The title of this recording is "Kāpiti Gay PrideNZ 2023 retrospective". It is described as: Kāpiti Gay host Tony Reed talks to PrideNZ founder Gareth Watkins about some of the significant people and events recorded in 2023 by PrideNZ. It was recorded in Coast Access Radio on the 17th February 2024. This is a recording of a broadcast and features the voices of Chanel Hati, Gareth Watkins, Harry Dynes, Joan Bellingham, Renee Paul, River Ayto, Tabby Besley and Tony Reed. Their names are spelt correctly, but may appear incorrectly spelt later in the document. The duration of the recording is 27 minutes, but this may not reflect the actual length of the broadcast. A list of correctly spelt content keywords and tags can be found at the end of this document. A brief description of the recording is: Kāpiti Gay host Tony Reed talks to PrideNZ founder Gareth Watkins about some of the significant people and events recorded in 2023 by PrideNZ. The content in the recording covers the decades 1970s through to the 2020s. A brief summary of the recording is: The 2023 retrospective broadcast from Kāpiti Gay on Coast Access Radio provides a review of significant moments, voices, and challenges within Aotearoa New Zealand's rainbow communities over the past year. Hosted by Tony Reed and featuring PrideNZ founder Gareth Watkins, the programme offers a vibrant and moving account of events, activism, and personal journeys, framed through recorded interviews and live coverage. Opening on a celebratory note, the broadcast revisits a pride hīkoi in Wellington. The event, described as a vivid and emotionally uplifting occasion, was especially meaningful for newcomers to the pride experience. The audio captures a kaleidoscope of voices and visuals, from creative signs and inclusive slogans to the infectious atmosphere of rainbow solidarity. This joy, however, is contrasted starkly by events that followed just weeks later. One of the pivotal moments of the year was the arrival of British anti-transgender activist Posey Parker in New Zealand. Her scheduled speaking engagements provoked widespread counter-protests, including what became the largest rally for trans rights ever seen in the country. Thousands gathered in Wellington to oppose her rhetoric, which was widely perceived as promoting hate and division. Attendees at the rally articulated powerful testimonies about the right to self-determination and the unwelcomeness of imported intolerance. The widespread support at the event was noted to have had a meaningful, uplifting effect on the transgender community. The ripple effects of Parker’s visit were deeply felt throughout 2023. Gareth Watkins and guests from InsideOUT Kōaro, including Tabby Besley and River Ayto, reflected on the significant uptick in online harassment directed at rainbow organisations and individuals, particularly trans and drag communities. Besley and Ayto detailed the emotional toll of moderating hate-filled content and the strategic considerations required to respond effectively while continuing their core advocacy work in schools. They highlighted the systemic nature of the hostility, linking local developments with similar trends overseas. Education emerged as another flashpoint, with debates surrounding inclusive guidelines and transgender rights surfacing during the general election campaign. Several political parties were criticised for stoking fear and division, with InsideOUT Kōaro noting increased pressure on their work in schools. The programme also honoured individuals whose lives and legacies shaped the national conversation. A segment was devoted to remembering Georgina Beyer, the world’s first openly transgender mayor and Member of Parliament. Friends Chanel Hati and Renee Paul offered heartfelt reflections on their decades-long friendships with Beyer, recalling their early encounters in Wellington’s performing venues and the influence Beyer had in empowering others to live authentically. Her passing in 2023 marked the end of an era, but her trailblazing spirit was noted as paving the way for future generations. Another deeply moving story was that of Joan Bellingham, a lesbian woman subjected to over 200 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the 1970s in an attempt to “cure” her sexuality. Bellingham’s candid testimony highlights the cruelty and ignorance of past medical practices. Despite enduring trauma and long-term health effects, she expressed a desire to focus on healing rather than resentment. Her contributions to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission underscore the importance of historical accountability and recognition of past wrongs. The broadcast concludes with the courageous valedictory speech of Harry Dynes, head student at Blue Mountain College, who came out publicly as gay during his farewell address. Speaking candidly about anxiety, identity, and the journey toward self-acceptance, Dynes’ message resonated with authenticity and hope. His declaration was described as both a personal liberation and a symbol of progress within schools and rural communities. Overall, the 2023 retrospective offered by PrideNZ is a powerful reflection of resilience, resistance, and community strength. Through personal stories, political commentary, and historical insight, it captures a year marked by both joyous celebration and intense struggle. The recording stands as a vital archive of a community navigating turbulent times with courage and solidarity. The full transcription of the recording begins:  Hello, my name is Tony Reed. Welcome to GIY Radio program for L-G-B-T-I people and their friends on Coast Access Radio 1 0 4 0. 