Students at Hobsonville Point Secondary School in Auckland have been left devastated after their annual LGBTQ+ event, Lil Gay Out, was cancelled due to safety concerns following threats of protest.
The event, which has become a staple for rainbow youth across Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland, features workshops on mental health, sexual education, and peer support. It regularly attracts hundreds of students from secondary schools across the region.
This year’s event, scheduled for June, was cancelled after school leaders received information about potential protest activity targeting the event.
Principal: Safety Must Come First
In a statement to the New Zealand Herald, Principal Kirsty Dowding said that while the school is committed to inclusion and diversity, the safety of students and staff remains the top priority.
“We are aware that there is the possibility of outside protesters at this event,” Dowding said.
“We do not consider this risk to be in the interests of our students, staff, visitors and community and have made the decision to cancel this event.”
“Ultimately, our key role is in educating our students in a safe, happy and healthy environment.”
The decision was communicated to students during a morning meeting earlier this week. A police spokesperson confirmed that a meeting between school leaders and police took place on Monday to assess security concerns.
“The meeting was to discuss the potential need for a policing response as part of their safety and security assessment. Ultimately, the school decided to cancel the event,” police said.
Students and Advocates React
One Hobsonville Point student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the cancellation.
“It’s a really important event for the community because it helps people feel less alone and have a place to share experiences,” they said.
“It generally improves people’s mental health so much.”
Another person described the cancellation as disheartening.
“Events like Lil Gay Out are not just social gatherings — they are lifelines.
They offer belonging, community, and visibility in a world that too often makes Rainbow youth feel unsafe or unseen.
To see such an event silenced by intimidation is an alarming reminder of how far we still have to go.”
InsideOut: Rainbow Events Uplift and Include
Tabby Besley, managing director of LGBTQ+ youth charity InsideOut, said that events like Lil Gay Out and Schools’ Pride Week play a vital role in student wellbeing and inclusion.
“A majority of students will either belong to the rainbow community, or have rainbow friends, whānau,” Besley said.
“These events help uplift the wellbeing of a group who often experience bullying and discrimination simply for being themselves, and support young people to be proud of who they are.”
She said that most secondary schools have shown strong support for Rainbow inclusion by participating in initiatives like Pride Week.
“This sends a clear message that rainbow young people belong in their schools.”
While the cancellation has sparked disappointment, advocates are urging communities and schools to stand firm in support of diversity and inclusion, even when faced with anti-LGBTQ+ opposition.
