Wellington Pride Festival Celebrates 40 Years of LGBTQ+ Progress

The Wellington Pride Festival is set to kick off on March 15, 2026, marking a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of the first Lesbian and Gay Fair held in the city in 1986. This year’s celebration will include a variety of events, notably the annual Out in the City fair at Odlins Plaza, which will feature the popular Pooches in the Plaza event, drawing dog lovers and craft enthusiasts alike.

Reflecting on the past four decades, the festival highlights the remarkable changes in societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. In 1986, the landscape was vastly different. Des Smith and John Jolliff, who organized that inaugural fair, played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights during a time of considerable opposition. Their efforts culminated in significant legislative changes, including civil unions in 2004 and legal marriage in 2013, transforming New Zealand’s legal stance on same-sex relationships.

For many, witnessing this evolution within their lifetime brings a mix of nostalgia and pride. Joanna McLeod, co-organizer of the Wellington Pride Festival, expressed the importance of this year’s theme: “Honouring the past, building for the future and celebrating the now.” It reflects a commitment to acknowledge progress while recognizing that further work is needed to foster inclusivity and acceptance.

The festivities this year are designed not only to celebrate but also to raise awareness. McLeod emphasized the need for collective effort: “We need to put the work in, and it’s not just for us to do the work; society needs to do some work as well.” The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration, reminding attendees that the majority of the community stands in support of living authentically.

On the opening day, a hīkoi will lead participants down to the waterfront fair site, with Smith and Jolliff set to officially open the event. This symbolic act serves as a recognition of the journey from “a fair for a fair law” to a celebration of love and acceptance. McLeod highlighted the resilience of the community, stating, “Some jerks will want to rain on this month-long LGBTQ parade. They can try, but they will be forever outnumbered by people who simply want their neighbours to live their lives in peace.”

The Wellington Pride Festival will also feature additional events, such as the inaugural Out in Brewtown on March 21 and the Pride Picnic on March 22. Details about these events and the full program can be found at wellingtonpridefestival.com.

As the festival approaches, it serves not only as a commemoration of past struggles and victories but also as an invitation to continue the fight for equality and acceptance in all areas of life. The evolution of the festival over the past 40 years stands as a testament to the ongoing journey towards inclusivity and respect for all individuals.