Wellbeing in the Ōtautahi LGBTQIA+ community - APO
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allright
.org.nz
Wellbeing in the
Ōtautahi LGBTQIA+
community
Research overview and findings
What is this research about? Key findings Where to from here?
In late 2018, All Right? completed the • Overall the research pointed to a mostly Looking to the future, it was felt the city
Rainbow Community Resilience Research, optimistic community. needed clear guidance from education,
An Exploration of Wellbeing in the • In the key areas of education, health, business and service leaders so that the
Ōtautahi LGBTQIA+ Community, under and workplace wellbeing there are some LGBTQIA+ community is not just tolerated
the leadership of Suran Dickson with Dr things going well—and some things that but embraced – creating a vibrant,
David Betts. need to change. diverse and evolving city.
• In general, progress has been made in
This research collects the views of the It was felt this would diminish voices of
safety and inclusion—but 74% of survey
rainbow community of Christchurch, prejudice while enhancing the self-
respondents had experienced negative
with the intent to better understand the worth of the queer community and
or offensive comments in public over
strengths of the community, increase attracting progressive and diverse thinkers
the last three years.
visibility and education and therefore to our city.
• Respondents reported a decrease
reduce discrimination and enhance self-
in homophobia—however, many
esteem.
commented that transphobia is a key
The researchers spoke with 26 people in issue.
focus groups and heard from 263 people • There was a clear sense that kinship
in an online survey – all a mix of genders, and connection are vital to wellbeing—
ages and ethnicities. Initial findings were but 44% felt they didn’t have enough
reflected back to the community at an connection to the rainbow community.
engagement event with about 60 people, • Popular topics included mental health,
with opportunity for clarifying input. the need for better sexuality education
in schools, the need for better
education of the general public about
LGBTQIA+ people, lack of queer venues
and spaces, and limited visibility of
LGBTQIA+ people.allright
.org.nz
Supporting our
young people
At School
Information for schools and educators
Safety Sex and relationship education ‘My teachers didn’t challenge it
(homophobic language) so other kids just
School didn’t feel particularly safe for Participants didn’t believe the sex and
knew they could get away with it.
lesbians or young gay men, and even less relationships education offered at schools
so for other LGBTQIA+ groups. More than was of a high enough standard for anyone,
What can we do about it?
half of respondents disagreed or strongly let alone LGBTQIA+ young people. Half
disagreed with the statement that school of respondents expressed the need for • Provide school/staff support of an
was a safe place for transgender or higher quality sexual education in schools LGBTQIA+ oriented group, if one
queer/non-conforming people. and 24% believed the need to challenge doesn’t already exist.
binary gender ideals in schools is a key • Review sex/relationship education to
‘There is lots of bullying in changing
concern for the community. ensure all communities feel part of
rooms.’
the discussion and ensure education
‘I had no education about STIs then got
is delivered by people who take a
Visibility chlamydia and learned that way!’
respectful attitude towards the content.
There is a common understanding that ‘I learned about gay sex from porn. It’s • Partner with local queer organisations
with more LGBTQIA+ orientated groups very much not the same as real life.’ such as Qtopia or other training
in schools and universities now, this has providers to promote training on
improved visibility of the community Inclusion diversity issues for schools.
and had a significant impact on safety • Train teachers in how to identify and
There were common accounts of
and inclusion. However, there is still a handle homophobia, transphobia and
troubling levels of homophobia in same
way to go. biphobia.
sex schools, including hyper-masculine
• Develop school policies that support
‘As a teacher, I didn’t feel comfortable behavior in all-boys schools, lack of
safety and inclusion for LGBTQIA+
being ‘out’ at an all-boys school in intervention from teachers around
students and staff.
Christchurch, despite having been out at homophobia, lack of inclusion, and
• Support the annual Pink Shirt Day and
other schools.’ avoidance of queer issues in sex and
make use of its school resources.
relationships education. The majority
of the participants responded that their
teachers were not well-versed or able
to challenge homophobia, biphobia, and
transphobia in schools, contributing to
feeling a lack of safety and inclusion in
school environments.allright
.org.nz
Supporting
employees &
customers
Information for businesses & workplaces
Safety Visibility and inclusion What can we do about it?
53% of people surveyed agreed that their Education of the majority occurs when • Partner with local queer agencies such
workplaces were safe and inclusive. Some the minority group are visible, welcome as Qtopia or other training providers
referred to the benefits of being able to and heard. 67% of people surveyed for training on diversity issues for
bring their 'whole self' to work. would like to see their work environment businesses and to increase awareness
display a rainbow friendly emblem such and respect of the rainbow community.
However 55% felt they did not need to be
as a poster. There was seen to be an • Use inclusive language and images on
‘out’ at work as they said they were just
opportunity here to shed conservative internal and external communications
there to do a job—whether as a personal
images and connect into the LGBTQIA+ material.
preference or for their own protection.
community to make the city more • Develop recruitment and workplace
One 20-year old said he would ‘never
rainbow friendly. policies that support safety and
be out at work’ in his future career, as
inclusion for LGBTQIA+ staff, potential
he believed it to be an unaccepting field ‘The LGBT poster at my gym made me
staff and customers/service users.
