No Pride in Prisons “disappointed” by Rainbow Auckland Gala
No Pride in Prisons, a queer and transgender prison abolitionist group, is disappointed by Rainbow Auckland’s decision to charge $125 for its “Gala Extravaganza” celebrating the 30th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform.
“While we recognise the importance of celebrating this massive milestone for the LGBTIQ community, we believe that many
people are being left behind by the likes of Rainbow Auckland,” says No Pride in Prisons spokesperson Sophie Morgan.
The group argues that much more needs to be done to address the ongoing issues that many people in the queer and
transgender community face.
“While sodomy between consenting adults has been decriminalised, many queer and trans people continue to be marginalised
by the criminal justice system.”
“As we know, many transgender women are currently being incarcerated in men’s prisons and are at an extremely high risk of being sexually assaulted while
in prison.”
“Incarcerated people more generally have to go through humiliating and dehumanising treatment in prisons every day. They
are unnecessarily strip searched, denied basic rights to privacy and bodily autonomy and sometimes held in conditions that breach the UN convention against torture.”
“The rainbow movement must fight with and for the most marginalised within our community. Flashy, expensive galas for
the gay elite do nothing to address the ongoing issues of homelessness and unemployment that many young queer and transgender people face.”
“Until we address the structural racism and economic exploitation that people experience alongside their queer and trans
identities, the LGBTIQ movement will remain a party for the privileged.”
ENDS