I.Pride, a new program is coming soon
I.Pride is I.Lead’s newest project in the works, aiming to connect queer disabled youth together through multiple facets. Members will have the freedom to be a part of whichever programs that resonate with them, with every aspect being co-designed and co-led alongside queer disabled rangatahi.
Our launch project will be a national online based social group taking place on Discord aiming to connect youth all around the motu to build friendships and rapport, with various workshops and activities offered to better connect members through, and the option of multiple in person meetups per year as well.
In the future we plan to launch a social justice committee under I.Pride as well to give queer disabled youth the platform and freedom to advocate for themselves and others.
Keep an eye on this space for updates and how to participate in the future!
I.Pride Steering Group
Ashe Black (he/she), Rainbow & Disability Coordinator | Auckland Representative
Kia ora! My name is Ashe, my pronouns are he/she. I’m a mix of Māori and British, and I’m the coordinator in charge of I.Pride! I have Septo-Optic Dysplasia and am also neurodiverse.
I’ve worked as a Youth Worker for one of our sister companies, Shore Junction, since 2022 and am also a member of the Rainbow Community Advisory Panel for Auckland Council. I’m so excited to be able to bring I.Pride to New Zealand with the help of our amazing team and can’t wait to see what it becomes over time as our members help shape its future.
Eleanor (she/her), Steering Group Waikato Representative
Kia Ora,
My name’s is Eleanor Rawson, I use she/her pronouns and I identify as a demisexual queer person. I was born and raised in Dunedin/Central Otago but currently living in Waikato. I descend from Kai Tahu/Kati Mamoe, and I live with invisible disabilities, AUDHD and C-PTSD. Due to these, I have had health issues for my entire life.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2022 and I just completed the Empowered program through I.lead and am excited to contribute alongside future change-makers within the disability space. I have worked with some awesome mentors in the disability advocacy space and are even more honored to call a lot of them my friends who I have and continue to learn so much from about what our youth need for a better future.
Aroha Nui.
Annabel (she/her), Steering Group Wellington Representitive
Kia Ora! My name is Annabel. I am very passionate about the LGBTQ+ community as Love is Love and we should be able to be and love who we want. I am a proud lesbian and I am also Neurodiverse (Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and ASD). I am fortunate to be given this opportunity to work with I Pride and can’t wait to make a difference within this safe space.
Charlie, Steering Group Tauranga Representative
Hello, my name is Charlie. I live in the Bay of Plenty. I am passionate about Queer and disabled rights, and in my spare time I enjoy playing and listening to music, sailing and playing video games. I am AuDHD and physically disabled, and I identify as Queer. Kia ora!