Whānau

Rainbow language - what does it mean?

Learning someone in your whānau is part of the rainbow community can be overwhelming at the start, you may not understand what being LGBTQ+ means, let alone the best way to support them. This guide gives a glossary of common terms the rainbow community uses and is a great start for those with rainbow loved ones.

Go to the Public Service website to view the full guide

Pronouns

A pronoun is what the English language uses to refer to a person without using their name. Everyone uses pronouns to refer to themselves and one another. The most commonly used pronouns for individuals are he/him, she/her, and they/them.

Go to the Inside Out website for more information on pronouns

Go to the Public Service website for an inclusive language guide

History

Did you know New Zealand’s first pride was in 1972? New Zealand has a rich LGBTQ+ history and is known as relatively progressive in the world, being the 12th country to legalise marriage equality in 2013.

Go to New Zealand LGBTQ history page of Te Papa website

A key symbol of the LGBTQ+ community is the rainbow flag. In the past few years, rainbow communities have expanded on this to create the progressive pride flag and individual flags for many specific identities.

Go to the Rainbow Flag History on the Britannica website

Takatapui

Takatapui is a Māori word that traditionally means “intimate companion of the same sex”, and describes a second person, rather than the self. It is now an umbrella term for those who identify with diverse genders, sexualities, or sex characteristics. It is used to express the interconnectedness of rainbow identities with cultural identity.

Go to the Takatapui website

Websites for whānau

New Zealand-based websites and resources

An Aotearoa charity working to make our country safe for all LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer education, resources, and support, to individuals and larger associations and companies:

Go to the Inside Out website

Rainbow Youth New Zealand offer a range of resources and support services:

Go to the Rainbow Youth website

A New Zealand group for parents of Transgender individuals, to share advice, support, and stories. Includes lists of resources that are local, online, and suggests books for kids, and parents:

Go to the Transgender Children website

Mental health organisation, with a free call line that welcomes whanau needing to ask questions, or receive support:

Go to the Outline website

A resource for takatāpui individuals and their whanau:

Go to the Takatapui website

Supporting your child’s identity, and standing up for them within your wider whanau and social circles:

Go to the Be There website

For those who feel uncertain about their child’s coming out:

Go to the Be There website