Pride Hīkoi speeches (2024)

The Pride Hīkoi speeches of 2024, recorded on the 9th of March at Parliament grounds in Wellington, captured a significant moment of collective activism, solidarity, and celebration within the takatāpui and rainbow communities. The event followed a hīkoi that began in Civic Square and travelled through central Wellington before culminating in speeches at Parliament. The gathering was marked by powerful oratory from a diverse range of speakers, who addressed issues of queer liberation, indigenous sovereignty, political resistance, and international solidarity, particularly with Palestine.

The event opened with a karakia and a waiata led by Tīwhanawhana, honouring the mana whenua and grounding the kaupapa in tikanga Māori. The speeches that followed wove together personal experiences, calls to action, and reflections on the challenges facing queer and indigenous communities in Aotearoa and beyond.

One of the central themes of the event was the assertion of takatāpui rights and the broader struggle for equity. Speakers called for the protection of transgender and queer rights, particularly in response to recent political shifts and legislative threats. Awhi Marshall spoke on the power of collective grief and the importance of recognising and processing the trauma caused by ongoing injustices, both in Aotearoa and globally. They urged those present to use their grief as a catalyst for action rather than allowing it to immobilise them.

Palestinian trans activist Mena delivered a deeply personal and historical reflection on their homeland, linking the Palestinian struggle to broader themes of colonialism and dispossession. They spoke about the symbolism of the Jaffa orange, a representation of the stolen Palestinian homeland, and the ongoing resistance of the Palestinian people. The speech underscored the interconnectedness of indigenous struggles worldwide, reinforcing the kaupapa of the event: Toitū Te Tiriti, Free Palestine, and Mana Takatāpui.

Throughout the speeches, chants and haka punctuated the event, reinforcing the messages of resistance and solidarity. Calls of "Free Palestine!" and "Honour Te Tiriti!" resonated through the crowd, highlighting the intersection of queer rights, indigenous sovereignty, and anti-colonial struggles.

Quack Pirihi, a key organiser, emphasised the importance of standing in solidarity with indigenous peoples everywhere, reminding attendees that supporting Palestine is part of the broader fight against colonial oppression. They also addressed the concerning political climate in Aotearoa, condemning government actions that threaten Te Tiriti o Waitangi and undermine the rights of marginalised communities.

Tabby Besley of Inside Out spoke about the attacks on relationships and sexuality education guidelines, urging people to fight against the erasure of inclusive education. They highlighted the role of community care in sustaining activism, encouraging attendees to support each other in the face of political adversity.

Speakers from the Labour and Green parties, including MPs Shanan Halbert and Kahurangi Carter, affirmed their commitment to defending queer and indigenous rights. They criticised government policies that seek to roll back progress and called on attendees to continue organising, advocating, and holding politicians accountable.

The event concluded with a reminder to attendees to travel home safely, take care of one another, and continue the fight beyond the hīkoi. The final moments were marked by a collective karakia and waiata, reinforcing the spirit of unity and resilience that had defined the gathering.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Adam Powell Awhi Marshall Elizabeth Kerekere Kahurangi Carter Kevin Haunui Quack Pirihi Rangi Curtis Saviiey Nua Shanan Halbert Tabby Besley Tīwhanawhana

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