7 FM and other access radio stations around New Zealand. This month we have what has really become an annual event. Uh, Gareth Watkins, the editor of pride nz. com, um, who, uh, records lots of interviews at at L-G-B-T-Q events around Wellington is here accompanied by his husband Roger Smith, to give us a taste of 2023. So without him more ado. A welcome again, Gareth. Um, thank you Tony. Take it away. Oh, thank you so much. Thank you so much for, um, welcoming us back. It's been, um, a great couple of years coming up and, and, um, sharing some of the highlights from the previous years, uh, with, with, with you in the, in the team here, uh, 2023. Wow. That was a huge year, a year full of highs and lows and, um, incredibly passionate activism. So hopefully some of that will come up. In, um, today's retrospective show, I thought, uh, a great place to start is with the highs and uh, uh, rainbow joy. So in Wellington last year in 2023, we didn't have a pride parade, but we did have, uh, a heco. So we, uh, walked from Civic Square through town to Parliament, and as I was, uh, audio documenting this, I came across beer and this was the first. Pride Event Beer had attended, and I just don't think you can underestimate, uh, the, the, the personal impact of your first pride event. My identity is such a big part of who I am and we experience so much sadness around how we are treated for that. Um, but today we can just experience this joy and be around people that are safe and that are kind and that, um, are really accepting and we can really feel that pride in who we are. So they're coming towards us now and it's looking amazing. There's so many different colors and so many different people. Um, I'm seeing signs that say we exist, get over it, and I'm seeing rainbow labor and I'm seeing a lot of different like styles and a lot of different clothings. I'm seeing labor rights for strippers. I'm seeing fired up stilettos. I am seeing people cheering. There's a lot of cheering. I'm seeing disabled and proud. Taka tapi. I'm seeing, I'm seeing so much rainbows. And so many happy people. Um, yeah, we've got all different ages of people and all different types of people, and it's looking really amazing. Um, we've got this gorgeous glitter signs coming towards us and some beautiful young people. This is just absolutely gorgeous. Everyone looks so happy. So that recording that event was just so joyous. And that was happening in early March, 2023. But then just a few weeks later, uh, the mood really did change around, uh, the country when UK activist Posey Parker arrived in New Zealand. Uh, Poseys first speaking engagement was in Auckland at Albert. Park and, uh, the event was called Let Women Speak, but there was a huge counter protest that day and she actually didn't speak and, and she left the country pretty, pretty smartly after that event. She was due to speak in Wellington the next day in Civic Square, but that was canceled. However, the counter protest, uh, against her. And that event, uh, still happened and it actually turned out to be the largest. Gathering ever in support of trans rights in New Zealand. So there would've been about three to 4,000 people there. Um, and here are some of the attendees. Everybody has a right to decide how they live their lives, and I've never had or seen any trans person causing anybody else any issues or any trouble. But growing up in the UK the kinds of people who do cause trouble are people Likey Parker, who think that they've got a right to go around, identify with members of the alt-right, Nazis and white supremacists, and think that they. Can come here and tell people how they should live their lives, when actually, you know, that kind of to intolerance and hatred has no place in this country and it's not welcome. Unfortunately, our government had the opportunity, you know, the minister had the discretion to stand up and say, we're not gonna let her in. Look, you know, you look at her tweets, um, promoting people like Tommy Robinson and that kind of Islamophobia, you know, marching through Melbourne with Nazis. We know what she stands for. We know who she is and we know what she's about. That's really, really clear. So unfortunately, as is the case, a lot of the time it's up to ordinary New Zealand just to stand up and go, no, that's not okay. Posy Parker says she stands for women. Well look at all the women yesterday who were there saying actually she doesn't stand for them. She doesn't stand for women. She stands for hatred and bigotry and transphobia and white supremacy, and that has no place here. Love, hate, love. Love, not me. So can you describe from the crowd today what, like, give me a, gimme a sense of what the crowd was like if somebody couldn't be here, what would the, what would you say? I would say. There was a strong, um, rainbow presence. I'd say there's a strong presence of allies, I would say