More than 200 schools join Schools’ Pride Week despite fears of protests

More than 200 schools are set to participate in this year's Lil Gay Out. Photo / 123RF.

• Schools’ Pride Week begins this week with more than 200 schools participating to combat rising anti-rainbow hate.
• Organiser Tabby Besley highlighted the balance between protest risks and celebrating tamariki safely.
• A recent event at an Auckland school was cancelled after protest threats.

Schools’ Pride Week is kicking off this week, with more than 200 schools set to participate, despite fears of pushback and protests.

LGBTQ+ charity InsideOUT’s managing director Tabby Besley said they were aiming to combat the “alarming rise in transphobia, homophobia, and anti-rainbow hate”.

The week begins today and lasts until Friday and activities already advertised by some schools include rainbow bracelet making, rainbow bake sales and colourful mufti days.

Big Gay Out at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier earlier this year. Photo / Alex Burton.

Besley said it was a “hard balance” between the risk of protests and keeping tamariki safe while celebrating them.

She said there have already been numerous disinformation and defamation campaigns by “well-known anti-rainbow hate groups and ultra-conservative organisations”.

LGBTQ+ charity InsideOUT’s Managing Director Tabby Besley

She said the events were crucial in the face of “rising disinformation and anti-rainbow rhetoric”.

“We are seeing first-hand how this kind of negativity affects young people’s wellbeing, especially as it seeps into schools.

“Rainbow people everywhere are facing increased discrimination and fear-mongering. This has no place in Aotearoa.

“Rainbow rangatahi deserve to feel safe, supported, and that they belong in their schools and communities.”

Students at Auckland’s Hobsonville Point Secondary School were left devastated recently after an LGBTQ+ event was cancelled after protest threats.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald they were “disheartened” and “angry”.

“It’s a really important event for the community because it helps people feel less alone and have a place to share experiences,” they said.

“It generally improves people’s mental health so much.”

New Zealand has seen a backlash against the rainbow community during the past year.

Last year, a Destiny Church member vandalised Karangahape Rd’s rainbow crossing in Auckland, and several drag story-time events were forced to be cancelled after threats.

In February, Destiny Church members stormed Te Atatū library during a drag artist’s science show.

A 16-year-old girl attending a sports event suffered a concussion after being assaulted during the violent melee.

A mother who was with her young children said youngsters were crying as the violent group tried to enter the building.