Ruiha Te Rata

Why I’m Sweating with Pride

I’m taking on Sweat with Pride this June to raise money for our Rainbow communities! 💦🌈

Our schools, workplaces, and doctors’ offices are still not safe places for many Rainbow New Zealanders and it’s putting lives at risk.

More than half our rainbow whānau have experienced mental illness. One in five of our rainbow rangatahi (youth) have attempted suicide. And life changing STIs like syphilis, mpox and HIV are still far too common. Things need to change.

So, this June I’m fighting discrimination with perspiration, and I've committed to exercising for at least 21 minutes EVERY DAY to raise money to support Rainbow Kiwis.

This cause means a lot to me. I’d be SO GRATEFUL if you could chip in to help me reach my goal. Every dollar I raise will fund life-changing mental, physical and sexual health services for Rainbow New Zealanders.

I identify as gay, lesbian/queer and i went through alot of strife while i was still closeted as a teenager and i understand how hard it is to feel alone and scared to accept who you are because of societal norms. I am doing this to help our younger generation and to let them know they are great and they have a place in this world just like everyone else 🌈💅

Thank you sooooo much ❤️