Big Gay Out is once again bringing rainbow and takatāpui communities together for a day of celebration, connection, and advocacy in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager Alex Anderson says that he is excited for some new additions to the entertainment available on the day, as well as the return of fan-favourite areas.
Amongst the fun will of course be a space for health and community groups to connect face-to-face with the communities they serve.
“We know it’s also an important day for all the dedicated community groups working hard to support and empower those at-risk. Including our Services & Outreach team, who get an opportunity to link even more people with our work,” he says.
“We have incredible local and international talent gracing the mainstage, as well as a new activation by Auckland Pride before the House of Givenchy’s Thirst Trap Ball 5. And of course, the Got2B R18 Dance Zone,” he says.
Big Gay Out has long been an opportunity for the rainbow communities of Aotearoa to come together and celebrate but also advocate for further progress.
Last year the Government committed to maintaining funding for the National HIV Action Plan, despite broader budget cuts to the health system.
Mr. Anderson says that the Foundation has set out five key priorities to Government for the health and wellbeing of rainbow and takatāpui communities and people living with HIV. Politicians who choose to attend the event have been asked to come ready to speak to these.
“These priorities will enable an ongoing community-led HIV response, the implementation of the HIV Action Plan, and address key factors to strengthen the sexual and reproductive health of rainbow and takatāpui communities of Aotearoa,” he says.
“We will make the most impact by the community and government working in partnership to deliver an evidence-based and coordinated response,” he says.
Three of the priorities relate to the goal of eliminating local HIV transmission by 2030, by continued investment in a community-led HIV response, maintaining current funding and resourcing of the HIV Action plan, and supporting the HIV response in the Pacific.
The Foundation, alongside the Rainbow Support Collective, is also asking that we stand in support of rainbow and takatāpui communities by not politicising trans healthcare and prioritising and resourcing rainbow mental health and peer support.
Big Gay Out has been running for over two decades. It remains a free event thanks to meaningful partnerships with organisations, funding from granting bodies, and generous donations.
Event info:
• Big Gay Out 2025
• Sunday 16 February 2025, 12pm – 7pm
• Location – Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier, Auckland
• More info – www.biggayout.co.nz
• Free HIV and STI rapid testing
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