Pride

The Auckland Pride Festival – an annual celebration of gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and other people of alternative gender and/or sexuality – has grown to more than 80 events this year.  We went to the opening of the Lady Love art exhibition at the lesbian Charlotte Museum on 1 February; great to catch up with old friends and meet new women in this very special place, established and run by Miriam Saphira and her team.

On Sunday 15 February we   picked up a new wwoofer, Laura,  for a stay at Earthsong, and took her and Earthsong neighbour Connie to Heroes Out West in Falls Park, Henderson.

Cissy Rock

Cissy Rock and helpers have been organising this annual event for 8 years.  It is a delight to spend a gentle time on a sunny afternoon listening to four hours of lesbian musicians in the company of a couple of hundred lesbians of all ages and many cultures.

Emma Paki

Those of us, like Charmaine, who have always had a primary commitment to women, but denied or hidden being lesbian for much of their early lives, feel particular joy at events like this.

Hils and friends

Congratulations to all who contribute to the Pride Festival

As the young people said at the opening ceremony, feeling accepted and respected is critical to survival for  many who feel different in our society.