LynnMall has teamed up with artist and LGBTQI+ activist Shannon Novak to celebrate Auckland Pride 2021.

Our entry windows have come to life with the colours of different flags from the LGBTQI+ community. There is the commonly used Rainbow Flag, and other flags that may be new to you like the Bisexual, Transgender, Pansexual, Polysexual, Non-binary, Genderfluid, Intersex, and Aromantic flags.

So why do we celebrate Pride? In 2020, the Human Rights Commission reported growing research that shows LGBTQI+ people in New Zealand experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Pride festivals are one way we can help drive change here with visible support and acceptance for LGBTQI+ people.

LynnMall is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, a New Zealand based, global non-profit LGBTQI+ led organisation that helps people identify, navigate, and create safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community. It’s free to join!

Shannon Novak lives and works in Auckland, New Zealand.

Shannon Novak’s work aims to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicide rates for the LGBTQI+ community worldwide. He seeks to dismantle heteronormative structures and systems and build spaces that acknowledge, celebrate, and support diversity and inclusion in sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SROGIESC+). This manifests as socially engaged and collaborative painting, photography, installation, sculpture, and curatorial practice that may extend beyond traditional exhibition spaces. The work explores light and dark in the past, present, and future, but ultimately seeks to grow hope for a better world where the LGBTQI+ community can live without fear. Central to Novak’s collaborative process is an attitude of respect and care. Key areas of focus in his work include LGBTQI+ activism, centering LGBTQI+ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and illuminating, preserving, and sharing LGBTQI+ history.

Instagram:            @shannon_novak_     and     @safe_space_alliance

Website:                 http://www.shannonnovak.com/