Why I’m Sweating with Pride

I'm taking on Sweat with Pride this June! 🌈

Right now, schools, workplaces, and even doctors’ offices aren’t safe for many in our community—and it’s putting lives at risk. LGBTQIA+ Kiwis face higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and STIs like syphilis, mpox, and HIV.

Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in Aotearoa takes many forms. From casual microaggressions and hateful slurs I've witnessed in my own community, to systemic barriers in healthcare and employment, these challenges can have severe impacts on wellbeing and quality of life.

Even in supposedly "safe" spaces, I've heard people use dehumanising language and spread harmful misinformation about our community.

Research shows that LGBTQIA+ people often:

• Face barriers accessing appropriate healthcare due to fear of discrimination or past negative experiences
• Experience higher rates of workplace harassment and discrimination
• Struggle to find safe, affordable housing due to discrimination from landlords
• Deal with family rejection and social isolation

I’ve seen it first-hand. As a bisexual woman, I have been talked down to, sexualised and discriminated against purely on the fact that I like women.

By donating to Sweat with Pride, we can help create more inclusive spaces, provide crucial support services, and work towards a more equitable future where everyone can live authentically and safely. 🏳️‍🌈

So, I'm fighting discrimination with perspiration—exercising 21 minutes every day in June to raise money for life-changing Rainbow support services.

This cause means the world to me, and I’d be forever grateful if you could help me reach my goal. Every dollar makes a difference.

Thank you so much for your support! You’re literally saving lives.

And if this pisses you off or makes you feel uncomfortable, fuck off and stay away from me anywhere on the internet and in person. You are not welcome here.