Fri 18 Mar 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
In the 'Gay'zeebo A Māori Pasifika Response to the Gay Narrative is taking place tomorrow and has recieved huge support from the community so far. Based at the Mokai Kainga community garden the event is hosted by Wellington based Pacific and MÄori arts collective Kava Club and will feature a free afternoon of workshops centred around MÄori and Pasifika art forms, encouraging intergenerational discussion within the local community. Following the 30th Anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform, Kava Club are bringing together sexuality and gender diverse people who whakapapa tangata whenua, tagata Pasifika, indigenous and people of colour, as well as their whÄnau/family and loved ones. Kassie Hartendorp, Kava Club member says there has been huge support for the event so far. "Not only is it creating a positive and welcoming environment for people to attend, but members of our communities get to showcase their creative skills. It lifts the mana of our whānau and communities when we can show the achievements of gender and sexuality diverse people, and awhi others to create, learn and connect." Kava Club members have been building a 'Gayzeebo' structure in the community gardens, that they hope people can adorn themselves when they attend. They invite participants to bring along fabric, wool, or write notes to loved ones or those who have passed. "Lots of people have pulled together to help make this event happen, and we are thankful for the collective mahi to make this an awesome event." “This has been an event I’ve been thinking about for years, it’s about bringing together culture, sexuality and identity in a supportive space, says Kava Club member Leilani Visesio. “As an older queer person, I realised we need to listen to what is important to young people, and link them with older role models who have fought hard to be where they are now. Indigenous art is the conduit for this conversation.” In the Gayzeebo: A Māori Pasifika Response to the Gay Narrative 19 March 12pm - 7pm Mokai Kainga, 72 Happy Valley Road.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 18th March 2016 - 3:59pm