Queer-Friendly Alliance

Just a quick note

2006-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Please note that a new website for the Queer-friendly Alliance is currently being developed. This site was a prototype and has not been in use for several months. Feel free to contact me if you have any queries at all regarding QA. A link to the new site will be provided as soon as it goes live.

We'll see you soon!

What Are You Afraid Of? Photographic Exhibition

2006-09-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

20th Anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform

An exhibition of photographs covering the fight for homosexual law reform is showing in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. The 9 July 2006 launch of the exhibition in Wellington coincides with the 20th anniversary of the passing of the law reform bill.

Christchurch Opening Night Function

Sunday 1 October 2006, 6pm
Drinks & Nibbles

Eastside Gallery, Cnr Stanmore Rd &
Worcester St, Linwood Village, Christchurch
Free Entry - Koha welcome to defray expenses.

Christchurch Exhibition Sponsored by Rainbow House Ōtautahi
For further Information contact Rainbow House Ōtautahi
Telephone (03) 381 7423 or Email Xristina@xtra.co.nz

Contact Us

2006-04-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Feel free to get in touch if you:

Have a general question
Are part of/know of an organisation which may be interesting in becoming affiliated
Know about an upcomming queer-friendly event
Would like to get involved
Would like to make a donation
Anything else!

My details are:

Ed Franks
Director
Email - queer.alliance.canterbury@gmail.com
Mobile - 0273122477

RE:DEFINE 06

2006-02-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

Group: RE:DEFINE
Group Type: QA Affiliated Student Club
What: Pot luck lunch
When/Where: Friday the 25 the of feb, 12.30 pm onwards/room 401, History building
Open to: UC Students

Welcome back UC students! RE:DEFINE is holding it's first meeting of the year this week. It's to get together and hear what everyone got up to over the break and discuss what’s up this year how things could be run, what we want to do etc. 12.30 pm onwards. Official talking will begin at 1 pm. hope to see you all there!

Welcome to the fold

2006-02-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

Over the break some new groups have become affiliated with QA. I'd like to welcome:

Community Groups

Art Fashion and compassion

Qtopia

Lesbian Radio.

Tertiary Student Clubs

Campus Coffee Club

Their details can be found in the Affliated Groups section.

Staying informed

2006-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

There are a few ways you be kept up to date with news and events affiliated with QA:

Mailing lists

qa_update - Emails sent via this list mainly contain information about QA-affiliated events happening around the city. It's primarily aimed at people want to take advantage of the 'gig guide' element of the website but are less interested in hearing QA news.
Follow the link to join.

qa-affiliatedgroups - This list is primarily used to contact the heads of affiliated groups. It is also used to serve people who wish to stay informed about QA and it's development but are less interested in hearing about affiliated events.
Follow the link to join.

Homophobia

2005-10-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's important that you let someone from QA know if you've encountered homophobia while at a event affiliated with us. If you do, we will speak with the management of the group which hosted the event and, if need be, re-evaluate their affiliation with QA.

You'll be kept anonomus if so desired, and all matters will be handled with descretion.

DropZone 4

2005-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Group: Urban Army
Group Type: QA Affiliatted Student Club
When/Where: Saturday 3rd of October, Home Bar, Bedford Row
Open to: Everyone

Dropzone 4

feat. Timmy Schumacher, 4 Corners, DJ Raw, MC Flows, DJ Penfold, MC 4 Higher Switch SirCut Katalyst & JMC HIPHOP vs BREAKS vs DnB
7DJs, 5MCs, biggest night of 2005
limited presales @ Cosmic Corner

Art, Fashion and Compassion (AFC)

2005-10-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Group: Art, Fashion and Compassion (AFC)
Group Type: QA Affiliatted Youth Event
When/Where: 8pm on Thursday, 20 October 2005, Isaac Theatre Royal
Open to: Everyone

AFC is a newly established youth event in Christchurch.
Taken from the AFC website :

"Vision
To promote and celebrate the well-being of young people through the fostering of inclusion, community participation and youth leadership.

