Rainbow Pasefika 2020

The "Rainbow Pasefika 2020" event, an integral part of Wellington's Pride Festival, was recorded at Wellington Museum on February 29, 2020. The recording, spanning 31 minutes, encapsulates interviews with Gio To'a, Leilani Sio, Malia Patea-Taylor, and Rachel Ingram, with Gareth Watkins as the interviewer.

The discussions revolve around the fusion of the Wellington festival's atmosphere and the vibrant Pacific cultures, reflecting on the inclusivity and representation the event aimed to amplify. The narrative begins with the description of the venue, The Attic at Wellington Museum, noting the need for more Māori and Polynesian presence, and outlines the various arrangements made for the event. There were eye-catching artistic installations, a children's area, a quiet space for health testing provided by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, and a historic meeting room used for various activities.

Key participants mentioned include Peter from the AIDS Foundation, providing HIV and syphilis testing, and Geo To'a from a Maori Pacifica youth organization in Gisborne. The event also featured a DJ setup for three community members who were not typical DJs but were notable figures within the community: a well-known artist, an actor from Auckland, and a marketing professional for the city mission. An open mic session for poetry was also part of the event, encouraging participation and expression among attendees.

The necessity of hosting a Rainbow Pacific event was emphasized, citing the absence of such targeted activities in the broader Pride festival and the potential barriers this absence creates. The intention was to foster a family-friendly environment where one could forge in-person connections rather than just online, contributing to community building and combatting loneliness. The event also included a coloring table with a poster designed by a Māori artist, featuring Pacific words related to gender and sexuality. The imagery was a celebration of Pacific culture, with plans to display the completed artwork within a supportive organization.

Another focal point was the visual memorial tribute projected on the museum's wall, honoring members of the rainbow community who have passed away, emphasizing the significance of remembering their influence and the importance of knowing one's rainbow history.

The recording underscores the commitment of individuals in Gisborne, like Geo To'a, who transitioned from a background in beauty to creating safe, supportive spaces for the rainbow youth. This transition is seen as a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for younger generations, fostering a sense of belonging and community among marginalized groups.

Interviewees emphasized the importance of safe spaces, especially for vulnerable demographics in areas like Gisborne, where high rates of suicide persist, and highlighted the positive changes observed in youth participating in such supportive environments.

The recording's conclusion reiterates the goal to make museums more contemporary and relevant by engaging with communities and encouraging inclusivity. The overarching desire is for kindness to permeate every aspect of society, allowing everyone, regardless of identity, to feel seen, heard, and valued.

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.

Gio To'a Leilani Sio Malia Patea-Taylor Rachel Ingram

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