YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME AT NORTHLANDS

News

02 March 2021

Northlands has teamed up with five talented artists in our community to celebrate Christchurch PRIDE throughout March and during our PRIDE week, 5-14 March 2021.

 

OUR ARTISTS

BE KIND

Instagram: @yungruin

LeRoy Odum is a non-binary artist based in Otautahi. Their work is based mainly in digital
symmetry with dabblings in water-colour and coloured pencil.

 

YOU DO YOU BOO

jimirahstudio.com
Instagram: @jimirahstudio

Design is her first love, art is her mistress. An independent graphic designer + illustrator who don’t need no man. She grew up in a modest but entertaining household in Manila and now resides in Ōtautahi. Focused on working with people who are as passionate about what they do as her. Creating funky designs that engage, empower and educate across print, screen and space.

 

YOU GOT THIS

samuellewis.com.au
Instagram: @sundaysam

Samuel Lewis is a stop motion animator and illustrator based in Ōtautahi / Christchurch.

 

 

 

YOU’RE DOING GREAT

Instagram: @plaidcushion

Sarah Lund is a cut paper and comic artist from Christchurch. She can be found wandering her neighbourhood late at night, covered in cat hair and paper scraps.

 

DO YOUR THANG

Instagram: @joshhartcreative

Josh Hart is a multi faceted, queer creative based in Ōtautahi. His love of colour, Drag Artistry and live performance inspired this digital illustration.

 

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.

“New Zealand is relatively progressive in terms of LGBTQI+ rights, but there are still many gaps. As reported by the Human Rights Commission, there are gaps in our rights to work, education, and freedom from discrimination, and we still live in a country where conversion therapy (the attempt to change one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression) is legal. In addition – rights do not necessarily equate to acceptance, and in many places acceptance levels are still non-existent or low. Pride festivals are one way we can help drive change here with visible support and acceptance for LGBTQI+ people.

Keep in mind, pride is more than just a festival. It is a way of being. It is 24/7, 365 days a week. So we need to look at ways to actively support LGBTQI+ people all year round.

You can start by opening your doors as a safe space for LGBTQI+ people and/or supporting a local LGBTQI+ community organisation (donations and/or volunteering time). There are many ways to show ongoing support for LGBTQI+ people. Every heart counts”.

SAFE SPACE ALLIANCE

Northlands 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! You can find more information:

safespacealliance.com

contact@safespacealliance.com

Safe Space Alliance: @safe_space_alliance

OUTLine

Do you need someone to talk to? OUTLine is a free confidential service provided to the LGBTQI+ community. If you need support you can call them on 0800 688 5463, 6-9PM each day.

OUTLine: @outlineaotearoa

 

Definition of LGBTQI+: LGBTQI+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and the plus sign represents inclusivity.