Lesbian Wellington

Gay and Lesbian Help-Line

An information and advice service for lesbian, gay, trans, questioning, coming out, whatever. More info at www.gaywellington.org/ or phone them at 04-473-7878.

Out Wellington Inc. AGM

Out Wellington Incorporated, the group behind Wellington’s annual Out in the Square, will hold their Annual General Meeting at 6pm on Thursday 9 July 2009 at the NZAF’s Awhina Centre, Level 1, 187 Willis Street.

The second annual ‘Out in the Square’ on Sunday 1st March 2009 featured live singers and acts in the capital’s Civic Square, along with stalls providing food, wine merchandise, and information on the capital's rainbow community groups. Despite the event having been postponed due to the tempestuous weather on Saturday, Out in the Square attracted thousands of attendees and onlookers on an exquisite Sunday afternoon.

The AGM will include a briefing on Out in the Square and Proud 2009, a chance for feedback from the community on the society’s activities, and elections for executive positions including chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

Out Wellington Inc. is extending an invitation to the wider rainbow community to come along and get involved in these community events, and will be accepting applications from potential members of the society.

Contact details and further information about Out in the Square and Proud 2009 are provided on the websites http://www.outinthesquare.co.nz and http://www.proudonline.co.nz.

Wellington GLITTFaB Gardening Group

A group for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Takataapui, Transgender, Fa'afafine and Intersex people of all ages who have an interest in gardening, and their friends and partners. Apart from a programme of social events and providing an opportunity for GLITTFaB gardeners to meet each other, other ideas for the group are that it could provide a forum for exchanging knowledge, ideas, plants, cuttings and energy. Some activities already identified include visits to members’ gardens, participation in other events of interest to gardeners, and visits to public gardens and garden centres.
Email glittfabgardeners@gardener.com for more information. Read the group's newsletter.

Creative studio residency for lesbians

A room of one’s own

The free use of this studio is offered to lesbian women to follow creative goals. It offers solitude to write, study or follow any kind of artistic or creative endeavor or simply the space to gather ones thoughts. Situated on the Paramata inlet, is comfortable, sheltered and sunny with doors opening onto the tidal estuary.

It is a 20 minute drive from Wellington, or by train - the nearest stop is Mana, a short walk away. All running costs are covered. The studio will become available again full time at the end of July, but can be used during the weekdays from now until then. This space is for daytime use only.

To apply: Please forward an outline of intended use and how this will help further your personal or professional endeavors. Please include a description your projects/works over the last two years, what materials and equipment you might use and if there are any noise or safety issues involved in your work. Please specify if you prefer full or part time use, when and for how many months you wish to use it. (6 month max).

If you simply need to chill out for a day or so simply get back to us with dates that suit.

Selection is made by a small group of Wellington women with an interest in women realizing their creative potential. Please send your application or enquiries to buzzword@paradise.net.nz.

Thanks to the Armstrong & Arthur Charitable Trust for Lesbians for covering power costs.

Queers Gone Kiwi

Queers Gone Kiwi is New Zealand's mostly social group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Immigrants. They gather every Wednesday from 6 pm at S&M (Scotty and Mals) cocktail bar and lounge at 176 Cuba St, for informal drinks and chat. Just turn up or email queersgonekiwi@yahoo.co.nz if you haven't been before or it has been a while and you would like to be introduced to the group. QGC also organise other events from time to time - theatre trips, Easter camp ... just email them.

School's Out

School's Out is a support and hang out group for queer, gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, takataapui, fa'afafine, and questioning teenagers (12-22) in the Greater Wellington area. They meet thursday afternoons in Wellington central and fortnightly in Lower Hutt, as well as having weekend and holidays things to do. Check www.gaywellington.org/schoolsout.htm for more information, or email them at queer_schools_out@hotmail.com.

The Gay Welfare website www.gayline.gen.nz has podcasts of queer youth sharing their stories of coming out - there are now three to listen to.

TRANZform

A group for young people (30ish and under) who identify as transgender, genderqueer, non-gendered, questioning and their allies. We meet the second Tuesday of the month, for yarns, support, food and mischief making. The first meeting is in November - email tranzform.wgtn@gmail.com for more information

About Us: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and the Law in New Zealand

MSD's GLBTI Policy has worked in conjunction with Whitireia Community Law Centre to produce an online legal resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, takataapui, fa'afafine, transsexual, transgender and intersex people (and anyone else who doesn't fit into heterosexual or gender norms!). The resource is housed on the Community Law Centre website - currently on its front page at www.communitylaw.org.nz

Rainbow families

There is a national Rainbow Families website and emailing list www.rainbowfamiliesnz.org to exchange information around NZ and also just to chat about raising our kids LBGT style!

Rainbow Families Wellington is a regional eGroup for local and regional activities, events and news. Activities are organised for the second Sunday of each month.

Keeping it safe

- a sexual and reproductive health guide for same sex attracted women

The NZ Family Planning Association have produced a booklet for any woman who has sex with women. It's practical guide on reducing risks, and maintaining sexual, reproductive and mental health.

Copies can be obtained at LILAC library.
Or for up to two free copies please send a stamped self addressed A5 envelope to:
  FPA Resource Unit, P.O. Box 11515, Wellington
3-50 copies cost $10 (postage and handling)

TV guide

GayNZ.com have an excellent guide to TV programmes of interest.