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Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

2025 - 2025

Seeing is Believing: Queer Representation in Media

1st February 2025

Episode 1

Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa.

Fighting for Our Rights: Homosexual Law Reform

1st February 2025

Episode 2

After six teens are acquitted of killing a gay man in a public park, the queer community rallies to fight for Homosexual Law Reform—sparking a fierce battle with conservative groups.

Resilience: New Zealand's Fight Against AIDS

1st February 2025

Episode 3

The first series to revisit New Zealand’s AIDS crisis and its impact on gay men. We meet Michael Stevens, diagnosed with HIV at 27 in 1988, who survived hospice stays long enough to access groundbreaking HIV treatments. The episode also honours Bruce Burnett, a pioneer in New Zealand’s fight against HIV, and Denny Marks, the first New Zealander known to die from the virus.

Beyond the Binary: Trans Stories

1st February 2025

Episode 4

Exploring New Zealand’s trans history on mainstream TV for the first time, this episode introduces figures like Peter Alexander, a trans man who fled Palmerston North due to public scrutiny, and Carmen Rupe, a pioneering trans icon who paved the way for Georgina Beyer to become the world’s first trans member of parliament.

Love Thy Neighbour: The Church and the Rainbow Community

1st February 2025

Episode 5

Notorious Christian speaker Sy Rogers once preached 'healing' from homosexuality, an experience host Eli Matthewson personally witnessed. We hear from Joan Bellingham, a nurse subjected to 12 years of electroconvulsive therapy due to her sexuality, and from former pastor Andre Afamasaga, who later became a leading critic of conversion practices after attempting to ‘fix’ his own sexuality. WARNING: Contains references to suicide.

Thank You For Your Service...But Not Your Identity: Queer in the Public Sector

1st February 2025

Episode 6

During WWII, Kiwi female impersonators played a vital role in maintaining morale. Yet, post-war, the Defence Force and Police classified homosexuality and trans identity as psychiatric disorders, with severe consequences for those serving. We also discuss the 2018 Auckland Pride Parade’s controversial ban on uniformed officers and its impact on takatāpui police officers working to foster understanding within the force

Top Cast

Eli Matthewson•Anika Moa•Mike Puru

Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa

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Full Cast

Eli Matthewson Image

Eli Matthewson

Self - Presenter

Anika Moa Image

Anika Moa

Self

Mike Puru

Self

Dame Jools Topp Image

Dame Jools Topp

Self

Dame Lynda Topp Image

Dame Lynda Topp

Self

Amanaki Prescott-Faletau

Self

Ramon Te Wake Image

Ramon Te Wake

Self

Full Crew

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