Wellington

Wellington’s queer culture is vibrant and creative, intertwined with its arts and political activism. The city’s Pride Festival and inclusive spaces reflect New Zealand’s commitment to equality and its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

Book-filled lounge with a cozy, traditional vibe offering craft cocktails & inventive NZ bites.

The Library

Online bookstore in Aotearoa New Zealand selling books and products with positive LGBTQIA+ representation. Founded in 2021 by Chelsea, a queer-owned, women-led, family-run business based in Kāpiti, Wellington region. A portion of every purchase is donated to nonprofit groups supporting queer, trans, intersex, and Takatāpui communities. Chelsea reads every title stocked to ensure quality representation.

Alphabet Book Club

Ivy Bar is a bar in Wellington. Located at 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Ivy Bar

Vinyl Bar is a bar in Wellington. Located at 6011/66 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Vinyl Bar

The Fringe Bar is a bar in Wellington. Located at 26-32 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

The Fringe Bar

Lulu Bar is a bar in Wellington. Located at 31 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Lulu Bar

Celebrated, independent store featuring a wide selection of books in all genres, plus author events.

Unity Books

Aunty Dana's Op Shop is a shop in Wellington. Located at 130 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.

Aunty Dana's Op Shop

Scotty & Mal's Cocktail & Lounge Bar is a bar in Wellington. Located at 176 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Scotty & Mal's Cocktail & Lounge Bar

Mandatory Menswear Ltd is a shop in Wellington. Located at 21 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Mandatory Menswear Ltd

A vibrant event titled 'Polari - Fantabulosa!' scheduled to take place on February 27, 2026, starting at 17:30. Further details about the event are not provided in the content.

Dirty Little Secret

Polari - Fantabulosa!

A one-day festival hosted at Basin Reserve in Wellington, showcasing craft breweries, local wineries, street food, and live music. The event takes place on Saturday, 28 February 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring general admission and VIP options with additional amenities. Attendees can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with beverages, entertainment, and food in a scenic outdoor setting.

Beers at the Basin 2026 - Wellington

An event titled 'Dawn Ceremony' scheduled to start on March 6, 2026, from 06:00 to 07:00. Additional details about the event are not provided.

Dawn Ceremony

An event titled 'Wellington Racqueteers Tākatapui Wāhine Night' scheduled to start on March 6, 2026, at 18:00. Further details about the event are not provided in the content.

Badminton Wellington Centre

Wellington Racqueteers Tākatapui Wāhine Night

The Wellington Pride Parade is a vibrant celebration of diversity and culture, taking place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The event features a parade along Courtenay Place and Dixon Street, street celebrations with music, DJs, and performers, and after-parties with top DJs. Participants and spectators are encouraged to join, register groups, become partners, or volunteer. The parade is part of the Wellington Pride Festival, which has a history dating back to 1986, and aims to uplift the Rainbow and Takatāpui communities. The event also acknowledges the land of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and emphasizes community engagement and inclusivity.

Wellington Pride Parade

Join us for a heated, heart-opening yoga class that welcomes everyone. This is a koha class, open to all bodies and levels, whether you're a beginner or experienced. The class takes place every Sunday at 10:00 AM during February and March at Awhi Yoga & Wellbeing, Level 2, 15 Johnston Street, Wellington. All proceeds support the Wellington Pride Festival. The event is accessible, with gender-neutral bathrooms and lower sensory environment.

Rainbow Yoga at AWHI

A commemorative event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Spiral Collectives, featuring exhibitions of cherished Spiral artists and writers, conversations about Spiral's graphic novel project, a presentation of Kim Hunt's new crime novel 'The Corrector', and a simple afternoon tea. The event honors the history and contributions of Spiral, with free entry requiring pre-registration due to limited space.

St. Gerard's Monastery

Spiral Collectives' 50th anniversary celebration

Join Rainbow Dress-Up Storytime on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:00 AM for a fun and engaging story session. Suitable for children, this event encourages dress-up and storytelling.

Rainbow Dress-Up Storytime

A fortnightly social group for trans and gender diverse young people aged 18-27 in Wellington, offering a welcoming space with snacks and games.

Anvil House, Level 3/138 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Tranzform - Wellington LGBTQ+ Social Group

Thanks to Wellington Museum - we have two tickets to give away to this event. Comment below what PRIDE means to you, and who you are celebrating with, and you will go in the draw. Tickets will be drawn Tuesday 10 March at 5pm

Wellington Museum

Chosen Family Night

Rainbow Wellington

A community event at Wellington Museum celebrating chosen family and Pride.

Join us at the Te Awa-a-Taia Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library in Wellington for a special Rainbow Dress-Up Storytime. This event features stories and songs celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and self-expression. Children of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite outfits and participate with their whānau. The event aims to promote understanding and acceptance through engaging stories and play.

