Whanganui Pride Week is set to bring a vibrant celebration of rainbow identity, creativity and community to the city from 13 June to 20 June.
Led by Pride Whanganui, the week-long programme features a mix of free, koha and ticketed events designed to offer something for all ages, from art, books and shared kai to kōrero, markets, yoga, a hīkoi and a closing Pride Party.
Pride Whanganui was formed in 2018 by three passionate locals who wanted to create greater visibility for Whanganui’s Rainbow Community. What began with resources gathered in a living room and a one-day Pride Week has grown into a registered charitable trust supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui, queer, intersex, gender and sexual minority communities across the rohe.
The Pride Whanganui Trust was founded by Christina Emery, who remains chairperson, in 2018 and became a registered charity in 2019. Today, the organisation is managed by Zenica Mann, with support from trustees and a dedicated team of volunteers.
This year’s Pride Week begins on Saturday, 13 June with the opening of the Pride Art Exhibition at the Community Arts Centre on Taupō Quay, showcasing work by local rainbow artists. The exhibition will remain open throughout the week.
On Sunday, 14 June, Pride will take to the streets with the Pride Hīkoi from Pākaitore to Majestic Square, inviting people to bring flags, noise-makers and plenty of colour. Later that day, Brooks Books will host a Queer Book Club, offering a relaxed space to celebrate queer stories and discover new reads.
The programme continues with Get Bent yoga, the “This Is Me” panel, Divination for Divas, Women Who Lead, Taste the Rainbow, Rainbow Rewear, a Queer Quiz, Craft-a-thon, Late Bloomers, Wisdom Circle and a PJ movie night featuring The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Friday, 19 June will be Wear the Rainbow Day, encouraging locals to wear a ribbon, badge or full rainbow outfit to show support for Whanganui’s Rainbow whānau.
The celebrations wrap up on Saturday, 20 June with a Rainbow Whānau Picnic at Virginia Lake, Youth Fest and Markets at the Musicians Club, and an R18 Pride Party from 7pm to 11pm.
Pride Whanganui says the Pride Hub at 64 St Hill Street will also be open during the week for drop-in hours, offering event tickets, pride merchandise, resources and a welcoming place to connect over a cuppa.
