Subj : COOK ISLANDS TO HOLD FIRST EVER PRIDE DAY
To : All
From : Major Queen
Date : Thu Mar 05 2020 07:48 pm
SOURCE EXPRESS
The news has made the front page of the Island's only daily newspaper.
LGBT Cook Islanders will be making history on March 27 as the Islands hosts
its very first Pride day.
Organisers say Pride Day will be an opportunity to "raise the visibility of
the country's LGBT+ community and celebrate the value of diversity and
community inclusion.
The day will feature a range of fun activities but is also aiming to send an
important message to the Islands' lawmakers.
The event is being organised by Te Tiare Association, which is campaigning to
end the criminalisation of same-sex relations.
Cook Island MPs will vote on a bill proposing to decriminalise same-sex
relations in June:
Pride Cook Islands spokesperson Karla Eggelton says the day will be about
"making a positive public statement about visibility, inclusion and the value
of diversity. We hope showing who we are will help break down barriers."
"Let's not lose sight that ongoing discrimination impacts real people. We're
your family members, your friends, your workmates, neighbours and customers.
We're a part of everyday life and we're proud of who we are. That's why Pride
Day is an event out in the open and open to all."
