Thu 9 Mar 2017 In: Entertainment View at Wayback View at NDHA
One week down and one to go, Wellington Pride Festival ǀ Tū whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara is in full swing and the things are only going to get better. We chat to the Chair of Wellington Pride Adrienne Girling about her take on the festival so far and what events she’s looking forward to over the next couple of days. WITCH BITCH presents Statuesque Anarchy. Photo courtesy of the artists “The first week of the festival has been magical,” says Adrienne. “We’ve really been seeing the community's heart and soul shine through in the events, and expect that to continue!” She says this year’s range of youth-focused events are a great addition to the programme and that one of her highlights would have to be seeing the diverse crowds of people at all of the different events. “The kaupapa of Wellington Pride is to showcase diverse events that will appeal to everyone in the LGBTIQ community, representing different genders, sexualities, cultures and ages, with the idea that our community isn't homogeneous, people will be attracted to different events.” With nearly 70 events spread out across two weeks, Adrienne says “Everyone I've spoken to has been blown away by how many events there are in the festival, and the diversity of the events. We are in our second year and we have gone from having around 30 events in 9 days to around 70 events in 17 days. “The majority of the events are organised by the community, which illustrates what an appetite there is for a festival like this for the LGBTIQ community in Wellington.” Jumping into the second half of the festival, Adrienne says she’s looking forward to the rich diversity of the events taking place over the next couple of days. “Tonight I will be heading to the opening of WITCH BITCH presents Statuesque Anarchy, an exhibit of moving image works curated by FAF SWAG's Tanu Gago at Enjoy Public Art Gallery. “From there I will run over to Allen St (above Fringe Bar) for a wig workshop with local Wellington drag queen and resident wig expert Harlie Lux,” she says. “All while others will be enjoying the public lecture on Diversity