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Whanau

Rainbow language - what does it mean?

Learning someone in your whanau 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.

Read 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.

Information on pronouns

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.

Read more about New Zealand LGBTQ history

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.

Rainbow flag history

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.

Takatapui New Zealand

Websites for whanau

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. Read more on Insideout website

Rainbow Youth New Zealand. They offer a range of resources and support services. Read more on 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. Read more on transgender children's Website

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

Read more on outline website

A resource for takatāpui individuals and their whanau.

Read more on takatapui

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

circles.

Read more on their website

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

Read more on this on their website

International websites and resources

Family acceptance project. Based in the USA, but has a range of helpful resources, including cultural and faith-based.

Family Acceptance website

Resources for having tougher discussions with your kid, and navigating social situations which are unique to rainbow individuals.

Read mor eon the My Kid is Gay website

Based in Victoria, Australia, has free online resources for parents (and other caregivers) of all individuals, including LGBTQ+ members.

Read more information for parents on their website

Focused on creating a safe inclusive environment for all youth. Has resources for education, families, faith, physical and mental health and youth.
Read more on the gender spectrum website

Read more on Supporting gender queer youth

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