The Rainbow List Project

The Rainbow List Project, initiated around 2021, is a significant endeavor by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to ensure that queer histories and communities are appropriately represented in the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Kerryn Pollock, a key figure behind the project, emphasizes that heritage should be inclusive and reflective of all communities, including queer ones, which have historically been underrepresented in heritage narratives. The Rainbow List aims to address this gap by documenting and celebrating the contributions and stories of queer individuals and communities within New Zealand’s historic places.

The project's primary goal is to incorporate queer stories into the heritage list by creating narratives that acknowledge and honor queer contributions to New Zealand's history. Pollock points out that the Rainbow List is not just about adding places to the heritage list but also about revisiting existing entries and uncovering their connections to queer history. One of the first successful entries was Carmen's Curios, a well-known shop in Wellington, marking the project's formal beginning. The project's scope includes both tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting not only physical buildings but also landscapes and areas.

A particularly notable achievement of the Rainbow List Project is the listing of the Duigan Building in Whanganui. This building was the office of Charles Mackay, a mayor who was blackmailed for his homosexuality in the 1920s. Its inclusion in the heritage list underscores the project's aim to elevate places based on their significance to queer communities. Similarly, Pollock discusses the inclusion of other buildings, like Chapman Taylor's HomeCraft building in Wellington, which also has ties to queer history.

Pollock explains that storytelling is at the heart of the Rainbow List. Even if a queer connection to a place seems small or transient, it still deserves recognition. The project seeks to tell these stories comprehensively, from significant historical events to more personal, lesser-known narratives. The importance of public submissions in enriching the project is also highlighted. Pollock recalls receiving numerous heartfelt submissions when the Duigan Building was listed, with many expressing the deep importance of recognizing queer history within the broader national narrative.

In addition to listing historic buildings, the Rainbow List Project actively engages with queer communities by inviting them to use heritage spaces for queer events and performances. Pollock expresses a particular passion for this, dreaming of "queer takeovers" of heritage sites. One such event is "Wedlock: A Drag Wedding," a drag show at Old St Paul's in Wellington. The show, organized in collaboration with the drag king Willy Smack'n Tush and their team, is a celebration of queer culture within a historically significant space. The use of Old St Paul's for a drag wedding symbolizes the project's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for queer expression.

Pollock acknowledges the challenges the project faces, particularly when building owners oppose the listing of their properties or when historic queer spaces no longer exist, having been demolished or repurposed. Nevertheless, the project continues to find innovative ways to document and honor these lost spaces, ensuring that queer histories are not erased. Vinegar Hill, New Zealand's oldest queer summer camp site, is one example where a landscape, rather than a building, is being considered for heritage recognition.

The Rainbow List Project also explores how the lives and experiences of queer individuals have influenced the design and use of heritage places. Pollock refers to the home of writer Frank Sargeson, where architectural modifications were made to accommodate his private life as a gay man. This shows how queer identities have shaped the physical environments around them, often in subtle but significant ways.

Looking forward, the Rainbow List Project seeks to continue expanding its scope, with Pollock encouraging queer communities to share their stories and nominate places of significance. The project is not only about preserving history but also about creating spaces where queer people can see themselves reflected in the nation’s heritage. By doing so, the Rainbow List helps ensure that queer histories are not forgotten but celebrated as an integral part of New Zealand’s past and present.

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Kerryn Pollock

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