positive. Um, lots of signs, very funny signs. What would Georgina do? I loved that transphobia in this economy, you know, so it was, you know, there was a lightheartedness, but there was also a real, a real seriousness and a, and a commitment. Yeah. Now, Posey Parker, I think, flew out last night from, from Auckland. Um, is there anything that you would say to her flippantly? I'd say get a life, um, more seriously, I'd say there, you know, stay out of other people's business. How does this hurt you? You know, um, she's not, I'm a, I'm a cis woman. I'm offended, and that she. Thoughts to stand up for women? Um, I don't, I don't want her speaking for me. I'm glad that she's gone. Um, I'd say, yeah, New Zealand didn't want you here. Don't come back. Um, we've interviewed, uh, RA. Karita Wood Bodily. And his and his husband, Frankie, who've had a baby together, um, a couple of times. Frankie is a transgender man and he said in how much that community support helped. Because, you know, the, the, the, uh, the transgender community felt pretty sort of under fire and this and that particular, uh, Wellington rally particularly did really lift their spirits a lot. Oh, good. I mean, just even audio documenting that event, I mean, the feeling was so amazing. Uh, you know, there was so much. Love and respect rather than I, I, I'm, I'm so glad Posey wasn't there because actually that could have turned quite nasty. Um, but there was so much love and respect there that day. It was, it was amazing. Well, since Poseys visit to New Zealand in, in March last year, um, there really has been a documented rise in the hatred and intolerance towards rainbow communities, particularly trans communities. And it's coming from a whole variety of places from individuals, groups. Political parties and, and even a number of political parties campaigned in the, uh, last year's general election, uh, with policies around things like, you know, public bathrooms, uh, sports funding, uh, hate speech. And I think one of the most vocal people there was, um, our now Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, it's noticeable that, uh, that, um, the. The ability of transgender people to change their own birth certificates. That law was passed unanimously, um, after the 2020 election having been held up by New Zealand first, who of course weren't in Parliament then. Uh, but, but, but, but were previously in Coalition with Labor. And interestingly, the New Zealand first minister, who was um, who was who, who was responsible, I think, felt a bit bad about this. And she was central in getting the new guidelines for gender and relationships into the education system. But, but now, now Winston has insist that gets removed and replaced. So when. One wouldn't like to be the, the National Party Minister of Education when that comes up. 'cause I don't think she'll be at all happy with that. Mm-hmm. But, uh, there hasn't been any mention of it yet. So probably everybody else is hoping it's died of death, but, uh, but Luxon just seemed to accept it word for word. Um, so that's always, that's always the trouble when challenged. They're pro, but as soon as it's not convenient, they, they turn the blind eye as they always have done. Yeah, well, I, I, I mean, education in 2023 was a, was a huge area where there were, um, a lot of kind of heated confrontations and one of the rainbow organizations that really felt a lot of that heat was inside outro. Uh, so inside outdoor, a lot of work with schools trying to make them more inclusive and safe for everyone. Um, and I was very fortunate. To interview, uh, Tabby Besley and River ATO from inside out. We pretty much have never experienced any hate or harassment online. Very, you know, it's 11 years and I've been here that whole time dealing with it most of the time. And that's, you know, I can't think of any examples of how rare it would've been. And then from March it became like. Just an overwhelming amount and kind of daily, I think more broadly for our communities. Definitely we've seen that rise in transphobia in particular online over the last few years. Definitely trans people. Drag has been a big, big target, particularly, um, you know, there's been events, um, disrupted where people are doing drag story times. We held a drag artist panel that was, um, yeah, received a lot of attention and those kinds of things, but it does expand to our broader rainbow communities as well. And a lot of the. A lot of the stuff coming to Inside Out is, some of it is around us as an organization. There's a lot of, um, you know, the same kinds of language and things that was used against people, to the best of my knowledge during the homosexual law reform being used, um, to just gripe anyone connected to our organization and the, yeah, the work that we do with schools and young people in particular. You, you've mentioned, uh, posting on social media, and I'm guessing that, uh. You, you moderate those posts so that most people wouldn't see those responses, but how does it affect the people within inside out who are having to moderate and see all of that material? I mean, yeah, it definitely takes a, a sort of significant and kind of cumulative emotional toll. I think that it, it, it, from an organizational point of