(agriculture). This sentiment was echoed feel safe.’
• Support the annual Pink Shirt Day
in other sectors, such as construction.
Language event and make use of its workplace
This may be an indicator that some resources.
Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic
industries and workplaces have work to
language was still considered to be
do to ensure they attract the best young
an issue. Some participants felt that
talent and create accepting cultures
disparaging language wasn’t always
where staff can be themselves at work.
intended to be hurtful or homophobic.
It was felt visibility and education would
prevent peers making unwitting word
choices that could hurt others.
‘I see homophobia all the time, people
don’t really know they are doing it.’allright
.org.nz
Supporting our
older people &
their families
Information for rest homes
A time of rapid change Social interaction • Partner with local queer agencies such
as Qtopia or other training providers
Homosexuality was illegal in New Zealand The research showed clearly that kinship
for training on diversity issues for
32 years ago. It would be challenging to and connection was vital to wellbeing, and
businesses and increasing awareness
find a similar minority group in society that the rainbow community took strength
and respect of the rainbow community.
who have experienced such a rapid and from each other.
• Use inclusive language and images on
significant rate of social and legislative
Some mentioned a lack of provision for internal and external communications
change in such a short period of time. The
social opportunities, however participants material.
experiences of a 15-year-old transgender
also reported letting each other know • Develop policies to support safety and
male can be assumed to be vastly
about existing activities. Lack of inclusion for LGBTQIA+ staff, residents
different to a 65-year-old gay man who
information about social opportunities for and their families.
lived through homosexual law reform
older people might therefore be an issue. • Promote resources like the Pink Pages
online directory and the Silver Rainbow
Acknowledgement and respect ‘Our community is a source of strength,
initiative.
we take pride in ourselves.’
30% of the respondents agreed with
the statement, ‘I am worried about not ‘It’s harder for older people, I’m too
being looked after or respected as an old for bars so it’s tricky accessing the
LGBTQIA+ person when I am at retirement community.’
age’, with another 26% neither agreeing
Both older and younger LGBTQIA+ people
nor disagreeing.
commented that social activities did
The additional statement of ‘I am not need to be exclusive to a particular
confident I can find an LGBTQIA+ friendly age group – there was interest in cross-
rest home in the city’ returned similar generational activities and mingling too.
results. There is concern that if people
become less articulate or their voices What can we do about it?
less heard as they age, their sexuality
• Train staff on diversity issues to
or gender identity might become less
ensure LGBTQIA+ people feel safe and
respected.
respected and that their relationships
‘Some people go back in the closet when aren’t treated any differently to their
they go to a retirement village.’ heterosexual or cisgender/gender-
conforming peers.
‘You’d have to ‘come out’ again in a rest
home or not be out.’allright
.org.nz
Creating more
supportive health
services
Information for primary care providers
Mental health Awareness of services ‘We’ve just been at the funeral of a
friend who died of pneumonia; he had
Poor mental health is a significant One of the findings from the focus groups
undiagnosed HIV and I doubt he was out
concern and respondents felt it had the was lack of knowledge as to what services
to his GP.’
greatest impact on wellbeing and sense of exist, how safe they are and where
community for the LGBTQIA+ community. someone in need might find support. ‘I get asked massively stupid questions
about sex.’
Themes of previous experiences of stigma For young people, Qtopia, Kindred
and a lack of dedicated and competent and Youth Hub 298 were mentioned, ‘I came out (as non-binary) to my GP
mental health services to support the however there seemed to be a lack of today. He was educated to call trans
LGBTQIA+ community emerged through support options for older people and people ‘it’.’
the research. fertility services were considered to be
ill-equipped to respond to the needs of What can we do about it?
‘Self-harm and suicide are a big deal.’
rainbow people.
• Increase awareness around which
‘Issues go inward and no one is available.
‘What services?’ services were knowledgeable and
We’re all too busy treading water.’
compassionate by promoting resources
‘I haven’t been to a counsellor because I
like the Pink Pages online directory.
Substance use have LGBT related worries, as I wouldn’t
• Ensure forms and language are
know where to go.’
When asked about issues facing the inclusive; avoid making assumptions.
LGBTQIA+ community in Christchurch, • Support training for medical
GP services
20% responded that drug and alcohol professionals and other staff on
abuse were a concern - nearly 10% of Just over half of contributors were not diversity of sexual orientation, gender
the participants indicated they used out to their GPs, a potentially concerning identity and sex characteristics to
drugs and roughly 22% reported drinking situation if patients don’t feel comfortable ensure LGBTQIA+ people are safe,
alone to manage their stress. However being themselves or talking openly. respected and understood.
contributors stated that drugs weren’t as • Use inclusive language and images on
Strong themes emerged regarding the
big a problem here as other big cities and communications material, like posters in
importance of inclusive language and
whilst alcohol is a significant problem, the waiting room, pamphlets, etc.
practice, appropriate cultural training and
probably no more so than the rest of • Develop policies that support safety
engagement and fewer assumptions about
the NZ population. Note that this finding and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ staff,
heterosexual practices and cisgender
clashes with health data, which shows clients, and their families.
identities as the default.
disproportionate drug and alcohol abuse
in the rainbow community.allright
.org.nz
Creating a
more supportive
community
Findings for community leaders
A city of change ‘I have been yelled at, chased, had things ‘We don’t have a Pride parade, but
thrown at me; I don’t feel comfortable we could have a rainbow (pedestrian)
Taking the research findings as a whole,
holding hands with my partner. It hasn’t crossing, like Wellington does.’
