Two events that aim to encourage conversations between people around the issues of sexuality and religion will be held in Hamilton, one as part of Hamilton's Pride Week and a second later this month.
'A Different Conversation' (ADC) has been held in Australia, Auckland and Wellington over the past eight years.
The event provides a safe space for people from LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning) and faith communities to share stories and perspectives to challenge and grow attitudes and beliefs on sexual orientation and gender identity, and spirituality.
ADC is facilitated by Incedo, a youth mission collective seeking to create and become a safe place for people who want to explore the connection of sexuality and spirituality in their lives.
Incedo member Mal Green said ADC's origins are in Australia.
"A friend of ours was a Baptist pastor in Sydney before he was fired. He was working in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills which are about 30 per cent LGBTIQ and he felt Christianity and alternate sexuality didn't go together so he said 'why don't we set up these spaces where people can tell their stories on both sides with respect'."
Those conversational spaces began in 2008 and have been running ever since. Mal attended one in 2010. He said the idea is "to bring into the same space people who normally wouldn't interact with each other".
"We've see some remarkable outcomes from theses conversations in both Australia and New Zealand.
"I've seen quite a few tears ... conservative Christians hugging radical feminist lesbians ... all sorts of outcomes happen."
Incedo has held five ADC events in New Zealand. A participant at one of the events was Labour MP for Manurewa Louisa Wall, whose same sex marriage bill was passed into law in April 2013.
Of her experience at A Different Conversation, Louisa said, "I felt my contribution was respected and that the event created a safe space to explore and discuss various perspectives."
The conversation that will be held during Hamilton Pride Festival will give a taste of the next full conversation/ which will be held over the weekend of September 25-26.
A Different Conversation will be held on September 14 at 7pm at Anglican Action, 100 Morrinsville Rd, Hamilton. Nibbles provided. Suggested $10 koha. Doors open 6.30, starts 7pm. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/697143983754098.
Pride Week kicks off with a launch party at The Meteor on September 11. For Pride Week events, see www.hamiltonpride.co.nz.