By Randall Richards
Wanaka New Zealand is currently hosting Gay Pride Week. Neighboring Queenstown has had a similar event for years. The thing I noticed about the wording of their promotional writeup on Facebook is it made me think, “Hey wait a minute, they’re describing how we feel.” And, who are “we”?
WE are all those in New Zealand who bore the brunt of draconian measures to enforce vaccination passports where our prime minister actually admitted that there would be two classes of people, those vaxxed and those that weren’t. Those who followed the rules would be afforded all the benefits of going along with the plan. Those that resisted, would suffer. Suffice it to say, Ardern will not weather well in the history books.
Here’s the post I saw tonight on Facebook:
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you all and see our community come together to celebrate and connect. Our OUT&about Wānaka team and trust have poured so much heart and hard work into making this week unforgettable. From community events to educational sessions and our epic Pride Street Party and dance night, we’ve crafted something for everyone—whether you’re here to support, learn, or just have a good time.
These events are for the whole community, a chance to celebrate diversity and spread love in every corner of Wānaka. So, come join us, bring your friends, and let’s make this a week to remember.
Can’t wait to see you all there!
Join us in celebrating the entire rainbow community and their allies. This week is all about creating safe, inclusive spaces to come together, express ourselves, and be proud of who we are. Here’s what’s in store:
Monday: Queer Film Fest at Rhyme X Reason Brewery. This event runs on a koha basis, give what feels right to you. https://events.humanitix.com/queer-short-film-festival
Tuesday: Living Library at Wānaka Library – Queenstown Lakes District Libraries where members of the rainbow community share personal stories, the joys, and the challenges. Free to attend.
Wednesday: Queer Quarterly Reads Wānaka at Next Chapter Wanaka, hosted by Catherine. Dive into three queer short stories in this free gathering.
Thursday: Queers & Beers Wānaka Pride Kick Off Edition! at Rhyme X Reason Brewery Grab a pint of the Straight Out of Narnia Hazy IPA—$1 from every pint goes to Queers & Beers NZ
Friday: Rainbow Awareness Training with Pride Pledge https://events.humanitix.com/rainbow-awareness-training… (free, booking required).
Friday evening: Drag Bingo with Lady Bubbles Get your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/drag-bingo-with-lady-bubbles
Drag Karaoke – Wānaka Pride Week Wanaka Brew Bar with Frothy follows!
Saturday: Wānaka Pride Street Party—the big day! Join us at the Lake Wānaka Centre for live music, a craft and info market, community café, fashion show, mindfulness activities, drag queens, dance performances, face painting, DJs, comedy, and more!
Saturday Night: Pride After Dark is the place to be! This Pride Week finale features burlesque, DJs, gogo dancers, aerial silks, drag queens, a spin-to-win tattoo wheel, and more. Get your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/pride-after-dark
Sunday: Wrap up the week with live music and relaxed vibes coffee morning at the Lake Wānaka Centre.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible supporters, funders, and community partners who have made these events possible. Central Lakes Trust, The Rainbow Legacy Fund, Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Outlet Camp Wānaka, Francesca, TomTom, Big Fig, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, just to name a few.”
Then a neighbor posted in the comment section: “Wanaka does not need this. Jesus Christ, what ever happened to Tradie Week?”
Here is my comment in the thread:
I gotta add my own thoughts as well. I’m not here to say whether we need or don’t need this event. – I’m totally for gay rights. But this post begs the question, what about another suppressed group that needs a coming out event?
So gather round, and hear me out:
Having been mandated out of libraries, barber shops, restaurants, even the commuinty offices and service desks, and treated like second class citizens during 2020 etc…When I read the above text I felt my friends and I that suffered during the mandates also need a week of “all about creating safe, inclusive spaces to come together, express ourselves, and be proud of who we are.” Those of us who didn’t get the jab, didn’t die, but what did happen to us isn’t really on people’s radar, and what about the vax injured. As a start, I invite people to come to the dDnosaur park tomorrow at Noon for Red Remembrance Day. It’s a start, but we have a long way to go to even be acknowledged, as a part of the New Zealand population that’s had a rough go.
It all seems a bit ironic,, that’s all. But it’s also inspiring, to get out there and not be afraid to stand up and speak out. And it’s not just me that feels this way, there’s quite a few of us.
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