Creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Queenstown is the top priority for the recently-revived Wakatipu LGBT Social Club.
One of the Facebook group’s admins, Artemis Gurnsey (pictured), aims to establish a ‘‘strong local base’’ where people can be themselves
and become a go-to community for visitors to the area.
Gurnsey, who goes by the gender-neutral pronouns ze/zer, says the group has been running for over five years organising events and activities, but a lot fall through and people have ‘‘lost faith’’.
The 23-year-old wants to change that, say ing ‘‘we don’t want to be stuck in limbo’’.
Ze has plenty of plans and ideas to revitalise not only the group, but the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in Queenstown.
‘‘It would be great to do events not just for dating, but also making friends and just feeling comfortable.’’
Gurnsey says local businesses are very helpful, and is trying to organise one day each week for bars to have a sort of ‘‘Pride night’’.
Ze’s excited for what’s to come, and encourages everyone to get involved and give support ‘‘in any way you can’’.