view, it wastes a lot of time and energy that we could better spend actually doing. The, the work to support people. Um, and then, you know, in the cases where we get comments that sometimes it's strategically better to kind of put a response out to having to kind of make those judgements and assessments. How much kind of debunking or debunking do we do? I mean, even just like those strategic considerations take time and energy and I guess are kind of constantly evolving or we're kind of constantly evolving, but I think that. Trans people in our communities, if we are online generally are being exposed to this kind of stuff everywhere, all the time at the moment. So it's also a broader context in which we're all aware of what's happening kind of in the space and what's happening in the United States and in the United Kingdom. And I guess that in general, costs are kind of. Pal. And it kind of takes its emotional toll, especially when we have to show up to do this work and it matters to us and we want to support people in our communities, but it's also, we are part of those communities too. So, um, yeah. Absolutely. And I think particularly, it wasn't actually until it really stopped that I noticed the difference and how I was feeling of like how much it has been kinda impacting me. Um, and for a lot of our, our team and like yeah, our wider communities, it's just been such a. Such a difficult time and it is hard when it is your, like river was saying, it's in the media and everywhere you're constantly engaging with and then it's also your job to deal with it and and so on. So it's a lot and we are really hopeful, um, that we won't see anything quite like it again, but that feels unfortunately unlikely. Tabby Besley from inside out? Well, I think one of the sad points of 2023 was when we lost the international rainbow icon that was and is. Georgina Bayer, uh, Georgina made an impact internationally, nationally, and locally. I. She was the first openly transgender mayor of the world in the world. Uh, the first openly transgender member of Parliament in the world, an activist, performer, actress, sex worker, politician, and so much more. And shortly after her death on the 6th of March, I was very fortunate, uh, to be able to interview some of her close friends. My name is Renee Paul. And I first met Georgina and back in 19 79, 19 80, so I've known her for just over 50 years. And, um, I met her in a strip club where I was working. I was in the club and she was a her and. The, um, purple onion and it was just closing down, right? So they ended up coming up to the exotic to come and work with us. So that's how I met her. And I had Georgie and Donna and Yvette to sort of, um, school me and how to behave and how to react and how to, um, work on stage and then how to dress and. They sort of guided me when I first started out. And, um, without them I wouldn't be who I am today, you know? 'cause, um, they gave me the strength to be myself, just to express myself and don't be shy about it, you know? And Georgina always said to me, be proud of what you are. And I said, well, I am. You know, so she gave me the, um, the, the, the strength to, to be out there and be myself and that, so that, you know, I've really got that to thank Georgie for her and, um, and for the person she was towards me, you know, so yeah, without her and Yvette and, and Donna, um, I wouldn't be here today, I don't think, you know, I might've been, might've taken a different road and ended up in bad place sort of thing, but without, with them. They guided me to a right place and that, so yeah, I'm, I'm really appreciative of what they did. Okay. Well, my name is Chanel and, um, Georgina. Oh my gosh. The first time I met Georgina, I was only new to Wellington, and, um, I, um, I was sitting in the, in, in the, uh, uh, in Carmens. This is just before it closed. Anyway, she walks in and she had a, she had this angora. Um, turquoise jump Phoenix jumper on. And I looked at my mate and I said, who's that? And she went, that's Georgie. I went, Georgie her. She went, Georgie Bayer. And I went, is she a queen? And she went, yeah. I said, oh my God, she's beautiful. And she goes, yeah, but don't tell her that. And I said, no, she's just gorgeous. And I got to know her over the years. And she was just amazing. And, and I think for Georgina Bayer, you know, having, um, the profile that she grew into came from, um, people like, uh, Carmen who ran for me in 1977. She didn't get it because it was a time of that, uh, uh, where you had to, um, conform to a standard. You know, and if you didn't conform to that standard while you were stigmatized and marginalized and all that kind of stuff. But outta that came, uh, good because, uh, today we look, uh, like, uh, she paved the way for Georgina and, and, and not just her, but other people to enter political spaces. And now you look at, um. Our rainbow. We've got rainbow people in there. We have rainbow flags outside. So, you know, um, it's, it's come a long way, but you need somebody to dream that. And then you need the community, the genera next generation to pick that up and carry it. And all those who come with that group, there will be somebody in there that will follow and will be in, um, you know, um, an icon for, or