When Destiny Church members decided to stage their recent protests against an Auckland Pride children’s drag queen story time event, they weren’t just opposing a show – they were sending a loud and harmful message to Rainbow children and young people. Whether they meant to or not, their actions told LGBTQ+ tamariki and taiohi that who they are is something to be feared, shunned, and fought against. And that is dangerous.

For young people figuring out their identity, seeing protests like these can be deeply unsettling. Many Rainbow youth already struggle with feelings of isolation, rejection, and self-doubt. Events that celebrate diversity – like drag queen story hours and Pride parades – send a vital message: “You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.” But when groups like Destiny Church turn up with placards and megaphones, that affirming message gets drowned out by fear and intolerance.

The Y Central South Island stands firm in our commitment to Rainbow youth. We believe in safe, welcoming spaces where young people can be themselves without fear of judgement. Our Rainbow support initiatives, like our youth groups and advocacy efforts, aim to create a sense of belonging and confidence in those who need it most. It’s why events like our upcoming Glitter Ball and Pride & Joy Rainbow Quiz Nite matter so much – they’re not just fun nights out; they’re statements of love and support. They’re lifelines.

The sad reality is that these protests don’t happen in a vacuum. Around the world, we’re seeing an alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence. From book bans in the U.S. to the rollback of rights in countries that once championed equality, there is a growing climate of hate that should concern all of us. And while New Zealand likes to think of itself as progressive, moments like this remind us that intolerance is still very much alive here, too.

But here’s the thing – love is louder. Inclusion is more powerful. For every person shouting hate outside a drag queen event, there are countless more standing up to say, “We see you. We love you. We’re here for you.”

That’s why we will keep celebrating. We will keep hosting Glitter Balls and Pride & Joy Quiz Nites. We will keep holding our LGBTQ+ Parents & Whānau Support Group and our Transgender Connection Group. We will continue to balance misinformation and hateful rhetoric with facts through programmes like Rainbow Education 101. We will keep creating spaces where young Rainbow people feel safe, cherished, and free to be themselves.

Because at the end of the day, a protest won’t erase the joy, the courage, the value, and the resilience of our Rainbow community. And no amount of shouting can change the fact that love – real, unconditional, and unwavering – always wins.