Mission

To catalyze initiatives and investment that supports youth leadership and well-being.
To promote and celebrate well-being on all levels -Nga Tangata Hauora (mind, body, spirit).
To create a vibrant and innovative network of public and private partners committed to youth empowerment and well-being

Stratigies

To empower youth through artistic and cultural mediums.
To host the inaugural 'Art, Fashion & Compassion' event in Christchurch (October 2005)
To establish a Foundation governance body to foster on going collaboration and support for youth well-being and leardership initiatives

The Art, Fashion & Compassion (AFC) show will be held at 8pm on Thursday, 20 October 2005 at the Isaac Theatre Royal, (Tickets available through Ticketek). It will be an amazing, and not easily forgotten experience: a community-based show that offers hope, dignity and respect, bringing the community together in a celebration of youth well-being. The show will incorporate fashion, music, dance, multimedia, art and drama from diverse sections of the community and feature some of Christchurch's top talent. It promises to be a visual and aural spectacular celebrating youth energy, culture and diversity, promoting well-being, empowering youth and boosting self-esteem."

Tickets avalible at Ticketek. $15 (waged), $10 (unwaged). Booking fee not included.
Additional info can be found at the AFC website listed at the top of this post.

UniQ Movie Screenings

2005-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Group: UniQ
Group Type: QA Affiliatted Student Club
When/Where: Every second wednesday, 7:30pm. UC campus - location to be advised
Open to: Students

Each forutnight UniQ Canterbuy hosts a queer movie screening. Meet in the foyer of the UCSA building at the bottom of the stairwell just before 7:30. These screenings continue through the university holidays.

Please note: The venue for these screenings changes so check in here or at the UniQ site for updates.

Christian World Service Run/Walk for East Timor

2005-10-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Group: Christian World Service
Group Type: Non QA affiliated community organisation
Where/When: North Hagley Park. Saturday October 15 from 2pm
Open to: Everyone

8km Run and 4km Run/Walk. Entry $5 per person with proceeds going to East Timor to support a Youth Fishing Project in Dili and an agricultural project in Soibada. This program assists young people to build a better future for themselves and their families in the world’s newest nation.

We've been encouraged by CWS to take part in this event, and the 4km walk/run looks appealing. Contact me if you're interested in coming along.

The Numbers are in

2005-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that the First Annual Queer Alliance Charity Soccer Match raised a total of $170 for MakePovertyHistory. Well done everyone and thanks for the support and encourgment!

Affiliated Groups

2005-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Community Groups

Art Fasion and Compassion (AFC)
AFC is a recently founded program and show which aims to promote and celebrate the well-being of young people through the fostering of inclusion, community participation and youth leadership. The show will bring diverse sections of the community together in a celebration of youth well-being. To empower youth through artistic and cultural mediums.

Website - http://www.afc.org.nz/
Contact - jill@afc.org.nz

Knox Community Church
Knox aims to create a Christian community in which people of all ages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic situations are included as equally valued participants in our congregational life. Further details can be found on their website.

Website - www.knoxchurch.co.nz
Contact - fit4kings@clear.net.nz

Lesbian Radio
Lesbian Radio is a show by, for and about lesbians presented each Saturday
at 9:30am on PlainsFM 96.9. Hear news, music and interviews of interest to
lesbians in Christchurch (and around the world via our website).
Each show is avilible to download via the website.

Website - http://www.lesbianradio.org.nz
Contact - info@lesbianradio.org.nz

Q-topia
Q-topia is a social support group for queer youth aged 25 and under, or youth who are questioning their sexual identity. We are based in the canterbury region and meet regularly once a week. We run social events such as coffee nights, movie nights, picnics, rock climbing or whatever activities may interest the members. Q-topia aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where queer youth can meet and safely explore issues, feel comfortable with themselves, and have pride in who they are.

Website - http://www.qtopia.rainbow.net.nz/whyandhow.html
Contact - q_topia@hotmail.com

University of Canterbury Student Clubs

Campus Coffee Club
Campus Coffee Club is a meeting place for mature lesbian and bisexual women. In a campus the size of Canterbury there must be hundreds of lesbian and bisexual women, but how can we meet each other? Meet up over coffee between lectures or find a study buddy via Campus Coffee Club. We can put you in touch with other queer organisations on campus or lesbian events in town.

