Taranaki celebrates Pride Week
Events to connect rainbow community
Members of Taranaki’s rainbow community are ready to celebrate themselves and each other for a week long event this month. From April 8-14, Pride Taranaki has organised several community events for the region’s Pride Week, celebrating the LGBTQI+ community.
Pride Taranaki trustee Chris Herlihy said the week is about meaningful connection.
“We encourage people to be who they want and provide experiences where people can get to know each other and find their community.”
Herlihy said Pride Taranaki has teamed up with local businesses and organisations to create a wellrounded week of fun activities.
“We’re excited to have a wide variety of events on offer for our rainbow community.”
Rangatahi will have the chance to declutter or update their wardrobes at a free clothes swap on Saturday, April 13.
The event, run by RainbowYouth, provides a safe space for young people in the rainbow community to find gender-affirming clothes, said regional co-ordinator Wesley Milne.
“When you look your best you feel your best. This event helps rainbow youth experiment with clothes that make them feel comfortable and like themselves.”
The free clothes swap is similar to a community exchange, they said.
“The vibe is to have racks full of clothing ready for rainbow rangatahi to look through, try something on and take home. It’s also a chance for them to swap out their old clothes for something they feel comfortable and confident in.”
The next day, West Baptist Church is running a Thank God for Pride church service. Pastor Andrew Sangster said he’s happy the church is part of Taranaki Pride Week.
“We’re keen to celebrate the way God has made us — in his light and divine image.”
It is the church’s first Thank God for Pride service and Sangster said he
is looking forward to it.
“We want to be very clear in showing what God’s heart is about and not having barriers in place for anyone who wants to be a part of a church. We want to reflect God in what we do and we know he loves and supports everyone being who they are.”
He said it’s important to have safe spaces to worship God.
“There’s a real beauty in seeing a diverse group of people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life come together to be part of a church community, to find out more about Jesus and follow his ways.”
Labour list MP Glen Bennett said Taranaki Pride Week is happening at the perfect time.
“It is so timely and important to celebrate pride. Especially when looking at the recent attacks on rainbow crossings and some of the government policies that are coming through about gender diversity. It’s important to celebrate diversity and love in trying times.”
He said Pride Week is a celebration of love and acceptance.
“For us in a province or small town, it’s not easy to be queer. Sometimes it feels conservative so it’s lovely to have Taranaki Pride Week. It’s good
to have that visibility as it’s important for the rainbow community — young or old — to see open and affirming spaces. Whether you are part of the rainbow wha¯ nau or not, it’s important to celebrate with us to acknowledge the fact we’re all human, regardless of our differences.”