River of colour brings Pride to garden city
We’re here, we’re queer, and get used to it. That’s the message from Christchurch Pride as Pride Week officially opened yesterday.
Anyone who was in Christchurch’s CBD yesterday afternoon could not have missed the Pride Walk of Support as about 200 supporters took over Oxford Tce and Cashel St with a loud array of vibrant frocks and flags on show.
The New Zealand Army Band led the walk with drag queens and pride supporters in tow.
Christchurch Pride Committee chairperson Jill Stevens said Pride Week celebrations in Christchurch had come a long way in her 10 years on the board.
‘‘We’ve had to have events in the past in just small bars, and now we’re in the CBD with key city venues on board.
‘‘The only way to change the world is by educating.’’
Christchurch Pride has 46 events lined up across the city this Pride Week, which runs until Wednesday.
A share-a-plate dinner event near the end of the celebrations will mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots 53 years ago.
The riots were a series of spontaneous protests in response to police raids on gay bars and began at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969.
It’s a significant event that Christchurch Pride committee member Jack Mould said would be acknowledged here.
‘‘It’s been a difficult couple of years with Covid, so it’s nice to have a celebration.
‘‘We can celebrate the conversion therapy ban this year as well, but it’s also not to take away from the injustices still going on around the rest of the world.’’
Fellow committee member Akira Lefevou, who has been on the board for 10 years, was present at yesterday’s Pride Walk of Support.
Known as Little Miss Cinnamon, Lefevou’s drag persona dazzled the crowd.
‘‘Today means visibility, it means inclusion, it means celebrating who we are, but also educating and creating a safe space for our queer, rainbow, takatāpui, intersex, and all of our identities in O¯ tautahi.’’
Christchurch deputy mayor Andrew Turner and Green MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere joined Stevens and Lefevou in cutting the rainbow ribbon to open ‘‘colourful Cashel’’.
‘‘This is a brilliant gathering, so many people together right in the middle of the city, celebrating pride and supporting the rainbow community,’’ Turner said.
He was looking forward to the proud party tonight.