Auckland’s Rainbow Parade faced disruption as members of Destiny Church, led by Brian Tamaki, broke through police barricades on Ponsonby Road. Wearing Man Up T-shirts, the protesters blocked the parade route, performing a haka before standing in front of police officers leading the procession. Attendees responded by cheering to drown out the interruption.
Earlier in the day, violence erupted at a children’s event featuring a drag king at Te Atatū Community Centre. Destiny Church’s Man Up and Legacy groups forced their way inside, pushing past staff. Around 30 toddlers, children, and adults had to be barricaded in a room for safety, leading to the cancellation of a second show.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown condemned the actions, calling them “disgraceful and unacceptable,” emphasizing the city’s commitment to diversity. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick also criticized the violence, noting the intimidation’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the disruption, parade-goers remained defiant, continuing the celebration of Auckland’s queer community. Auckland Pride, known for its inclusive events, stands as a vital space for LGBTQ+ visibility and solidarity, highlighting the ongoing need to defend these rights against extremist opposition.
You may also like
-
Bad Bunny Makes Grammys History — and Turns the Stage Into a Political Movement
It was a night that rewrote the rules of pop culture — in Spanish. At
-
Bright Brussels Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary
Bright Brussels Festival is already celebrating its 10th edition, confirming its status as one of
-
Love Wins at FC Köln: Referee Proposes to His Partner on the Pitch
German referee Pascal Kaiser turned a regular football match in Cologne into a moment of
-
UP Festival: “BELLO!” – When Beauty Meets Acrobatic Irony
What is beauty—and who decides what qualifies? That’s the central question tackled by Fabbrica C, the
-
The New KET Is Out: Queer Brussels Keeps Moving
KET Magazine Issue 11 is out now and available in LGBTQIA+ safe spaces across Brussels,
English 
French 
Dutch