Wellington, long celebrated as New Zealand’s most inclusive city, is witnessing a rise in anti-LGBTQ attacks, leaving many residents feeling unsafe – and some contemplating leaving altogether.
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The mother of a 19-year-old gay student, who moved to the country’s capital for university, told the Stuff news website that her son faced constant intimidation and was regularly subjected to homophobic slurs on the streets of Wellington.
Paradoxically, Wellington was chosen for the son’s studies because of the homophobia he had faced in the small town he previously lived in.
“We thought it was the safest, most alternative and accepting city, but it’s not,” said the mum, as quoted by Stuff on Monday. “He’s scared walking out in public by himself in Wellington.”
According to 2023 census data cited by Radio New Zealand, 11.3 per cent of Wellington’s residents identify as LGBTQ or part of the rainbow community – the highest proportion in the country. Dunedin follows at 7.3 per cent, Christchurch at 6 per cent, and Palmerston North at 5.8 per cent.
Wellington’s reputation for being queer-friendly has been widely publicised. Last year, an LGBTQ travel magazine named it one of the world’s best destinations for rainbow tourists, while Lonely Planet ranked it among the top places for LGBTQ families to visit earlier this year.
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But many LGBTQ residents say Wellington’s atmosphere of acceptance has shifted in recent months.