where there were so many people that you didn't know? Um, [01:08:00] so I I'm quite a social person. I'm a real extrovert. Um, and I thrive off of social interaction and being around people. So it wasn't hard for me to, um, to talk to other people and meet new people, but I think I like, I don't know. I just kind of, um Yeah, I don't know II. I thrive off social interaction, so I think like talking to people was easy, But like I, [01:08:30] I'm the kind of person who is often, um I'm often the kind of person who starts the conversation, and then people don't really talk back because they're shy and nervous. But I think a lot of people here, um, they're either a desperate for friends or B. They're just as friendly as I am. And, um, they're just intercepting, and they feel comfortable and safe here. So they were able to be like, Hey, um, yeah, totally. I'm gonna interact with the conversation. So it was nice to just be able to talk to anyone and not have to [01:09:00] carry on the conversation because they they did it for me, and I don't know, I guess like that. Yeah, that was that was really cool. You don't find that a lot of in a lot of places. And final question, um, how would you What would you like? Somebody to know? That hasn't been to before. Um, OK, so if you're thinking about coming to a hilly, um, I think just like [01:09:30] come with, like, don't come with expectations, because, honestly, it's a life lesson. It's not what I learned here, but like if you have high expectations for something, it's so easy to be let down. So don't come with high expectations. Just come with an attitude like a positive attitude, because if you have a positive attitude towards what you want to do. You you're gonna find you get positive things out of it like yeah, and also, when you come, [01:10:00] like, come to make friends don't come like, oh, I'm gonna get a girlfriend or Oh, I'm gonna I don't know, kind of just, um, meet people like me like you totally meet people like you, But come like with the attitude, like I'm about to make some new friends I'm gonna make, like, meet new people. And they're gonna understand me like you have to understand that queer people are, like, so inspiring. And it's crazy being put into this the [01:10:30] this the hoe environment Because, um, people outside of outside of this environment, um, can be really shallow and really uncomfortable and make you feel really unsafe. And so being around such a huge group of people, you feel connected to everyone. And I think it's important to remember like you're making friends and you're making, like, family here. And, um, like, know that when you come like know that you're gonna connect with people because [01:11:00] they're just like you and you're all in the same boat. Hi there. Uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Hi, I'm Duncan. Um I'd identify as a pansexual Paki male. Enough. Uh, where did you come from? Um, so I'm the general manager at BU, um, based in Auckland. So I came from there to Yeah, I the How did you hear about the I think I heard about it from [01:11:30] when we were marching in the Pride parade in Auckland in February. And Minister Nicky Kay was there who had literally just approved Tays funding Tay. I'm telling them all your secrets. So have you been to a previous before? I don't think I've been to an inside out before. Um, but I've been to uni and you run a few before, and we back in 2011 as well. Yeah. Um, so coming to Hu with some expectations, uh, [01:12:00] having been to some previous Do you How do you think this one was different? Hm. Um, I think the setting for this was really nice. So I haven't been to It's really nice when you have a which is so self contained like this on a um but it's also really handy that it's like a five minute walk to the shop. Because sometimes people do just need to go and buy candy or the tins of tomatoes. You forgot for dinner. Um, So I think that was one thing that was really different. Uh, I actually ended [01:12:30] up staying in the kitchen most of the time, so I have to admit, coming to the, uh, a lot of us didn't know very many people. Was it the same for you? I don't know. I used to when I was younger, I was always quite. I didn't like going into big groups of people I didn't know. And I think coming here I was a little bit worried that, um the people I did know would kind of be busy doing other things. Um, so I wouldn't have time to hang out with me. Um, that wasn't really the case at all. And I met some awesome new [01:13:00] people like yourself and working together with people on kitchen crew and stuff like that. Yeah, it was cool. Uh, do you think it's easy to make connections at a Yeah, I think it's an ideal space to it, because very we don't often have the chance to just come together and spend time together and build up that I'm gonna try to remember the word between each other, which you kind of need to, um, keep each other in mind and actually, um, genuinely work together [01:13:30] to go forward rather than just like an email being like, Hey, we should do this together. It doesn't really work. Why do you think, uh, we run? Why do you think they're important? And they're important to kind of dispel that sense of isolation, which I think a lot of young people have and what I've heard at the, um, about growing up in their home communities. So sometimes, even if you go along to group once a week and there's kind of five other people there, and you're still kind of living in that he of world, where your parents kind of a bit tense, maybe, and skills [01:14:00] a bit and things like that, where you come to this space, which is really positive and affirming. You see, like 100 other people who all just accept you for who you are. Um, yeah. So it's really good and positive and affirming for the young people. Um and yeah, can build great connections across the country rather than just in your own local region. Hi, there. Uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Um, Kyle And I'm a FTM and also pansexual. Uh, where [01:14:30] have you come from? Palmerston North. And how did you find out about the, uh, through through, Uh, have you been to before this? No, not on, um, LGBT one? No. Have you had you heard about who is before? Yes, Um, what did you know about them? And maybe How did some of those perceptions change when you finally got here? Um, I knew they were great big get togethers, Um, and obviously thought that would be a good idea, [01:15:00] but I didn't actually get around to planning to go to one. and I thought it was really good. And, um, I was surprised by the diverse amount of people here. Like, I didn't realise everyone would be reasonably well represented, which was quite good. Did you get to talk to some people at the that you didn't wouldn't usually get to talk to in your everyday life? Yeah, I would definitely say so. I mean, um, in Palmerston north, it's quite small. So there's a very I wouldn't [01:15:30] say a small trans community, but a small, out trans community. And along with that, quite often, it's, um, less common for people to be, um, open to dating more than one particular gender as well. So, yeah, it was quite good to to meet people that were like that, and also people that were a lot more fluid because that's not as common either. Did you make it to many of the workshops? Yeah, most of them. Except the last day, which was naps. Um, [01:16:00] how did you find them? Was there anything that stuck out to you that you'd like to share? Um, hm. I would say, Say just everyone's different inputs. And everyone's, um, unique perspectives. Yeah. Are there any of those perspectives that you thought like real positively about? Ah, I really enjoyed, um, some of the Pacific Islanders, um, perspectives and how [01:16:30] their culture was different to ours. And, um, how, um, their third gender isn't like, frowned upon as much and and things like that and how they are a lot more aware of, um, differences in gender and stuff. Then I suppose the Western World originally or and its history has been, um, And final question, uh, if you were to hear about somebody that wasn't sure about going to a hurry, they were quite nervous. And things like that, uh, how [01:17:00] would you describe it to them? Um, very open. Very diverse and very welcoming, I would say. And not a problem for shy people. Hi, there. Uh, what's your name and how would you identify yourself? Uh, my name is Soul, and I identify as a trans guy. Yeah. And where have you come from To get to the I came from, Uh, how did you find out about the, [01:17:30] um I got an email about it and where I work at, so it came up on a few websites and an email got sent around all the workers. Sorry. Have you been to a before? Um, yeah, I've been to a before, but not one like this or organised purely for, um, like diverse sexualities and gender orientations. Yeah. Uh, So, [01:18:00] coming into the space, how was your What was your initial reaction? Um, I thought it was real good. It was just No, it was not. It wasn't like forced like people weren't forced to get to know each other. It was more like, gradual in your own time. And it was really cool to see, um, that being, like, embraced and just letting it run somewhat of a natural cause. Um, do you find that [01:18:30] it's a welcoming space? Did you Was it easy for yourself to make connections here? Um, yeah. I found it was quite welcoming, and it was real. I felt easy to make connections just because I could relate to a whole of things that were being talked about. Or, um, I thought about what was being talked about previously, Uh, could you maybe give an example of something that resonated with you? Um, I have [01:19:00] a few friends who struggle with, um, religion and their, um, sexual orientation. And they're trying to find, like, a balance between that. And I found listening to the, um, panel about, um, like and all that real interesting to see how the sort of dual worlds cross and that they've found a balance for themselves. They quite [01:19:30] happy and confident. Did you make it to many of the workshops? Yeah, I made it to all of them, except one because I had pretty much done it before, so yeah. Did you, um was there anything spoken about that you hadn't really discussed before? That you've I thought was important. Um, I think talking about, um, again was real interesting because it's [01:20:00] not mentioned, or people don't really know it exists or it's around or they think that and kind of new terms, but they're not, um, and a lot of people don't know the history behind it. So I've had that. It was real good that that was brought up. I'm just hearing more about, like, the minorities with the minorities with the minorities was quite good. Yeah. And, uh, final question. If somebody wasn't very sure about coming to a they'd never been. [01:20:30] They were quite nervous. Um, and they asked you for some advice. Uh, how would you describe it to them? Um, massively welcoming and a big eye opener. Um, And to go there with, like, an open mind and just go with the flow. Um, yeah.
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