Te Takapū o Patukawenga Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library

Rainbow Dress-Up Storytime (Johnsonville)

A fortnightly social group for trans and gender diverse youth aged 18-27 in Wellington, offering a welcoming space with snacks and games.

Tranzform - Wellington Trans and Gender Diverse Youth Group

A fortnightly social gathering for trans and gender-diverse youth aged 18-27 in Wellington, offering a welcoming space with snacks and games.

Tranzform Social Group Meeting

Social mixer at one of our city’s amazing bars. This month, it was great to collaborate with chinesepride_nz to celebrate Lunar New Year!

one of our city’s amazing bars

Social Mixer

A social gathering at a local bar to connect with others and celebrate Lunar New Year.

An event organized by House of Boom and Wellington Pride Festival, featuring a shared meal celebrating community strength and solidarity among marginalized groups. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM NZDT in Toronto.

Fat Queers Eating Cake

The Pride Youth Ball is an event scheduled for March 14, 2026, from 18:00 to 22:00 in Toronto. It aims to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ youth through a lively gathering featuring entertainment, community engagement, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere dedicated to inclusivity and pride.

Pride Youth Ball

Join the Pride Youth Ball, an inclusive event for LGBTQIA+ youth in Wellington, taking place on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event runs from 18:00 to 22:00 and features music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere to celebrate diversity and pride. It's a safe space to express yourself, meet new friends, and enjoy a night of joy and community.

Out in the City 2026 is a family-friendly event celebrating 40 years since the Gay & Lesbian Fair in Wellington, marking the beginning of the Wellington Pride Festival. The event features stalls, stage performances, food and drinks, and a day full of LGBTQIA+ celebration and community vibes. It is free to attend and takes place at Odlins Plaza, Wellington, on 15 March 2026, from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM.

Odlins Plaza

Out in the City 2026

Celebrating 40 years since the Gay & Lesbian Fair in Newtown on 15 March 1986, this all-day family-friendly event features stalls, stage performances, food, drinks, and LGBTQIA+ celebrations. It is the largest event of Wellington Pride Festival, free to attend, and takes place in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara.

Out in the City

Join the Wellington Pride Festival celebrating LGBTQ+ community with a parade, performances, and community events.

Wellington City Art Centre

Wellington Pride Festival 2026

Pride has always been, and will always be, a protest. Join the Pride Hīkoi to celebrate and advocate.

Pride Hīkoi

A Pride Hīkoi event scheduled for March 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 14:00 in Toronto. The event aims to celebrate and promote LGBTQ+ pride with community activities and gatherings.

A youth-led, smoke, alcohol, and drug-free space for trans and gender-diverse young people in Wellington, offering community, snacks, and games.

Tranzform Social Group

The countdown is on — and we can’t wait to see which superstar takes one step closer to becoming Mx Capital Drag 2026! Having the honour of judging the Mx Capital 2026 Heats and making the call is… Romé Marama | One of the Founding Mothers of the Kiki House of Marama, known for commanding the floor and a powerhouse in the Oceania Ballroom scene. As a creative in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, she brings her magic as a performer, producer, director and Mother, driven by a deep love for excellence, artistry, and community. Eddie D’amore | He’s a little bit vintage and a wee bit dapper and a whole lot sparkly. This silver throated crooner will charm your ears with a voice so sweet you can’t help but fall in love. Who is he? He’s your Italian, opera singing lover boy, MX Capital 2023, Eddie D’amore.

Ivy Bar and Cabaret

Mx Capital Drag 2026 Heats

Ivy Bar & Cabaret

A drag competition where performers compete to become Mx Capital Drag 2026.

Delta Heavy presents 'APEX', an immersive drum & bass experience featuring a kaleidoscope of colors and reflections. The event includes a curated cast of four international DJs, including Delta Heavy from the UK, with support from T & Sugah and Krakota. It takes place at Shed 6 in Wellington on March 21, 2026, from 08:00 to 14:00 NZDT. The production promises a unique visual and musical adventure, making it one of the most anticipated events of 2026.

Delta Heavy: APEX | Wellington

Conclude the Wellington Pride Festival 2026 with a vibrant community picnic.

Pride Picnic

Join us to celebrate the conclusion of the Wellington Pride Festival 2026 with a vibrant community picnic. This event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for friends and whānau to gather and enjoy together. Additional details will be provided soon.

The Wellington Armageddon Expo celebrates its 30th anniversary with a variety of entertainment activities, including cosplay events, gaming tournaments, a Just Dance disco floor, trading card and wargaming displays, LEGO exhibits, collectibles, music, movie memorabilia, and an Artist Alley featuring artists from New Zealand and beyond. The event also hosts main stage performances and opportunities to meet international celebrity and animation stars. It is a family-friendly event offering numerous experiences for all ages.