an example for your community. And that's what Georgina Bayer was, you know, and to her, I'll just say, um. You know, rest in peace. Um, somebody will come along, they don't come along that often, but they will and they will pick up where you left off. And, um, and you'll be remembered always by not just our community, but by the people of carton who adored you. And, and a friend of mine rang, rang, uh, emailed me and said, um, I just wanna tell you that I've just lowered the flag at half mass for Gen Gen Bay. And I thought, oh, that's so kind. And he goes, and I think they're naming the street after. And I'm like, wow. That's great. So, you know, Georgina Georgie's friend Chanel Hardy, uh, remembering Georgina Bayer, and this year actually marks, uh, the 25th anniversary of Georgina's, uh, entry into Parliament, which, uh, to me just seems like yesterday. It's, uh, an amazing, amazing achievement. Well, last year we met, uh, many inspirational people through Pride nz. Uh, but I think for me one of the most memorable was Joan Bellingham. So Joan lives in Christchurch, and in the 1970s she was subjected to hundreds of hundreds of sessions of ECT electroconvulsive therapy, uh, in the attempt to cure her lesbianism. And this was at a time when, um, the medical establishment thought homosexuality was a mental disorder, and that wasn't really, um, changed or didn't begin to change until about the 19, about 1974. Well, a few years ago, Joan testified before the Abuse and Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, and she subsequently talked publicly about her harrowing experiences. What was the point of ECT? What, what, what did they hope to achieve? They never told me and I don't think they ever knew, but I always, I thought maybe if they completely erase my memory, that it might raise my memory of me being gay. Can you recall how many, um, shock treatments you, you had in your time? Yeah, it was over 200. It was over 200. It just seemed to be my life, uh, you know, um, and, and, and so understandably, you can understand why I didn't want to be on this planet anymore. Yeah. I've got the, I, I managed, they were very, uh, when I tried to get my records and that they were very, very reluctant to get any records. And at the hospital itself, they had records of ECT and when I went, I asked them, they said they'd had a flood and unfortunately my records were the ones that were lost, but we managed to get them. I can't remember how we got them, but, so I've got a record of the days and the numbers of ECTs. Yeah. A review of my medical notes indicate that I was prescribed ECT daily between 21st to 31st of December, 1973 on the second, the fourth, the ninth, the 11th, the 15th, the 18th, the 22nd, the 24th, and the 26th of January, 1974, the first 1979, the eighth, 19th, 21st, 23rd, and 28th of July. And 2nd of August, 1982, and on several other occasions, a letter from the House physician dated 18th of June, 1979 says that I had 100 doses of ECT since April, 1977. Um, sometimes after ECTI couldn't see maybe for half a day to a day. And that's in my health records too, you know, is it. Yeah, brain damage was actually quite horrific. Yeah. Reflecting back on all of that treatment, I mean, what are your thoughts about the medical professionals who gave that to you? I'm not a hateful person. I don't have any hate in me, but I guess, oh, the only way I look at it is the staff were told what to do from the people above them. Um. I feel a li a little bit of anger towards the doctor who always gave me the ECT and all the drugs, prescribed the drugs and kept asking about my sexuality. But he's passed away. I mean, you know, I don't hold, I put it this, I don't hold a grudge. I don't hold any anger 'cause it won't do me any good. The extraordinary Joan Bellingham. Well, the Royal Commission, which Joan testified before, is actually due to produce its final comprehensive report in March this year. To today's final clip, and I thought it would be a great way to end as we kind of started on a huge high, and this was an extra high point, uh, which occurred in December, 2023, uh, during the valedictorian speech of Harry Dines. So Harry was the head boy at Blue Mountain College in Nui in West Otago, and here he is standing courageously in front of the entire college and giving his farewell speech. A year full of joy, laughter, and overcoming challenges along the way to hold the role of Head Boy for 2023 has been a pleasure. To say the very least. Standing up here to give my fairwell speech is a bittersweet feeling for me. Whew. I'm sad to be leaving this amazing school, which has given me so much, but I'm also incredibly eager and excited to see what the world has to offer me. A lot of people here are probably not aware, but I've suffered from pretty, pretty intense anxiety my whole life. Anxiety is awful. It's not just feeling nervous and not being able to relax. It's so much more than that over the year, and also as I was preparing for this speech, I made a list of things I'd overcome and plan to overcome. These things may seem minor or insignificant to you, but they mean a lot to me along with anxiety. Another thing I've struggled with for, well, as long as I can remember, but particularly throughout my time here