Rainbow groups and activities

LAGANZ Digital Archive Project

LAGANZ, the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand, is embarking on a project to commission a digital archive platform for New Zealand's LGBTTFIQ communities. Their goal is to commission a digital archive platform that will enable them to collect, manage, digitise, preserve and provide online access to the rich materials they hold for the LGBTTIFQ communities.
Starting in October 2021 LAGANZ are holding a series of meetings and online forums via Zoom to share their plans, solicit ideas and feedback from our communities, and to seek direct community involvement from volunteers and those who want to support them in other ways. There are two events in October:

• A public meeting on Wed 20 Oct, 5:30-7pm to launch the project.
• An online zoom meeting on Wed 27 Oct, 7-8pm, to share their plans and seek feedback and volunteer involvement.

Visit laganz.org.nz/digital-archive-project/ for more information and registration details.

Historic LGBTI Rainbow Inner City Tours

Join Walk Tours NZ on two historic walking tours that explore the formative years of the LGBTI Rainbow community in Wellington. The extra tours as part of Wellington Heritage Week

Resonance Route (Te Aro) - Saturday 30 Oct 1pm

This tour gives you an opportunity to be transported back to earlier days to discover stories of courage and resilience while standing in the locations where it all happened. We'll visit Carmen's curio shop, stop by the infamous Club Exotic, talk about a poetic same-sex romance, visit the site of the discreet Dorian Society and more. The walk is on the flat using accessible public footpaths.
Location: Meet outside of Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street
This tour is fully booked.

Violet Route (Parliament) - Sunday 31 Oct 1pm

Learn about homosexual law reform, the beginnings of rainbow radio broadcasting, local LGBTI rainbow personalities, supportive (and not so supportive) churches, a WW1 same-sex love story and imprisonment on Matiu Somes Island.
Location: Meet at the flagpoles on the steps of Parliament.
This tour is fully booked.

Booking is required for both tours - www.taonga.nz/walktours

Walk Tours NZ is a volunteer group that offers free, accessible, inclusive and community-focused walking tours around Wellington highlighting the city’s rich LGBTI rainbow heritage.

Rainbow Wellington

Rainbow Wellington is an LGBTI+ organisation that focuses on networking, events and lobbying. Their website has information about past and present campaigns as well as directories of local LGBTI+ businesses, groups and activities. Follow on facebook

Next: under level 2 rules

• Monthly drinks: Friday 12 Nov 5pm @ Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, , 39 Abel Smith St.

PrideNZ.com audio archive

Something to do under lockdown ...

Follow news of the latest audio files of interviews and events added to PrideNZ on their facebook page

• The Events section on the Pride NZ webside has audio from many queer/rainbow events, conferences, campaigns from around the country - a treasure trove with more being added regularly.
• The On This Day page has a rich mix of rainbow life - from events that happened over 100 years ago to today.
• An interactive map of rainbow related sites in Wellington with links to interviews and articles on the website.
• Check out the awesome historical timeline of GLBTTIQ events and people in New Zealand. Sample it by decade or settle in to read the big page with the full list.

Glamaphones Choir

Rehearsals suspended until we return to level 1

The Glamaphones are Wellington's all-inclusive rainbow choir based at St Andrews on the Terrace. They are a friendly mixed choir and welcome anyone who wishes to sing. Follow the Glamaphones on facebook or their website. Rehearsals on Thursdays 6.30pm (usually) at St Andrews on the Terrace.

Same sex dancing classes

Classes suspended until we return to level 1

The Sunday night DANSS classes are for Gay and Lesbian people and friends who wish to learn some classical Ballroom, some funky Latin American and some elegant New Vogue dance moves. A partner is not necessary however an attitude in wanting to learn and having fun is required.
Classes are held at the Thistle Hall, corner of Cuba and Arthur Streets.
Beginner's class start at 7 pm and the Intermediate classes start at 8 pm. Payment is by koha/donation.

Check the DANSS facebook page or website for more information.

School's Out

School's Out provides a safe, inclusive, social and support space for Queer* and questioning youth in the Wellington region.
Visit their facebook page for more info.

Ivy Bar and Cabaret

James Smiths Basement, 49 Cuba Street - www.ivybarandcabaret.co.nz - they have lots of shows and events

S&M's - Scotty and Mal's Cocktail and Lounge Bar

176 Cuba Street - www.scottyandmals.co.nz. The place for Blondini's drinks on the second and fourth Friday each month.

facebook and other social media groups

• Hutt Valley Rainbows a social group in the Hutt that organises meetups in better times
• Queer Network NZ - Wellington Chapter - information sharing network
• Breaking Boundaries an online forum that offers a safe place to chat for all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer identifying individuals of all ages
• Gay Wellington
• Tīwhanawhana is a takatāpui community group in Wellington that welcomes people of all diverse sexualities and gender. The kaupapa of Tīwhanawhana is primarily for takatāpui: building community, telling our stories and leaving legacies.
• UniQ Victoria - facebook groups for queer students
• Lost Gay Wellington
• Queer Network NZ Wellington Chapter
• Vinegar Hill Gay Camping for gay and lesbian people and their families over Christmas and the New Year holiday period

and no doubt there are many many more ...