Loud and proud at the University of Auckland 

As a University, we are committed to the celebration and affirmation of our rainbow, takatāpui and MVPFAFF+ communities, and this year, they have really come to life! Whilst it has not always been easy, our rainbow communities have persevered and made Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland their safe space.  

A student with bright make up stands opened-armed in a high-vis vest at the Rainbow Parade.
Three students stand with their arms around each other, decked out in rainbow flags and fairy lights.
The letters “UOA” in rainbow colours float above the Pride March.
Two students proudly hold the “Gay with Clay” sign in front of a room full of students.
Staff and students pose at the University of Auckland Stall at Big Gay Out.
Students sit at a table with sweets, with “Rainbow Cupcake Decorating and Kōrero” on the projector screen behind them.
Students sit around a table, painting on individual canvasses with rainbow flags in the background.
A mosaic of pictures showing wrists with hand-made bracelets.
It’s really great to see, with our first full year on campus since 2019, that rainbow life is back and thriving at the University. University is a place of identity discovery and expression for many of our students, and we are proud to provide that space for many.  Our biggest pakipaki | thank you has to celebrate the amazing mahi many of our students have done this year. Our seven rainbow student clubs have gone above and beyond in their advocacy for, and celebration of, our rainbow communities. From a Drag Queen Trivia Night by Rainbow Business to ‘Gay with Clay’ events, the over 50 rainbow events this year have made it bigger than ever before!

“I know that there are people who have always got my back! It makes me feel safe enough to advocate for the things that matter,” said one student about rainbow life on campus.  

“The University of Auckland has a diverse rainbow community on campus which helped me learn a lot more about the rainbow community and help me feel more supported and comfortable with my rainbow identity.” 

Supported by our Kaimahi Taumatua mō te Hunga Āniwaniwa | Rainbow Support Worker, the University has also been involved in a bunch of cool stuff. From having a massive presence at Big Gay Out, our new Pronoun Sticker initiative and the rainbow range in the Campus Store, Waipapa Taumata Rau has expanded what we offer to our rainbow whānau. And that will only continue. It’s great to see greater engagement and advocacy by and for our rainbow communities – we are excited to see it get even bigger and brighter in 2024! 

In the words of our Rainbow Support Worker, Michael Heard, “Pride is a chance to reflect on where we have come from, and to consider how we can create more inclusive and supportive environments for the diverse cultures, sexualities, and gender identities that exist within the University. It helps us to voice the continued fight against injustice and inequality as we come together to celebrate.”

You can find out more about what support and communities exist for our rainbow, takatāpui and MVPFAFF+ communities at the University of Auckland on our website here, or by emailing studentrainbownetwork@auckland.ac.nz. 

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