A spokesman for Ending HIV said members of the LGBTQIA+ community told event organisers they felt unsafe with Corrections staff attending an event that celebrated their community when there is “clear evidence of historic and ongoing harm to incarcerated members in the prison system”. Corrections said it was “hugely disappointing” for its staff who were looking forward to attending and representing their organisation. New Zealand AIDS Foundation chief executive Dr Jason Myers said it was a complex and emotive situation and Corrections had acknowledged it had work to do to gain the trust of the rainbow community.
SUPPLIED Corrections had originally been allowed a stall at the event, Myers said.
“It has undoubtedly been challenging times for many and in light of the impacts of Covid-19, the walking parade has aimed to reduce costs and overheads where possible so that those who wish to do so can still be involved,” Woodcock said. In 2020 the first reincarnation of the parade was held in a walking format, with more than 10,000 people attending. Woodcock said he is “optimistic” it will draw those numbers or more in 2021. Woodcock had been involved with co-producing the Auckland Pride Parade in 2017 and was the director in 2018.
STUFF
The parade became mired in controversy when police were banned from marching in uniform. (Video first published in Jan 2019)
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