Macleans College marks Pride Week with inclusive celebrations
Posted on June 26, 2025
Macleans College students from the Rainbow Pride Group organised a range of activities during Pride Week to raise awareness and affirm the diverse rainbow identities within the school community.
These events were part of InsideOUT’s National School’s Pride Week campaign, which last year involved hundreds of secondary schools nationwide. The activities were open to everyone, regardless of identity. It was encouraging to see strong support from both students and staff.
The week began with the raising of the progress pride flag on the school flagpole. Activities throughout the week included a pride-themed quiz, a lunchtime craft session and a bake sale that raised funds for rainbow charities. The school library also featured a display of rainbow-themed books, titled Out on the Shelves, which was well received by students. Flags, stickers and badges designed by the Rainbow Pride Group were proudly displayed around the school.
One planned event, the Lil Gay Out - a day of connection and workshops with rainbow leaders from across Tāmaki Makaurau - was unfortunately cancelled due to safety concerns. This cancellation was deeply disappointing for the students involved.
Despite this setback, Macleans College continues to celebrate Pride Week each year in support of diversity and inclusion. This year’s efforts were recognised in a segment on TVNZ’s Breakfast and featured in a story on RE: News.
The Rainbow Pride Group meets weekly, with details shared in the student daily notices. Alongside organising events like Pride Week, the group hosts presentations, shares ideas and offers a welcoming space to form new friendships and connections. All students are welcome.
For further support and information, the following resources may be helpful:
- Outline - confidential support line, rainbow specialist counselling and trans peer support
- Be There - Rainbow Support Collective website to support the parents and whānau of trans, non-binary, takatāpui, queer, intersex and rainbow young people
- InsideOUT- a national charity with resources to support rainbow communities