Christchurch is all set for what is thought to be its first Gay Pride Week, which will run from 6–15 May. The planned activities are as diverse as the GLBT community itself, with drag shows, movie nights, a quiz, a car rally, dance party and interactive theatre. More serious issues will be covered in a relationships forum, workshops on dealing with homophobia and the safety of non-heterosexual youth in schools. "It's a great programme with something for everyone, from youth to those with a lot more life experience, from sheer fun to serious issues about our lives and our place in our community," says Pride Week co-ordinator Brent Mitchell. "The main theme will be pride in who and what we are, the promotion of hauora/wellbeing and the celebration of diversity." Sponsorship for Pride Week has been attracted from the Christchurch City Council, and several gay/gay-friendly businesses in the city. The event is also supported by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation as part of its commitment to "building supportive communities", part of the Ottawa Health Charter upon which the Foundation's work is modelled.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 23rd April 2005 - 12:00pm