Wellington’s biggest GLBT+ day out moved from its regular spot in Waitangi Park to the Michael Fowler Centre to avoid the need for a rain date. The full-day event attracted an estimated 10,000 people with stalls, workshops and performances from top community talent.
The event was marred by anti-trans protesters outside, but Wellington Pride Festival Board Chair Vivian Lyngdoh told us that seeing the community’s response was one of their favourite parts of the day.
“Seeing our queer rangatahi stand up against transphobia. Our rangatahi are our future leaders and seeing them protecting and standing up against bigotry was inspiring,” they tell express, adding that they were not surprised by the protest.
“The only advice I have to them is as my ancestors have always said to me or would have said to me “you have one life and you choose to be a bigot. Check yourself!” They tell us.
Lyngdoh says the community embraced the new indoor venue, “they complimented the committee for thinking of accessibility. So we can see we are heading in the right direction with the right decisions putting our most marginalised at the forefront of the decision making process.”
Overall Lyngdoh was thrilled with how Out In The City 2021 went down. “I felt that community came for community and it was queer excellence,” they conclude.
