Out On These Streets - episode 2

In episode two of the podcast series "Out On These Streets: Pride in Place," hosts Gareth Watkins and Roger Smith from Walk Tours NZ focus on the process of researching and writing content for Rainbow Walk Tours. Titled "Mapping Meaning," the episode explores how to develop meaningful tour stops, create engaging narratives, and navigate sensitive or challenging topics.

The episode begins by highlighting the key elements that make a successful walk tour. These include physical walking, interesting and relevant locations, emotionally engaging stories, a friendly and diverse group of participants, and passionate hosts. The goal of each tour is not just to share information but to create an experience that resonates emotionally with participants. People remember stories better than raw facts, so it's essential to shape the tour content into a compelling narrative that builds throughout the walk.

The hosts explain that before diving into research, it's important to define the structure of the tour, including audience size, duration, and number of stops. An ideal group size is around 20 people, with eight stops lasting five minutes each, plus walking time between locations. This structure results in a tour that lasts between 80 and 90 minutes. The audience is likely to be diverse, including international visitors and people unfamiliar with Rainbow history, so the narrative must be accessible and informative.

When choosing a theme or topic, tour creators might focus on anniversaries such as the 40th anniversary of homosexual law reform, highlight specific people like Carmen Rupe or Georgina Beyer, or build the tour around locations like Cuba Street. Tours might also centre on broader themes such as queer artists or a general Rainbow history introduction. The overarching topic and tour name are crucial to catching the public’s attention and shaping the story.

The research phase includes brainstorming known individuals, events, and places; reviewing Rainbow history books like Chris Brickell’s Mates and Lovers; examining old magazines and publications; and using resources like PrideNZ.com’s interactive map. It’s also helpful to consider whether locations still hold physical heritage, and if not, to use photos or storytelling techniques to paint a picture of what was once there. In cases where a direct location doesn’t exist, “springboard” stops can provide a platform to tell related stories.

Practical considerations are also important. Tour stops should be located in public areas unless specific permissions are obtained. Organisers must consider the accessibility of surfaces, potential weather impacts, ambient noise, and space for participants to stand safely. It’s recommended to walk the route beforehand at a slow pace, imagining a group of people of varying ages and abilities.

Writing the tour content can be done by identifying stops first or by writing narratives first, depending on the topic. In many cases, the process is fluid and involves moving back and forth between story development and location identification. Writing in bullet points helps keep delivery natural and avoids the temptation to read from a full script. Spoken language should be clear and accessible, avoiding swearing or too many dates and statistics. Visual elements such as photo flipbooks can help reinforce key points.

The hosts also offer guidance on handling difficult topics. The aim is to provide a safe, inclusive environment, so it’s important to signpost sensitive content and avoid overly graphic descriptions. They advise against covering polarising contemporary issues such as police participation in Pride events, preferring to focus on historical context. Respectful language is essential, especially around gender identity and pronoun use. If challenged, hosts should remain calm, respectful, and clear about the tour’s goals and approach.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Gareth Watkins Roger Smith

2010s, 2020s, aotearoa new zealand, gareth watkins, roger smith, walk tour, walking, walktours nz, wellington

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