Fri 25 Mar 2016 In: Our Communities View at Wayback View at NDHA
Jill Stevens has been involved with Christchurch Pride Festival for the past five years and says every year she sees it getting bigger and bigger, but what exactly is it about Christchurch Pride that makes it the highlight of the year for the Southern city’s LGBTI community? “Hands down the people!” says Jill “every year we watch new friendships being formed, new contacts being made. Already this year I have meet so many new people.” What does Pride mean to one of the organisers of this year’s Christchurch Pride Festival? “I think its about being proud of how far we have come as humans, loving each other regardless of any gender or sexual orientation. Its not just about LGBTI pride, but it’s about having pride in who you are and being proud of things we as a community can achieve.” Community on the other hand, is about banding together she says “and bringing all the small groups out to one festival to give every body a chance connect, especially within a city that some times seams so fragmented.” “If just a few people find some social or emotional support by finding a group of people they connect with or a group of friends then everything feels a little brighter. “Standing up and celebrating what people have fought for, celebrating that we have come a long way since the Homosexual Law Reform Act of 1986 and being thankful that we, now can celebrate openly.” Jill says while Christchurch Pride may not have a street parade, you never know what will happen in the next few years. “This year we have already seen new drag acts on stage and more people coming forward and wanting to be part of the celebrations. “As our City moves forward and things get rebuilt and we watch our city thrive once again so will pride, every year we get bigger and brighter.” - 25th March 2016