The Auckland Pride Festival was due to start its 2022 celebrations on February 1. However, following the move to Red in response to Omicron, Auckland Pride has been forced to cancel.
Indeed, the month-long festivity, commemorating 50 years of Pride, was expected to include an array of exciting events. Of course, these events were to reflect and amplify rainbow voices in the LGBTQI+ communities.
However, the cancellation of many events including Ending HIV Big Gay Out at Coyle Park, The Pride Gala, F.I.N.E Festival, Samesame But Different involving queer literature activities, and much more…have left thousands of Aucklanders disappointed.
However, a small number of events will still take place. One such event will be the Te Timatanga, which is a public art activation, that can be done safely in-person or at home online.
Certainly, the move for Auckland Pride to be cancelled is to protect the health and wellbeing of Aucklanders in light of Omicron.