Pride event hit by graffiti
Winter Pride director Martin King says the targeting of a festival event by queer-phobic graffiti reinforces why Pride is so important.
Police are investigating after the words 'child grooming' were spraypainted on the pavement outside Rainbow Reading at Queenstown Lakes District Library on Thursday.
The event, which went ahead, promised "stories, songs, glitter, glamour and fun - a celebration of love, acceptance, diversity, and inclusion through children’s literature".
It was hosted by drag king Hugo Grrrl, welcoming children of all ages with their parents and caregivers. Such events having been targeted by anti-trans protestors elsewhere, particularly in the US.
Queenstown's mayor Glyn Lewers issued a press release on Friday saying it was "saddening to see a small voice in our community that has chosen to try to undermine and derail these events and question Council’s commitment to inclusion and representation".
"However much these people feel they are well-intentioned, vandalism – particularly that which is organised, pre-meditated and carrying divisive sentiment – will not and cannot be tolerated," Lewers says.
He also says direct threats to staff and event volunteers, defacing or ripping down posters, trolling on social media, and hiding or stealing books that don’t align with your personal views, will not be tolerated.
"These acts do not reflect the outlook shared by QLDC, myself or, I strongly believe, the vast majority of our community."
Lewers says he was hesitant about including the specific wording of the graffiti, which he viewed as "bullying and bigotry masquerading as concern about the extreme sexualisation of children".
But he believed it was important to be upfront "in order to provide a full explanation of why I, on behalf of thousands of others, oppose it".
King says he's keen not to fall into the trap of amplifying voices of hate.
"Our view from Winter Pride and Pride Pledge is being really cautious about the airtime we give to people who are queer-phobic, because it's the platform that they want, that's what they're trying to get," King says.
However, it is also important to share stories that show hate exists.
"Sadly, those voices are out there, and it just reinforces why Pride is so important," King says.
"Pride is all about building awareness and visibility. Sometimes it draws out voices that don't agree with that, and in doing so reminds people that we've still got to work hard to make people feel safe.
"It's just really sad and disappointing it happened, against the backdrop of an incredible, embracing, inclusive town for what's been on all accounts the most successful one to pride yet."
King says thousands have turned out for the 10-day festival, warmly supported by the Queenstown community. Formerly Gay Ski Week, the festival has been running for 20 years, and 2023 is the biggest one to date, with 50 events.
"[On Saturday], there was a Pride Park run, hundreds of people running around the lake and there's rainbow flags everywhere. There was not one protester. Not one hate crime.
"On Friday night on the mountain, we had 2000 people dancing and singing with drag queens in the snow. That's like a world first. That's everyone from Queenstown. It wasn't just Pride guys, it was kids, parents having the time of their lives.
"I think there's a lot to celebrate."
King also thanked the police and council for taking the incident seriously.
"We're delighted by their response . . . that it wasn't brushed under the carpet, and they take the safety of our people seriously.
Queenstown Police have embraced Winter Pride, King says, making all the attendees feel safe.