Wellington Armageddon Expo 2026

Veteran indie-rock band The Mountain Goats will perform in Wellington on April 11, 2026, at 09:00 AM. This concert marks their return to New Zealand after 16 years, featuring songs from their extensive catalog and their upcoming album 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan,' released in November 2025. The event is hosted by Handsome Tours at 92 Vivian St, Te Aro, Wellington.

Meow Nui

Mountain Goats at Meow Nui, Wellington

Join Meg Washington on her Natural Beauty Tour for an evening of captivating performances. The event is scheduled for April 18, 2026, from 19:00 to 22:00. Experience an engaging night with live music and entertainment.

Camelot Arts Club

Meg Washington: Natural Beauty Tour

Legendary band Fat Freddy's Drop is returning to the stage in 2026 to perform their debut album 'Based on a True Story' in celebration of its 21st anniversary. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, New Zealand. This tour marks the band's first performances following the passing of founding member Chris ‘MU’ Faiumu, with the band committed to honoring MU's legacy through this special tour. The album, released in 2005, features a mix of future funk and surprises, and became New Zealand's longest-charting album, winning multiple awards. The event is sold out, reflecting the band's enduring popularity.

Michael Fowler Centre

Fat Freddy's Drop: Based on a True Story 21st Anniversary Tour

Enamel 3.5cm wide x 2cm tall with a metal clasp

Pin: They/Them Yellow

Enamel 3.5cm wide x 3.5cm tall with a metal clasp

Pin: He/Him Yellow

Enamel 3cm wide x 2.5cm tall with a metal clasp

Pin: She/They

“I cannot fit in when my shadow stands out.” Inspired by the author's own little boy, 'Shadow's' main character likes princesses, fairies and things 'not for boys'... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting. Alphabet Community Review Review by Max (age 5)I really like that the boy has a pink shadow and the shadow has a happy smile. I like that the school has asked the kids to dress up with their shadow. The boy wants his pink shadow to be accepted. But he is sad. I think the dad is cool for wearing a dress too. The boy is happy because his dad supports him. I like that the book finishes with the boy playing with his new friends very happy. My shadow is red because I like the colour red. Product Info Publisher: ‎ Larrikin HouseDate: April 1, 2020Language: ‎ EnglishHardcover: ‎ 32 pagesISBN-13: ‎ 978-0648728757Reading age: ‎ 5+ Full Description My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.Inspired by the author's own little boy, 'Shadow's' main character likes princesses, fairies and things 'not for boys'... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.Creates opportunity for open discussion and learning.Highlights current themes of gender identity.

My Shadow is Pink

"...it’s a work of nonfiction and highlights the realness of an identity that is not gay, bisexual, lesbian or transgender, but isn’t cisgender and heterosexual either. It’s something else. It’s my story." Derek is a girl. He wasn't one of the boys as a kid; he admired, befriended, and socialized with the girls and always knew he was one of them, despite being male. That wasn't always accepted or understood, but he didn't care: he knew who he was.Now he's a teenager and boys and girls are flirting and dating and his identity has become a lot more complicated: he's attracted to the girls. The other girls. The female ones.This is Derek's story, the story of a different kind of male hero — a genderqueer person's tale. Product Info Publisher: ‎ Sunstone Press Date: February 25, 2020Language: ‎ EnglishHardcover: ‎ 216 pagesISBN-10: ‎ 1632933381ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1632933386 Full Description Derek is a girl. He wasn't one of the boys as a kid; he admired, befriended, and socialized with the girls and always knew he was one of them, despite being male. That wasn't always accepted or understood, but he didn't care: he knew who he was.Now he's a teenager and boys and girls are flirting and dating and his identity has become a lot more complicated: he's attracted to the girls. The other girls. The female ones.This is Derek's story, the story of a different kind of male hero — a genderqueer person's tale.The century's first decade saw many LGBT centers and services rebranding themselves as LGBTQ.The "Q" in LGBTQ is a new addition. It represents other forms of "queer" in an inclusive wave-of-the hand towards folks claiming to vary from conventional gender and orientation, such as genderqueer people. People who are affirmatively tolerant on gay, lesbian and transgender issues still ask "Why do we need to add another letter to the acronym? Isn't anyone who isn't mainstream already covered by 'gay' or 'lesbian' or 'bisexual' or 'trans'? I'm all in favor of people having the right to call themselves whatever they want, but seriously, do we need this term?"Derek's tale testifies to the real-life relevance of that "Q" - this is a genderqueer coming-of-age and coming-out story from an era long before genderqueer was trending.This story follows Derek from his debut as an 8th grader in Los Alamos NM until his unorthodox coming out at the age of 21 on University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.The author lived in New Mexico from 1973-1984 before emigrating to New York to become a gender activist. He received a degree in Women's Studies and graduate degrees in Sociology and Social Work and worked with psychiatric patients' rights groups and gender identity support groups before reaching an impasse with the graduate programs at SUNY / Stony Brook over their hostility towards radical feminist theory. He later worked as elder abuse case worker in the Bronx. His truncated academic career included publication of a short but groundbreaking theory piece, "Same Door Different Closet: A Heterosexual Sissy's Coming-Out Party" in a peer-reviewed journal, Feminism & Psychology.

