The winners of Mr and Ms Pride Dunedin strongly support the theme of this year's Pride Week, unity within the gay community, challenging people to become unified despite their diversity. "We have enough stuff against us as a queer community without being against ourselves as well," said Alex Nichols, winner of Mr Pride Dunedin. Nichols and Lisa Wilkinson, winner of Ms Pride Dunedin, wore their official rainbow sashes as they ladled soup and poured hot chocolate during Tuesday's Rainbow Day at the Octagon, an event aimed to raise awareness of the gay community. Nichols has worked within the gay community for 15 years, including four years as UniQ co-ordinator, and Wilkinson's background is in choreography for parties, balls and drag acts.