There's a whole lot to know about supporting and working with rainbow people - much more than we can cover on our website.
Here is a collection of references to extend and deepen your understanding of rainbow people and populations.
Rainbow organisations
Learn about some of the key rainbow organisations that provide support and information to LGBTI+, takatāpui, MVPFAFF+ and other rainbow people across Aotearoa.
Language
Rainbow people use a range of words and names to talk about their identities and experiences. Language is shifting and evolving all the time. Learn about respecting the language rainbow people use about themselves.
Pronouns
Pronouns are one way that people express and communicate about gender. Using the right pronouns for a person is a basic sign of respect.
Titles
Just like calling someone the correct name, using the right title for them - or not forcing them to use a title - is a sign of respect.
Data and statistics
Having good-quality data and statistics about rainbow populations can help decision-makers to understand rainbow population needs and priorities. Respectfully asking people about their sexuality, gender, sex characteristics, relationships, bodies, pronouns and names can be an important part of affirming their identity. Learn more about rainbow data collection and population statistics.
Supporting whānau
Whānau support is one of the most important factors for rainbow people's wellbeing and mental health. Check out our advice and resources for working with whānau to help them understand rainbow people and build loving, affirming relationships.
Mental health and addictions
Rainbow people are more likely than their peers to experience mental health problems, because of their experiences of social exclusion and discrimination. We’ve compiled a list of resources for people working on mental health, addictions and substance harm issues.
Suicide prevention
Suicide disproportionately affects rainbow communities in Aotearoa. The work of rainbow suicide prevention includes supporting individuals, but it’s also about building a world that is safer for rainbow people, where suicide is a less present option, and where people feel a sense of hope, acceptance and love. We’ve compiled a list of resources for people working to prevent rainbow suicide.
Homelessness
Rainbow people are more likely than their peers to experience homelessness, unsafe housing or unstable living situations. We’ve compiled a list of resources for people who are supporting rainbow people to find safe housing, including those working in homelessness services.
State care
Too often, takatāpui and rainbow rangatahi living in state care are not safe and supported in their identities, have unmet needs for healthcare and social support, and experience abuse in care. We’re part of a group calling for Oranga Tamariki to comprehensively transform care systems by prioritising cultural safety, inclusive practice, and upholding the mana and self-determination of takatāpui and rainbow rangatahi.
Gender-affirming healthcare
When we say ‘gender-affirming healthcare’, we’re talking about medical interventions that people access to affirm their gender. For many trans and non-binary people, this healthcare is medically necessary and can be life saving. Learn more about increasing access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Family and sexual violence
All humans have a right to live in a world free from violence, regardless of gender, sexuality, sex characteristics, race, religion, disability or social status. Learn more about rainbow experiences of violence, and the work happening in Aotearoa to prevent and respond to family and sexual violence.
Bullying
Homophobic, transphobic, interphobic and biphobic bullying can have serious effects on mental health, affect academic achievement at school, and have lifelong impacts. Learn about how to prevent and respond to rainbow-targeted bullying.
Sports inclusion
Participating in sports and physical activity can offer social connection and belonging, improvements in academic performance and skill building, as well as greater overall mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. These benefits are not equally available to rainbow people in Aotearoa.
COVID-19 Support
We’ve seen specific challenges for rainbow people during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. We’ve compiled some resources and links for people who are working with, supporting or living with rainbow people. Connect with the community-led support services who are available to help.
Law reform
Part of what’s needed to make Aotearoa more inclusive for rainbow people is work to reform the laws and regulations that govern our lives. This includes strengthening legal protections for rainbow people, removing or changing discriminatory laws, and mandating a focus on rainbow populations in government responses to relevant health and social needs.
Read more about recent law reform, including banning conversion practices, birth certificate law reform and updating anti-discrimination law.
Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Our work is grounded in a deep respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a commitment to advocating for Tiriti-based justice. Read more about our advocacy for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, particularly for takatāpui and takatāpuitanga.
Health system reforms
The current reforms of New Zealand’s health and disability system present a real opportunity to develop a national health system for Aotearoa that better meets the needs of trans, intersex and rainbow people. Read about our advocacy to achieve this.
Inclusive local government
Local government has an crucial role to play in supporting communities where rainbow people are safe and feel a sense of belonging. In places that are more inclusive, where rainbow identity is celebrated and affirmed, rainbow people are more able to live well. Read about how local government across Aotearoa is working with rainbow populations, and our advocacy for more inclusive practice.
Human rights advocacy
In New Zealand, takatāpui and rainbow people face specific and unique barriers to the full enjoyment of human rights. New Zealand has obligations to uphold everyone’s human rights through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our international agreements through the United Nations, and local legislation. Read more about human rights advocacy, including through the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.