Contact - campuscoffeeclub@hotmail.com

Campus Greens
Campus Greens will provide a network for people aligned with the Green Party principles of: * Ecological wisdom * Social responsibility * Appropriate decision making * Non violence We will promote the Green Party of Aotearoa/New Zealand on campus. We will educate members and students about Green Party policies and also about politics in New Zealand. We intend to help transform the university campus towards ecological sustainability.

Website - http://www.greens.org.nz/about/youth
Contact - mcc74@student.canterbury.ac.nz or eah36@student.canterbury.ac.nz

Killing As an Organised Sport (KAOS)
KAOS is a university club dedicated to helping students survive the overwhelming experience that university life can be, through stunts, killing rounds where we shoot each other with water pistols, pacifist warfare, and of course... parties! KAOS is an extremely open-minded group, and our members are a very diverse and colourful collection of people. Just remember - ALL of the rumours are true, and we're not monsters, we're moral people!

Website - http://www.kaos.org.nz/
Contact - propaganda@kaos.org.nz

RE: DEFINE
A society established by and for students studying Gender Studies at UC. Their aim is to provide a space for students to discuss gender-related social issues, network with a diverse group of people in the local community and give students with these interests a voice on campus.

Website - http://ucgss.blogspot.com/
Contact - zrm11@student.canterbury.ac.nz

Student Christian Movement (SCM)
An ecumenical student Christian organisation. They have specific interests in social justice and progressive theology, as well as being queer friendly and open to people of all faiths and none.

Website - http://www.scm.org.nz/home/
Contact - canterbury@scm.org.nz

UniQ
UniQ is a social and support group for past and present students and staff at the University of Canterbury. It doesn't matter if you're gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered, Takatapui - everyone is welcome! We organise many events during the year, including dances and Pride Week.

Website - http://au.geocities.com/uniqcanterbury/index.htm
Contact - Adam and Beth acs500@gmail.com

Urban Army (UA)
A society dedicated to urban breakbeat music and culture. Their mission is to form an integral underground resistance through events with the music you want to listen to. Opportunities to hone your skills at DJing, MCing, Production and Graf Art through our series of expert tutorials, classes and seminars.

Website - http://www.urbanarmyhq.bravehost.com/
Contact - jmc274@student.canterbury.ac.nz

DropZone 3

2005-09-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Group: Urban Army
Group Type: QA Affiliatted Student Club
When/Where: Saturday 1st of October, Home Bar, Bedford Row
Open to: Everyone

The breakbeat offensive returns for another massive mashup mission. All crews, all styles, all night long. Dancehall, hiphop, breaks, dnb & original, the best beats, the best venue, featuring DJs Nazarite (Dubwize SS), SirCut (ICA), Yob (Breaks Inc.), Switch (UrbanNotion) & J.MC (Unseen Collective).

2-4-1 drinks 11 till midnight

$5 after 11pm, Cheap! UrbanArmy discounts, sign up on the night

Development

2005-09-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

The network was formed very recently and so is in its early stages of development. This is where we are at the moment:

Phase one began today when all UC clubs were sent an email containing information about QA and an invitation to become affiliated. This is intended to raise our profile on campus and increase the partisipation of UC clubs in QA.

Phase two is to approach suitable community organisations. We hope this phase will be well underway by the end of the year.

Canterbury QA launch event will be held on campus on the 28th of September.

Ultimately, it’s hoped that similar networks can be established in communities throughout the country. This process will begin soon.

QA Campus Launch

2005-08-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

The details of our launch event have been confirmed!

The first annual Queer Alliance Charity Soccer Match
Queer Alliance vs Student Life
University of Canterbury, Soccer field next to the Recreation Centre (Kirkwood Avenue)
Wednesday the 28th of September at 12:30-1:30

There will be a saussage sizzle and hopefully white bands for sale.
All money raised will go to Make Poverty History.

It'll be a fun and hopefully annual event which will bring two different groups together, promote being queer, raise money for charity and let people know about the network.

Get in contact if you would like to help out on the day.

Political forum on issues relevant to the rainbow community

2005-08-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Group Type: non QA affiliatted comunity events
When/Where: 7.30 pm Wednesday 31st August 2005. Knox Church Centre 28 Bealey Avenue
Open to: Everyone

Forum - "Political party views on human rights & social justice for the rainbow community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender & fa'afafine people."
Particular reference will be paid to party policy and views on the Prostitution Reform Act, the Civil Union Act, Georgina Beyer's Gender Identity Bill and health funding for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery for transgender people.

