Category: News

Feb 24
Dance Music: Go Gaga For Lady Shaka

After founding London’s first Pasifika club night, DJ Lady Shaka has returned to Aotearoa. She tells us about her inspirations and repping femme queens. Chehooo! Where did you grow up and how was growing up for you?  When I was younger, my whole life revolved around dance. Since I could walk, I was dancing and […]

Feb 22
COMMUNITY GROUP OFFER DAILY DINNER GATHERING

Rainbow Awakening has set up a daily dinner gathering on K Road in memory of loved ones lost to AIDS-related illnesses. “It began with a small group of gay men who got together to talk about loved ones they had lost to AIDS. We felt that some of the chief underlying causes were – lack […]

Feb 21
NZ’s Political Leaders Tell Us What Pride Means To Them

express offered the leaders of every significant political party in Aotearoa the chance to tell us what Pride Month means to them. Four out of five responded. Here’s what they said: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: Kia ora and happy Pride to all Express readers! Pride month is a time to celebrate the diversity of our […]

Feb 16
LGBTQ+ Ukrainians: ”We Are Ready To Defend Ourselves, Our Rights & Our Country”

With fears of a full-on Russian invasion on Ukraine growing every day, Oksana Solonska from KyivPride speaks with express’ Matt Fistonich about what it’s like being LGBTQ+ in Ukraine, what effects a Russian takeover could have, and how Kiwis can help queer Ukrainians amid this geopolitical crisis. How do LGBTQ+ rights compare between Ukraine and […]

Feb 15
Ban on Conversion Therapy Passes Final Reading

The Bill passed overwhelmingly, with only eight National MPs opposed. New Zealand has banned conversion therapy. The Government’s Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill passed its final reading 112 votes in favour against eight National MPs who opposed.  The eight MPs who voted against the Bill on the third reading were former leader Simon Bridges, Simeon […]

Feb 15
LGBTQ+ Characters & Storylines Disappear From ‘Friends’ In China

Multiple episodes of the hit television series Friends have been removed or censored by Chinese streaming services due to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. According to reports by the South China Morning Post, several episodes have been intentionally altered to remove LGBTQ+ themes, including Ross’ ex-wife and mother of his son – Carol, who divorced Ross […]

Feb 15
Queer US Sprinter Calls Out Olympic Hypocrisy Amid Another Russian Doping Scandal

Openly queer US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has taken aim at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), accusing them of hypocrisy after allowing Russian Kamila Valieva to compete despite testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Richardson made the comments on social media, highlighting the double standards around dipping after her disqualification from the 2020 Olympic Games […]

Feb 11
Poland Set To Take Backwards Step With New Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Masked as a law to “protect children,” a new anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been passed by Poland’s lower house of parliament, aiming to stop youth from being able to access or be taught about LGBTQ+ issues.  The bill, which was put forward by the current ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), will increase control over schools […]