Queer History Month Aotearoa — Pūmahara Ia Te Wā 2024 hui taumata
The Rule Foundation was delighted to support Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa in celebrating Aotearoa’s first Queer History Month in partnership with the National Library of New Zealand.
Queer History Month aims to strengthen our queer archives and networks to better carry and preserve Aotearoa’s often fragile queer histories and memories.
The poster by Sara Moana that made up part of the promotion of Queer History Month
To celebrate this important kaupapa, Kawe Mahara delivered a rich programme of speakers, researchers, artists, and archivists in a community hui in July 2024. Notable participants included Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Poet Laureate Chris Tse, Dr Clive Aspin, and Dr Patrick Thomsen of The Manalagi Project.
Clare O’Leary, documentary filmmaker and Kawe Mahara trustee, is the New Zealand representative on the International Committee of LGBT History Months, founded by USA history teacher Rodney C. Wilson. New Zealand was the 20th country to join this international network, which celebrates 30 years.
The team behind Queer History Month Aotearoa — Pūmahara Ia Te Wā 2024 hui taumata
Queer History Month was able to be shared with a live and online audience simultaneously. The Rule Foundation was proud to support this event with a $2000 grant via the Peter Rule Fund, which covered catering, a citywide poster campaign, and additional advertising.
Queer History Month honours the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Act in Aotearoa on 9 July 1986. On this significant date, the event invited us to reflect on how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done. This event, and the ensuing month, celebrate the strength of our communities, our shared histories, and the taonga of community archives in preserving our stories.
“He kitenga kanohi, he hokinga mahara. He kawenga mahara, he hāpori kitea.”
