June 1969 was a defining time for LGBTQ+ history. The Stonewall Riots, one of the most violent yet important events in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, sparked the conversation which would pave the way for gay liberation.

To commemorate the struggles of those who stood up for LGBTQ+ rights, Pride month is celebrated in June each year. In contrast to this, June 2021 was a defining time for LGBTQ+ students at Tauranga Girls’ College, as the first TGC Pride march was hosted on Friday the 18 June.  Pride is also one of our Colleges values (along with Respect and Participation) so this was also an inclusive way to raise awareness but also for students to wear non-uniform and take Pride in being dressed in others as described in our FaceBook post.

The event was run by Tauranga Girls’ College’s Queer Students Association (QSA), a group of LGBTQ+ students and allies who provide a safe space for students to embrace their pride at school. Daya Louis, the teacher in charge of the group said

"The march, which was run as a part of the National Schools Pride Week, was “awesome for raising awareness in such a positive way.”

About 100 students and staff showed up for the event, donning Pride flags and colourful accessories to show their pride. The group then walked a route through the school and along Cameron Road to showcase their unity. Phoenix Maher (she/they), one of the QSA students who helped to organise the event says

“It was a great outcome and it was worth all of the time and planning to see everyone showing their pride. It’s really moving to be in such a supportive, lovely place.”

The money raised from student donations will be put towards supporting InsideOUT, a New Zealand charity which supports rainbow youth in Aotearoa. 

“It’s great to see young people stepping up for their community,” 

says Lillie Butler (she/her) who attended the event. The QSA hopes that next year’s turnout will be even better, so they can extend the positive impact TGC can have on LGBTQ+ youth throughout the country. Phoenix reflected

“For the first year, it was incredible, it’s only up from here.”