Rainbow community resolute after ‘act of terror’
Support is pouring in for Tauranga’s queer community after a fire destroyed the city’s Rainbow Youth building in what some are calling ‘‘an act of terror’’.
A Givealittle crowdfunding page set up to support the community after Thursday’s fire has already raised more than $40,000, with all proceeds going to advocacy and support service Rainbow Youth.
The building, used by Rainbow Youth and Gender Dynamix – an organisation that supports transgender and nonbinary people in the Bay of Plenty – was targeted in an alleged arson attack. It is one of 60 buildings in Tauranga’s Historic Village. The rest remain unscathed.
While some in the LGBTQIA+ community have talked on social media about feeling ‘‘unsafe’’ and called the fire ‘‘an act of terror’’ against them as a specific group, Tauranga pride advocate and local businessman Gordy Lockhart said it will make the community determined to stay strong.
Earlier in the week Lockhart was the target of a malicious cyberattack in which his employer and colleagues were sent a message which attempted to slur his character with a number of extreme accusations about him. The incident has been reported to internet watchdog Netsafe, which is helping track down the sender of the message. It has also been reported to the police, who are also investigating.
‘‘If it’s proven to be connected to the events of this week, or a coincidental attack on LGBT youth outside of this week’s context, it’s for sure an act of terror,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s certainly created significant fear in the community. But interestingly and probably understandably, it’s also created a sense of resolve.’’
While buoyed by support from the Tauranga community, Lockhart said he was still in shock. ‘‘I’m feeling enormous support from the wider community and general shock that this underbelly of insidiousness in Tauranga has been revealed,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s shocking, and it’s a quirk of our new world where an element of society believes it appropriate to burn it all down rather than understand democratic principles.’’
Katerina Clark, who was instrumental in setting up Rainbow Youth in Tauranga in 2014, agreed that there was a sense the queer community had been targeted, but that this had also made her more determined to continue advocacy.
‘‘It felt targeted,’’ she said. ‘‘It was a slap in the face to us. This has drawn me back to the community even more, and I want to use my voice for change. Things like this bring people together, and the community will overcome this in time.
‘‘We just have to do more in terms of educating and not hating or attacking. Let’s all learn from this week. Accept that people have different views, but never attack or harm others. It’s disgusting.’’
The fundraiser was set up by Shaneel Lal, a board member of Rainbow Youth.
‘‘This is a very distressing time for Rainbow Youth and the queer community in Aotearoa, especially in Tauranga,’’ they said. ‘‘I can’t help but feel depressed by the hatred that has been targeted at queer folk in the last two weeks.
‘‘I hope the allies understand that we are not at the ‘‘love is love’’ stage, but queer people are still not safe in Aotearoa.’’
Lal said they were also encouraged by support from all over the country.
‘‘It’s crucial that people get behind Rainbow Youth and other queer organisations to show support and solidarity.
‘‘As a community we are resilient – we have overcome many struggles and that’s made us stronger than anyone who hates us. Our community will build back stronger.’’