GenderQueer: A Story from a Different Closet

“This is what he does. He paints you into a picture. He turns you into a puppet.”The summer is winding down in San Diego. Veronica is bored, caustically charismatic, and uninspired in her photography. Nico is insatiable, subversive, and obsessed with chaotic performance art. They’re artists first, best friends second. But that was before Mick. Delicate, lonely, magnetic Mick: the perfect subject, and Veronica’s dream girl. The days are long and hot―full of adventure―and soon they are falling in love. Falling so hard, they never imagine what comes next. One fire. Two murders. Three drowning bodies. One suspect . . . one stalker. This is a summer they won’t survive. Product Info Publisher: ‎Square Fish Date: March 29, 2022Language: ‎ EnglishPaperback: ‎ 336 pagesISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250821263Reading age: ‎ 14+ Full Description An electric romance set against a rebel art scene sparks lethal danger for two girls in She's Too Pretty to Burn, an expertly plotted YA thriller by Wendy Heard.The summer is winding down in San Diego. Veronica is bored, caustically charismatic, and uninspired in her photography. Nico is insatiable, subversive, and obsessed with chaotic performance art. They’re artists first, best friends second. But that was before Mick. Delicate, lonely, magnetic Mick: the perfect subject, and Veronica’s dream girl. The days are long and hot―full of adventure―and soon they are falling in love. Falling so hard, they never imagine what comes next. One fire. Two murders. Three drowning bodies. One suspect . . . one stalker. This is a summer they won’t survive.Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray, this sexy psychological thriller explores the intersections of love, art, danger, and power. Content Warnings Death Murder Violence Kidnapping Fire/Fire injury Child Death Toxic Friendship Abandonment Emotional abuse Blood StalkingAnimal death

She's Too Pretty To Burn

Tim Te Maro Tea Towel

Stickers for Jay!

Different Ropes is an indoor climbing group in Wellington (ropes and bouldering) for queer-identifying climbers of all identities and skill levels. Beginners are welcome .

Different Ropes (Climbing)

Eastern Suburbs Women's Cricket is an inclusive women's cricket team in the Wellington region. They play social 8-a-side cricket and welcome women of all backgrounds and skill levels .

Eastern Suburbs Women's Cricket

Rainbow Dragon Club is a boardgame and tabletop gaming group for the LGBTQ+ community (particularly women) in Wellington. They meet fortnightly at the Newtown Community Centre to play a variety of games together .

Rainbow Dragon Club (Boardgames)

Richter City Roller Derby is a not-for-profit, skater-owned flat-track roller derby league based in Wellington . Founded in 2007, the club actively promotes inclusivity and fields teams for women (including trans and intersex women) , aiming to create and foster an LGBTQIA+ safe space .

Richter City Roller Derby

Snowbuddies is a queer ski and snowboarding group based in Wellington. The club is open to all ability levels and organizes local social events and regular trips to the slopes, including an annual Winter Pride ski trip .

Snowbuddies Ski & Snowboarding

Wellington Frontrunners is an inclusive running group for the LGBTQ+ community in the capital. It welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and holds weekly Sunday runs (9am, from outside the Freyberg Centre on Oriental Parade) as well as participating in other running events .

Wellington Frontrunners

Wellington Racqueteers is an LGBTQI+ badminton club in Wellington. They meet twice weekly for social badminton in a friendly, casual environment , and emphasize being diverse, inclusive and welcoming to players of all skill levels .

Wellington Racqueteers Badminton Club

Wellington Rainbow Bowling is a social ten-pin bowling league founded in 2010. The group (friends and family of the Rainbow community) meets fortnightly on Sundays at the Strike Entertainment Centre in Lower Hutt, and welcomes bowlers of all skill levels .

Wellington Rainbow Bowling

Yoshinkan Kendo Club is an LGBTIQ-friendly martial arts club in the Wellington region teaching kendo (Japanese fencing). They describe kendo as a martial art embodying the discipline and spirit of the samurai ('way of the sword') and explicitly welcome everyone to try it .