Proposals to bring services and support for Auckland's GLBTI community under one roof and a 'rainbow tick' of certification for organisations and businesses are two ideas which emerged from a hui in the nation's biggest city today. Not Your Usual Hui was held at AUT's city campus conference centre, and was organised by Auckland Council buffer and reference group the Rainbow Door. Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse told those gathered that Auckland can't be 'a most liveable city' without a vibrant and supported rainbow community. "I'm so excited to see what might come out of this," she said. Not Your Usual pics thanks to Andrea After much group work and brainstorming, three groups were formed to work on the three most popular ideas for making Auckland the most 'liveable' city for its GLBTI community. The first was a 'rainbow hub' or 'queer super centre' which would house the likes of OUTLine, Rainbow Youth and Genderbridge at one location, preferably a Council-owned building. Ideas for what the hub could offer in the long-term future ranged from medical and HIV services, mental health, legal and aged care support and access to emergency housing, to sports facilities, a cafe, a library, the Charlotte Museum and even a retail store. One person even suggested a community wardrobe, to which a joking response was "oh no there'd be too much fighting." A scoping project and update of research already done on the community's needs was suggested, along with consultation with community groups on the work they already have in progress on the idea. A 'rainbow tick' certification process was the idea with the most forward-momentum, with a literature review and working party already being planned. The group which looked at the suggestion said a rainbow tick indicating GLBTI-friendliness should be compulsory for any Government-funded body, and would be subject to audit. The third are that was looked at was improving collaboration and relationships with Council, such as a 'rainbow' portfolio within the Council, all Council spaces being GLBTI-friendly and pushing for Auckland Pride to be as promoted as powerfully by the Council as the likes of Matariki. Member of the working party which organised the hui Cissy Rock said the "richness of ideas was fantastic". She also thanked AUT for providing a conference room, at no cost. "It shows AUT is right beside us." The working party which organised the hui will now collate what was said and create a report. There will be a follow-up 'hui two-ey' on 20 July, which is on a Saturday so people who couldn't make a Friday morning can attend.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 7th June 2013 - 6:16pm