Rainbow
Rainbow communities include people who identify as lesbian, transgender, bisexual, takatāpui, gay, intersex, asexual and non-binary. In New Zealand, these communities are often affected by HIV at greater rates than the heterosexual (straight) community.
Ethnic Rainbow migrants, refugees and asylum seekers can often face multiple difficulties due to cultural stigma, isolation from family and support networks, and discrimination. These compounded difficulties can put people at a greater risk of contracting HIV.
There are more than 60 countries globally who continue to criminalise homosexuality. In some of these countries, homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty. Aotearoa New Zealand is NOT one of those countries. There are many laws here which protect the Rainbow community. Also known as Queer, Gay, or LGBTQI+ communities.
- The Homosexual Reform Law was passed in 1986 which provides queer people in Aotearoa with the human rights and protections against discrimination.
- Same Sex Marriage has been legal in Aotearoa since 2013, allowing gay couples to marry and enjoy the same legal rights as anyone else.
- Gay people can adopt children, either as a couple or as a single person.
- People can change their gender on official documents and people are able to self-identify their gender without medical assessment.
- Queer people are able to serve in the military.
- The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and for the provision of goods and services.
- New Zealand has ‘Hate Crime’ protections which include penalties for crimes motivated by hatred towards someone’s sexual orientation.
Ethnic Rainbow migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who have come from countries where laws are different may struggle at first with these new rights and freedoms. Cultural, social and other barriers can cause confusion resulting in isolation, mental health challenges and stress which can lead to risky behaviours, increasing vulnerability to contracting HIV.
To enhance the lives of ethnic Rainbow people in Aotearoa and reduce their risks of getting HIV, it is crucial to remove stigma and discrimination, fostering an inclusive and accepting society, ensuring everyone feels safe.
Contact us for support
For people requiring support, or if you just wish to connect with others, see our Useful Contacts page for a list of organisations you can reach out to who are safe and confidential. You can also get in touch with us via our contact us page.
Become an HIV CHAMPION
To become an HIV CHAMPION, see our Get involved page to find out how you can make a difference.