Rainbow supporters in full force for Pride
A crowd numbering in the hundreds marched through Ōtautahi yesterday, marking the start of Christchurch Pride 2024 with joy, despite heavier undertones.
During the Walk for Support, Destiny Church pastor Derek Tait attempted to protest against the LGBTQIA+ community – only to be drowned out by upbeat music, dancing and cheers from rainbow supporters.
Among the crowd was Pride committee member Mark McLennan, who said the walk had doubled in size since its inception a couple of years ago.
McLennan’s husband, LeRoy, said the huge turnout made those in the pride community feel “safer every day” to show their true selves. “When something like this happens and we get a space that allows us to come out and just exist without having to put up a mask, I think there’s something really special about that.”
Celebration and strength was a key theme from speakers after the walk, but many noted “there’s definitely still work to be done” following a string of violent assaults on gay men in Christchurch.
“Many of us are aware of the tragic attacks on the members of our community last year, and sadly this means many of us must take extra precautions,” Christchurch Pride co-chair Tom Rosanowski said.
He held a moment of silence for victims of the mosque terror attacks, respecting the pain of a fellow minority community.
“I encourage everybody to continue working together to make Ōtautahi and Aotearoa a safer space for all Christchurch communities,” he said. “Christchurch Pride would not be here without the support of our community and I know everybody here, as well as those who can’t be here today, are vibrant, strong and passionate.”
Councillor for Heathcote ward Sara Templeton encouraged the Pride community to alert the Christchurch City Council when they fall short of what’s expected of them.
“Its really important that you do because its only when we are called out – hopefully in a kind way – that we recognise the failings and we commit to do better.”
Templeton also acknowledged the March 15 attacks and “the recent increase in attacks on our rainbow community”.
“It’s concerning, its disturbing ... as a society we need to do better, we need to be standing up and looking out for those members of our community who are being deliberately attacked and intimidated. Council has committed to doing better and to being inclusive ... Everyone deserves to be safe in our city.”
Green MP Kahurangi Carter also took to the stage, thanking the organisers, volunteers and crowd in attendance. “Today is about you. Our community. For our rainbow babies, for our closeted honeys – for all of us.”
She called out “politicians who decide to ‘cosplay’ our community” once a year and demanded real policy change around human rights. “Rainbow rights are human rights.”
Healthcare leader at Qtopia and Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa president Jen Shields reinforced the importance of solidarity.
“Solidarity is an expression of love. Solidarity is a way for us to continue to build communities together. Solidarity is a way we can strengthen all of our individual causes together. Especially as we witness more and more attention on our community, more and more people trying to cause a fuss, no matter how outnumbered they are, we keep coming back to those around us. Our community has a history of resilience. It has a history of resistance and it has a proud history of loving each other and celebrating together and, to me, that’s what Pride is all about.”
Song and dance entertainment from Moana Vā ended the event with many more activities planned through to the end of March, including queer movies, soaking in hot pools and biking.