Big Gay Out

2023 - 3 - 12

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Glitter bombs, joy and politics: The history of Auckland's Big Gay Out (Stuff.co.nz)

Auckland's biggest pride event has come a long way from its origins as a laid back picnic, with thousands set to gather today in Coyle Park.

It’s a politically powerful event.” It’s amazing to see what it has turned into, but I did enjoy the ‘set up your deck chair’, picnic vibe it used to have.” “For a lot of young queer people Big Gay Out is often the first event of its kind they’ve ever been to, and it’s pretty special to see.” [about Cyclone Gabrielle](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300813063/cyclone-gabrielle-startling-new-images-of-the-aftermath) and realised it was due to hit the same day as Big Gay Out. [Big Gay Out was postponed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300801112/aucklands-big-gay-out-event-postponed-due-to-impact-of-flooding) by a month bringing it to March 12. At the time the foundation noted there was a “significant public health risk” associated with proceeding due to the size of the event. “There’s much bigger acts and lots of stalls. [the event was cancelled](https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/300499018/covid19-big-gay-out-2022-organisers-cancel-event-citing-fears-over-omicron) due to the Omicron variant outbreak. “I think there’s a time and place for protests of that nature and doing it at Big Gay Out felt as though the celebration was being hijacked for a political cause.” “It was a way to get the community together in the backyard of our [Lexie Matheson,](https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/80682224/lexie-matheson-queens-birthday-shock) who was part of the Hero Incorporated Society in those early years, says the name Big Gay Out had been a play on the name Big Day Out, a popular music festival at the time. [Auckland's Big Gay Out event postponed due to impact of flooding](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300801112/aucklands-big-gay-out-event-postponed-due-to-impact-of-flooding?rm=a)

Big Gay Out: PM Chris Hipkins speaks after first visit to Auckland ... (New Zealand Herald)

National Party leader Christopher Luxon is also attending the Auckland event for his first time in the role, and leaders of other political parties and MPs are ...

The final plan is to be unveiled today. Hipkins is also likely to face questions over the Government’s approach to crime. Hipkins is also expected to be questioned over the Government’s ongoing response to the devastation caused by cyclones this year, after today revealing this year’s Budget would be increased to accommodate additional spending. Last year the Government released a plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in New Zealand by 2032 for consultation. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is attending his first Big Gay Out today as the Government unveils the next steps in the plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in New Zealand by 2032. National Party leader Christopher Luxon is also attending the Auckland event for his first time in the role, and leaders of other political parties and MPs are expected to be present.

LIVE: Hipkins speaks during visit to Auckland's Big Gay Out (1 News)

The prime minister is expected to announce a support initiative for those with HIV.

Full video: Hipkins speaks during visit to Auckland's Big Gay Out (1 News)

The prime minister spoke about retail crime and fuel emissions.

A gay MP is promising more political support for people in the ... (NZCity)

Among those at the Big Gay Out festival in Auckland today was Finance Minister Grant Robertson. Mr Robertson says it's crucial to have gay representation in ...

'Fabulous': PM Hipkins visits Big Gay Out, unveils plan to end ... (Newstalk ZB)

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has unveiled an action plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV and deaths from Aids in New Zealand by 2030. Hipkins made the.

Hipkins was asked about the rights of temporary migrants in Aotearoa to access sexual healthcare. The final plan has been unveiled today. This year it was postponed by a month due to flooding in Auckland. The final version was published today. Last year the Government released a plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in New Zealand by 2032 for consultation. “I’m really proud to be launching today the HIV action plan designed to eliminate transmission of HIV in New Zealand and also eliminate the stigma associated with HIV in New Zealand,” said Hipkins.

'A wonderful day': Good vibes all round at Big Gay Out (Stuff.co.nz)

After Omicron put a spanner in the works for Big Gay Out 2022, the celebration came back with a bang.

[Georgina Beyer, New Zealand’s first transgender politician who died](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300823362/georgina-beyer-made-waves-from-local-grassroots-to-setting-international-precedents) last week at the age of 65. [keen to savour the original “family feel” of the event.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131311492/glitter-bombs-joy-and-politics-the-history-of-aucklands-big-gay-out) [At the first-ever Big Gay Out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131311492/glitter-bombs-joy-and-politics-the-history-of-aucklands-big-gay-out), a small stage was set up for performances from local bands and drag queens, and while the smell of a sausage sizzle wafted through the air attendees played games like “toss the handbag” and tug of war, along with running races in stilettos. [The Outrageous Miss Ribena,](https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/101700052/hamilton-is-home-for-largerthanlife-drag-queen-miss-ribena) was emceeing that event and said he had “no idea” so many years later it would be going strong and attracting crowds in the thousands. [opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate](https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/110441444/live-aucklands-big-gay-out) who they are,” Hipkins said. [Cyclone Gabrielle: $50m for businesses, workers, $250m for roads](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131282918/cyclone-gabrielle-50m-for-businesses-workers-250m-for-roads?rm=a) [drag queens reading to children.](https://i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/parenting/300827271/revealed-what-actually-happens-during-the-librarys-drag-storytime) [Glitter bombs, joy and politics: The history of Auckland's Big Gay Out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131311492/glitter-bombs-joy-and-politics-the-history-of-aucklands-big-gay-out?rm=a) [Georgina Beyer made waves from local grassroots to setting international precedents](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300823362/georgina-beyer-made-waves-from-local-grassroots-to-setting-international-precedents?rm=a) [Due to Cyclone Gabrielle ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131463038/cyclone-gabrielle-food-bedding-and-clothing-grant-hasnt-increased-in-nearly-20-years)and its devastating impact, [Big Gay Out was postponed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300801112/aucklands-big-gay-out-event-postponed-due-to-impact-of-flooding) once again, but this time by only a month, bringing it to March 12. * [biggest pride event celebrating the LGBTQI+ community](https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/300827372/live-all-the-action-from-aucklands-big-gay-out) took place at Coyle Park on Sunday, with attendees, including Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, declaring it a “wonderful” day had by all.