Each party will have six minutes to present their policies. Questions and discussion will follow after all have made their presentations. The order of presentations will be determined randomly. The media are being invited and wide publicity is being given to the forum. Knox Centre will be open from 7 pm onwards. There will be displays by the political parties in the lounge. Nibbles, coffee and tea will be provided.
The Forum will start promptly at 7.30 pm and be followed by supper at 9 pm.

The Knox church is queer friendly and holds regular discussions on liberal theology. It will be a good environment and a safe space to voice your opinion or ask questions of MPs regarding queer issues. Be aware though that the media have been invited. I intend to go, email me if you are interested.

What is the Queer Alliance?

2005-08-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

What is the Queer-friendly Alliance?
Queer-friendly Alliance (QA) is an organisation which tries to make it easier for people to find and take part in queer-friendly groups and events. We believe that there are many groups in Canterbury that are openly queer-friendly, but unfortunately it can be very difficult to identify them. We try to solve that problem. We also work collaboratively to help create a community that is fully inclusive of people who identify as queer.

What do you mean by ‘queer’ and ‘queer-friendly’?

Queer
We use 'queer' as an umbrella term for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual (LGBT). Though debate remains in LGBT communities over the use of this word we believe that it is an inclusive and positive term. It also fits well with the aims and purpose of our organisation.

Queer-friendly
We define 'queer-friendly' as "openly accepting of people who identify as gay, bi-sexual, lesbian, intersex or transgender". This does not mean that non-heterosexual identities are quietly tolerated within affiliated organisations; it means that they are welcomed. In turn, it does not mean that groups affiliated with us must cater exclusively for queer people. Currently less that a third of the groups involved have a queer focus. Building an inclusive community is something which involves and is of benefit to everyone.

What are the Queer-friendly Alliance’s aims?

· To make queer-inclusive spaces visible.

· To actively help to build a community which fully includes people who identify as queer.

How will the Queer-friendly Alliance realise those aims?

Aim One – we will make inclusive spaces visible by:

· Identifying and promoting queer-friendly groups and events.

· Maintaining an online resource through which people can find information about queer-friendly groups and events.

Aim Two – we will actively help to build a community which fully includes people who identify as queer by:

· Making queer identities and issues visible by being active in the community.

· Supporting groups and individuals that share our vision.

· Bringing together and coordinating queer-friendly groups in the community.

· Opening a dialogue with parts of the community that are not queer-friendly

So how does it all work?

QA operates in two ways:

As a service provider.
In terms of service provision, QA operates almost exclusively out of the website (http://queeralliance.blogspot.com). The website contains a ‘gig guide’ of queer-friendly events happening in the community and a directory of queer-friendly organisations affiliated with QA. This service allows those who are looking for queer-friendly groups and events to easily find information about them, as well as easily promoting those groups and events on behalf of the organisers. Affiliated groups send information about themselves or upcoming events to our coordinator who then puts that information online. It is a tool for open-minded people, queer or not, who are looking for groups which make a point of trying to be inclusive and free of discrimination.

As an Advocate/Organiser/Facilitator.
This side of QA’s operation is currently in development. When in operation we will serve as a visible body of support for queer identities and rights. In particular we will support the right to full participation in events and organisations irrespective of one's sexuality. We will participate in community events and work closely with other like-minded groups. The emphasis here is on visibility. We want people (both non-queer and queer) to be aware that there are many diverse groups that support and embrace queer identities, that those groups are working together for the benefit of the entire community, that being queer is not abnormal and most importantly that discrimination is unacceptable.

We will be holding community-building events. For example, in 2005 we established the annual “Queer-friendly Alliance Charity Soccer Match" at the University Canterbury. Each year members of QA affiliated groups form a team and challenge a conservative club on campus to a friendly game of soccer. This event was an opportunity to be visible on campus, celebrate diversity and bring together two different groups all while raising money for charity. The emphasis of the game is fun and community, not conflict. 2005’s game was played against Student Life (an international conservative Christian organisation which has a branch at UC) and raised $170 for Make Poverty History.

Last updated 5/9/06