What's on in Lesbian Wellington

Docedge movie: Nelly & Nadine

On Christmas Eve, 1944 the Belgian prisoner and opera singer Nelly Mousset-Vos had been asked to sing Christmas carols in one of the French populated Ravensbrück concentration camp barracks. After a couple of songs, Nadine Hwang of mixed Chinese heritage requests a song from Madame Butterfly. After Nelly sings an aria about waiting on a loved one, Nadine emerges from the darkness and kisses Nelly – at this moment Nelly and Nadine become a couple. After the war, they reunite and start building a life together. For many years their relationship was kept a secret, even from their closest family.

This documentary is screening in the 2022 Docedge film festival:
 - Sunday 3 July 2.45pm at the Embassy Theatre
 - online from Sunday 26 June to Sunday 10 July
Book your tickets on the Docedge webpage.

Lesbian Overland and Café Club

The Lesbian Overland and Café Club is a social walking group for lesbians and their women friends. Young or not so young, we'd love you to join us. We choose walks from the Wellington region, alternating between Kapiti, Wellington, the Hutt Valley and sometimes the Wairarapa, starting and often finishing in a local café ... more ▶

Next: Sunday 10 July: Huntleigh Park to Crows Nest

A loop walk from Huntleigh Park up to the Skyline Walkway, then north to the Crow's Nest. After lunch we'll return to Ngaio via Bell's Track and head to Ngaio for coffee at a local café. See the map on the Overlanders webpage and the brochure on the Residents' Association guide. Note that trip leader may change the route on the day depending on conditions.
We will start the walk from the Ngaio railway station at 10.15, leaving cars in the station car park.
If you're coming by train from Wellington, yo'll need to catch the 10.02 train on the Johnsonville line, due at Ngaio station at 10.12am.

What to bring: You'll need the usual walking gear plus sturdy shoes or boots, waterproof jacket, warm clothes, walking pole, lunch food and drink.

Trip contact: text Katy on 021 058 1299 to let us know if you're joining the walk.

LILAC  - Wellington's Lesbian Library

LILAC is a lending library for lesbians and queer women with a great selection of books, DVDs and magazines. It is at 187 Willis Street, 2nd floor (flat access from the street, lift). More info on the LILAC website at lilac.lesbian.net.nz - try the TinyCat searchable catalogue.

LILAC is open:

• Wednesdays 5.30-7.30 pm
• Thursdays 11 am-2 pm
• Saturdays 11 am-2 pm

LILAC is operating under RED traffic light protocols just like public libraries.

LILAC's Winter Art Exhibition

The current Winter Art Exhibition in the LILAC Lounge features various local lesbian artists working in a variety of media. Two donated works are being sold by silent auction (running for the duration of the exhibition) & some other works are for sale.

Occasional drinks & dinner at Finns Bar, Paekākāriki

Held (usually) on the third Friday of the month at Finns Bar, Paekākāriki.
Next: Friday 15 July from 5.30 pm

Please phone Finns and add you name to Sally’s table 04 292 8081 or email finnshotel2021@hotmail.com and book a seat at Sally's table by Thursday if you intend staying for dinner. It is a busy place and helps the staff if they can reserve the right sized table.

Sapphic Lake - on demand

A new comic queer ballet based on the Ancient Greek myth of Iphis and Ianthe.

Sapphic Lake was about to open last year when the country went into lockdown. But $$ were raised and a performance was filmed later - and it is available to view on demand from BATS website

It's the Nonbinary Lesbian Ballet of the (12th) Century (BCE)
Gender isn't real - but love is.
When ancient Greek enby cutie Iphis finds themself in love with the babe next door Ianthe, a family secret threatens their cottagecore romance.
Luckily the Goddexxes are on their side.

Polari  - Fantabulosa!

Polari is a queer inclusive cocktail party held at a different style-y bar in Wellington, usually on a Friday, sometimes late in the month ... but it's become an occasional event of late. Keep an eye on the facebook page for more info.

Kāpiti lesbians dining out

Potlucks are held on the Kāpiti Coast, usually on the first Saturday of the month. Lesbians from any area is welcome to attend - bring a mains or dessert to share, beverage of your choice. Singles and couples are welcome, as are visiting lesbians. The dates and venues are advertised via Leonie's email list.

LILAC has a Kāpiti service - bringing books, DVDs etc plus membership forms - to the monthly dinners so that women can join the library and borrow. Check the LILAC website for more information.

Planning a trip to New Zealand or an outdoor adventure

• Sidetracks women - guided outdoors adventures.
• Women's Adventures NZ - more outdoors adventures.
• Women Travel New Zealand - essential information for the woman traveller visiting New Zealand.
• New Zealand Awaits - small group trips and bespoke adventures.