Media release

21 February 2014

Council pledges further support to rainbow communities

A strong, inclusive and equitable society ensures opportunities for all Aucklanders says Cr Cathy Casey, Chair of Auckland Council’s Community Development and Safety Committee.

“This week the committee moved to support a framework to help turn Auckland into the world’s most liveable city for our rainbow communities*,” says Casey.

The committee voted to secure greater representation and visibility of rainbow communities, fund for initiatives supporting the framework and grow collaboration with rainbow friendly community organisations.

Cr. Casey continues, “Auckland Council and the committee are proud to support rainbow communities as well as our rainbow staff and encourage others to do the same. We have a team of council employees participating in the Pride Parade tomorrow which is absolutely fantastic. My vision is to have an Auckland where every person feels included.”

In acknowledgement of the Pride Festival, rainbow flags were flown proudly over Aotea Centre this week.

“It’s been inspiring to see the support that has been shown for the rainbow community in Auckland. I would like to say a huge thanks to Regional Facilities Auckland for their acknowledgement of the Auckland Pride Festival in downtown Auckland,” adds Cr Casey.

The framework came from feedback received at the Not Your Usual Hui a forum held in June 2013 for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) communities.

The 2014 Auckland Pride Parade takes place tomorrow from 7pm – 9pm, beginning at Western Park and finishing at Three Lamps. The parade will run for 90 minutes and is proudly supported by Auckland Council.

Pride Parade

Saturday 22 February

7pm – 9pm

Starting at Western Park and finishing at Three Lamps

*Rainbow communities: is a term that covers the diversity of sexual orientations and gender/sex identities. It is inclusive of, but not exclusive to: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex, Takataapui, Whakawahine, Vakasalewalewa, Fakaleiti, Tangata Ira Tane, Tongzhu, Mahu, Palopa, Fa’afafine, Akavaine, Fakafifine, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Genderqueer, Pansexual, Omnisexual, Bi-gendered, Genderfluid, and Androgyne.

Ends

© Scoop Media