Christchurch has a thriving LGBTQIA+
changed heaps, there are lots of people
population of thoughtful, diverse and ‘More gender-neutral toilets; the bus
out there whose attitudes haven’t
good hearted people – some who feel exchange toilets are awesome.’
changed.’
happy and safe, and others not. There
is a feeling that Christchurch has an What can we do about it?
Venues
opportunity to shed the conservative
• Look for ways the LGBTQIA+
image of old and connect to the rainbow The lack of venues specific to queer
community can be supported and
community, creating a narrative focused people post-earthquake was a common
celebrated.
on an accepting and innovative city. It theme. Clearly kinship and connection
• Ensure public places and events are
was felt this would have the potential to are vital to wellbeing, however 44%
inclusive.
attract progressive and diverse thinkers of online survey participants felt they
• Use inclusive language and images on
who might otherwise be tempted by didn’t have enough connection to the
internal and external communications
Wellington or Auckland. rainbow community. People felt a
material.
designated space would increase visibility,
• Reach out to local LGBTQIA+ friendly
Safety connection, opportunities to be ‘seen’
organisations about funding and
and to support others who were in need.
Some people find Christchurch an unsafe sponsorship opportunities.
and at times aggressive city, others felt ‘There is nowhere distinct to go, not many • Promote Christchurch as a queer
a sense of safety and belonging. Whilst places you can safely be gay.’ friendly city.
negative or offensive comments had been
‘I have some queer friends but I don't feel
directed at 74% of online respondents
like I am part of the Christchurch queer
in the past three years, 90% felt more
community. I would love to meet other
accepted than they have in the past,
fellow queers but I don't know where to
which suggests attitudes are changing.
start looking.’
Despite this, safety is still an issue. When
asked about their most pressing concerns,
Visibility
22% referred to bullying and safety.
Almost all contributors felt that greater
‘We are really comfortable holding hands
visibility would further increase general
and only rarely is anything said…we did
society’s understanding and therefore
get called faggots recently though.’
help the LGBTQIA+ community feel safer.allright
.org.nz
Learnings for
parents of rainbow
children
Supporting children to be themselves
Support from whānau and friends Age and acceptance ‘Dad is a dick and doesn’t want to learn
but my Mum is willing to learn, I teach my
A theme for focus group members was Within the focus groups, no apparent
Mum.’
ensuring they have a support network in differences between age groups
the form of both family and friends – for appeared; some younger people had ‘When I was younger my mum told me
most, it was a mixture of the two. Some very accepting parents, some didn’t, she’d disown us if we were gay. I now
had struggled with familial relationships and the same pattern occurred in the have a superficial relationship with my
in the past but made a kind of peace over 40-year-old groups. One young mother, she has not been very accepting.’
with their parents over time as the latter transgender man’s grandmother had paid
'My mother probably doesn't remember
had grown to understand or accept their for his top surgery – a touching example
all the dodgy comments [she made]
sexuality or gender identity. of how age isn’t necessarily a barrier to
about lesbians while I was closeted, but I
acceptance. Survey results, however,
77% of respondents agreed that having sure do.'
showed a tendency to find younger family
at least one person in the family support
members more accepting than older
their sexual orientation or gender identity What can you do about it?
generations.
made things easier.
• Be there for them, and know that
‘I’m in touch with my family but they don’t Coming out there is nothing wrong with your child’s
accept me. My family are out of their identity and nothing about them needs
Many of the participants reported that
comfort zone and don’t have anything to changing. Affirm your child and their
their experiences coming out to their
go by – they have no experience with this sense of who they are.
whānau were positive, however, there
difference.’ • Display a willingness to learn about your
were also narratives highlighting how
child’s sexuality, gender identity, and
‘I had no such thing as a support network negative attitudes towards gender
the rainbow community.
as a teenager, and I considered suicide.’ and sexual diversity could create long
• Try and find a support group if your
periods of separation in family networks.
‘Mum and Dad raised me with boys’ and child is interested in it. RainbowYOUTH
Common narratives included that many
girls’ clothes, which was cool! My parents has a database of support groups
family members became more accepting
really don’t mind that I am gay, they just across the country. You might also want
over time, and that there was sometimes
don’t care.’ to find a support group for yourself.
supportive attitudes and actions varied
• Stand up for the rights of your child,
within families. Some commented that
especially if they are not adequately
they would have benefitted from family
supported, for example, at school, in
support before they came out, for
their activities or by their GP.
instance if parents had been explicitly
supportive of LGBTQIA+ people.You can also read
