At all our Official Pride Festival Events (Hīkoi, Youth Ball, Pride Picnic, and Out in the City) we will have ear plugs, face masks, seating options and transport alternatives available.

We know that our event producers are passionate about creating safe events for our Rainbow Whānau. Caring about our community is essential! A space where we are all safe, means a space we can all thrive and have fun!

Include disabled people / tāngata whaikaha on your planning committee would really help and provide eyes over everything you are planning.

Here we have listed a few things that might not be so obvious.

COVID safety

Although COVID safety precautions are no longer required by the government, we know that as a responsible community we need to look after each other, especially our most vulnerable and at risk members.

Some ways you can make your events safer include:

• Asking all participants to take a test in advance to be sure they are COVID free. You may even be able to supply RATs for freehaving outdoor spaces available for participants

• providing good ventilation at all venues, and giving participants information about in advance about the air flow so they can make the best call for themselves. For example – is it air conditioned, are there filters, will doors and windows be open, making it clear that mask-wearing is accepted and encouraged to protect everyone (you could even offer a prize for “best mask” if it’s a costume party

Other accessibility info

Providing as much information about accessibility in advance helps the one in three members of the Rainbow community who are disabled know if they will be able to attend your event or not.

• What COVID-19 precautions (as above) your event will includeAre there ramps into your venue or only stairs? How steep are the stairs? Are people with mobility needs able to enter through the front door like everyone else?

• information about seating; - not just if there will be seating available, but also what kind (for example, is it high bar stools, will there be armless and very solid chairs for people of size, is is possible for those who need them to reserve seating in advance

• Are there accessible bathrooms available?

• Are there gender-neutral bathrooms available?

• What kind of lighting is used? Will there be fluorescents, strobe lights or smoke machines used? Is there a quiet room or other low sensory space available for people who need a break?

• Do you offer free companion tickets for those who need them?

These ideas are just the very beginning about providing inclusive events for all. We are bound to have left some things out – please feel free to email us at comms@wellingtonpride.com with other recommendations and considerations.