Meet the artists: Pepper Raccoon

Pepper’s design, also available in black & white

We recently launched a series of new merch for sale, as collaborations between the Wellington Pride Festival and local queer artists. We’d like to introduce you to the artists behind the shirts. First up, Pepper Raccoon (she/they)!

Tell me about yourself - what should people know about you?

I'm a nature-focused artist with a love for alternative and neo-traditional approaches to creativity! I love drawing plants, animals, and spooky stuff, and as part of my kaupapa, a portion of my online store profits are donated monthly to conservation charities around NZ.

What went into your design for Pride?

This design was produced a few months back in response to anti-trans legislation and rhetoric spiking around the world. It is so important that we unite as a queer community and protect our found family from people who are afraid of who we are and who we love.

I also wanted to call fascism out for what it is, instead of using safe language to avoid the topic.

What's one of the reasons why WPF is important to you?

I've been a stallholder at Out in the Cityfor a few years running now, and I love the event and how tied into WPF many of my friends are. I'm a bit of an introvert and don't attend so many outings, but it's incredibly important to me that Wellington supports and celebrates our LGBTQIA+ whānau and WPF is a huge part of that.

What queer media are you enjoying lately?

I'm a huge fan of Greet Death, a shoegaze band with a trans singer. I'm also playing a lot of Warframe these days, which has a tonne of queer energy and loads of queer voice actors.

If people want to get other art from you, where should they go?
Pepperraccoon.com is the best place!