Prouder than ever

Increased local and national interest after last year’s inaugural Pride Wairau has prompted organisers to “turn it up a notch” for their second year.

The eight-day schedule, from June 6-14, includes more educational workshops and community-focused events, as well as drawing in high-profile acts and artists from across New Zealand.

Committee members George Waterhouse and Gabe Bertogg say last year’s feedback and the excitement from both within Marlborough and further afield has them excited for this event, and beyond.

“Last year showed us people are up for coming out in winter when you bring excitement to them, so we decided to try and turn it up another notch and see how that goes”, says George. “We all want Pride Wairau giving people the opportunity to engage with what we’re doing on their own wavelength in ways they’re comfortable with – as much as I’d love to see older folks close out parties in the early hours of the morning.

“Our closing party was such a success that logically we decided to use both weekends and do two big parties for fit around people’s schedules ... for me as someone who loves music and dancing, seeing the closing party footage of happy, smiley people having a great time here in Blenheim was the visual proof of success.”

George and Gabe say that while the build-up and eight-day celebration will be hectic for them, the privilege of being able to put together the busy schedule is motivational.

“The first opening ceremony taught us a beautiful lesson, we had no idea who was going to come and it was just such a beautiful, uplifting way to start because I grew up here.

“I went to Marlborough Girls, and we didn’t have any visible representation of being unique, but it’s also for people who have chosen Wairau to be their home”, says Gabe.

“We feel very privileged to have our town actually and how we’re building stronger bonds and stronger relationships which make it feel more stable every day but also having someone like Jesse (North) pushing for this all year, applying for the funding and having the passion to see change.

“Seeing the flags come up again and knowing that there is space and growing that trust. Pride Wairau is for allies, it’s for anyone of the rainbow community, it’s for people with heart that want to be there, to learn and to celebrate – it’s for everyone.”

Gabe says that year two’s organisation comes with changes – such as moving the community market at MySpace on Saturday, supplying recyclable cups to party venues and working with Envirohub Marlborough for the community market to make it zero-waste – but also a need to professionalise and diversify.

“Diversifying was key for us, as people don’t just want to just go to the big party so we’re hosting events like stand-up comedy with Eli Matthewson, the renowned FAFSWAG collective’s ‘ALTERATION’ art exhibition, and hosting higher capacity for educational and community events.

“It’s become even more poignant for us to keep going, but also do this professionally and under the right kaupapa of connection and awareness as safe as possible because of recent political stunts.

“But word is getting out there, as we’ve been able to attract such an incredible range of artists and musicians coming to perform and display – DJ’s Atarangi and Dream Club, or ‘New Zealand drag royalty’ duo Tess Tickle and Buckwheat, are so keen to come celebrate in our beautiful Wairau.

“Having folks setting an example last year like Squealing Pig sponsoring, and having the beautiful Māori Wardens and St John Ambulance and everyone else support us justified this year”, says George. “If in a month’s time I have been seeing more smiley, happy people just like last year and be able to reminisce on it again, it will be just perfect.”