at BMC, has been my identity. Since I was quite young, perhaps the age of about eight or nine, I've known that I didn't exactly fit in like everybody else. I knew that I was gay. Around 10 years have gone by since that realization, and it's not till I'm standing up here in front of you all today, but I actually say it out loud, so surprised. Keeping this secret hidden for so long has been one of the most painful and exhausting parts of my life. It's difficult to explain the feeling it's given me, but to put it simply, it's as if I was just existing rather than living. I felt like I was constantly lying to my friends and family, and I've struggled to connect with them because I've essentially been living a lie. Making friendships has been the most challenging part as I've never been able to show anyone the real me. Although it's taken me so long to say the words, I've always known that I was supported by everyone around me. And really it's been up to me to be bold, courageous, and just to be myself. Values that have been instilled in me all my life, both at home and here at school. So to finally be me and get rid of this heavy secret as a relief. Now that I've admitted who I truly am, I feel as though my life can finally begin. This list, this list of mine is nearly complete, which is something I never saw myself doing despite of dreaming of doing it for so long. But this unbelievable and terrifying list simply demonstrates what can be accomplished when you surround yourself around people who genuinely care about the person you are and want to be. The support has come from both my friends, both my family, the teachers, and my friends at this incredible school. Thanks to these people, I am standing up here as the most true and pure version of myself. I'm leaving the school knowing exactly what I'm capable of. And ready to face the world no matter how frightening it might seem. And with that, my list is complete. So thank you, Harry Dines coming out in December, 2023, and a huge thanks to Harry, his family, for allowing us to play parts of the speech here today. Tony that is 2023 in, in 27 minutes. Um, so thank you so much. Thank you. Kaari Gay. Thank you, Nikki and Coast Access Radio. It's been amazing to, to come back, uh, year after year and, and share some amazing moments. Well, thank you very much. Uh, uh, Gareth, you are, you are certainly one of the interviewees that I can rely on to, to, to, to be very willing, ready, and able and, uh, it's, uh. I, I have a horrible feeling that 2024 is, is, is likely to be, um, even more interesting, especially if a certain gentleman becomes a president of the United States. Again, that could have worldwide ramifications on nearly everybody. So. Anyway, you can hear this program again next Tuesday or uh, or um, at 8:00 PM or Thursday at 5:00 PM It is also available on our website at www dot coast access radio org nz, or just Google Coast Access Radio Capital ga. This is Tony Reed for GA y on Coast Access Radio 1 0 4 0. 7 fm and other access, uh, stations around New Zealand. And thank you again, Gareth. This program was made with assistance from New Zealand on air, for radio broadcast, and through the Access Media website. Thank you. New Zealand on air. The full transcription of the recording ends. 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The tags are seperated by a semi-colon: 1970s ; 2020s ; Albert Park ; Aotearoa New Zealand ; Auckland ; Blue Mountain College ; Chanel Hati ; Christchurch ; Coast Access Radio ; Coming Up ; Events ; Fired Up Stilettos ; Gareth Watkins ; General election ; God ; Harry Dynes ; Homosexual Law Reform ; Islamophobia ; Joan Bellingham ; Job ; Kapiti Coast District ; Kapiti Gay (Coast Access Radio) ; Melbourne ; Member of Parliament ; National Party ; New Zealand First ; Otago ; Out Loud ; People ; Pride parade ; Renee Paul ; River Ayto ; Roger Smith ; Royal Commission ; Space ; Stuff ; Tabby Besley ; Tommy Robinson ; Tony Reed ; United Kingdom ; Wellington ; Winston Peters ; abuse ; access ; activism ; allies ; anger ; anxiety ; artist ; bathrooms ; bigotry ; capital ; change ; cis ; coming out ; community ; community radio ; community support ; connect ; courageous ; death ; difference ; drag ; dream ; drugs ; economy ; education ; election ; emotional ; energy ; engagement ; face ; family ; farewell ; fire ; flags ; friends ; funding ; gay ; gender ; government ; growing up ; harassment ; hate ; hate speech ; head boy ; health ; homosexual ; hope ; hospital ; identity ; intolerance ; knowledge ; language ; laughter ; law ; letter ; love ; march ; mayor ; media ; memory ; naming ; opportunity ; other ; parade ; parties ; peace ; plan ; pridenz. com ; profile ; protest ; purple ; queen ; radio ; rainbow ; rainbows ; rally ; records ; relationships ; respect ; review ; sad ; school ; secret ; sex ; sexuality ; signs ; social ; social media ; spaces ; speech ; strength ; support ; time ; trans ; transgender ; transphobia ; values ; website ; white supremacy ; women ; work. The original recording can be heard at this website https://www.pridenz.com/kapiti_gay_pridenz_2023_retrospective.html. Please note that this document may contain errors or omissions - you should always refer back to the original recording to confirm content.