And/Or - Celebrating Queer Ethnic Identities

The panel discussion was designed to reflect the festival's 2023 theme of 'Ka Mau, Ka Muri' - walking into the future with one's eyes on the past - and honour the voices left out of history. The conversation touched on various topics from personal anecdotes to systemic issues, addressing racism within pride organizations, the need for increased representation of people of color in leadership roles, and confronting the microaggressions prevalent even in diverse and inclusion-focused spheres. Discussions also highlighted the cultural complexities attached to individuals' identities, who often have roots in countries with deep histories of colonization and societal pressures that clash with their queer identities.

Panelists shared their varied personal narratives, detailing their journeys through discovering and embracing their ethnic and queer identities, the challenges faced due to family expectations, the pain of displacement, and the quest for self-acceptance and authenticity. The dialogue also showcased the importance of compassion towards oneself and the journey of internalizing that behaviors deemed unacceptable in one's home culture may find safe haven in a more accepting environment like New Zealand, albeit not devoid of its own challenges.

Additionally, the panel called for continued activism, highlighting that despite the aegis of legal protection in some countries, globally, many in the LGBTQ+ community still combat stark inequality and concealment of their identities. They stressed the importance of moving pride events beyond mere celebration to include elements of protest, solidarity, and human rights advocacy. Emphasizing the importance of looking after one another and practicing self-care, the panelists also spoke to the need for future generations to have the space to rest from activism and experience the liberty that previous generations fought for.

The session touched on a shared vision for young members of the queer BIPOC community to grow up in a more equitable, safe, and encouraging environment. One where they can focus on myriad personal aspirations rather than expend energy on battles for acceptance and fundamental rights. The panelists expressed a desire for a future where vibrant dialogues like this are no longer necessitated by the inequalities of today but are remembered as historical discussions that paved the way for a more inclusive world.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Ana Jurado Chinwe Akomah Gina Dao-McLay Jahla Lawrence Vinod Bal Vivian Lyngdoh

2020s, activism, adhikaar aotearoa, africa, ana jurado, aotearoa new zealand, ballroom community, black lives matter (blm), black trans lives matter, chinwe akomah, covid-19 face mask, gina dao-mclay, india, jahla lawrence, khasi tribe, marginalisation, marginalised communities, mexico, michael fowler centre, ngāruawāhia, nicaragua, nigeria, out in the city (wellington), porirua, privilege, racism, tiriti o waitangi / treaty of waitangi, trinidad, united kingdom, vinod bal, vivian lyngdoh, wellington, wellington pride festival, wellington pride festival (2023)

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