20th Anniversary of the Ending HIV Big Gay Out

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) is gearing up to celebrate an even bigger, gayer Ending HIV Big Gay Out, at the event’s upcoming 20th anniversary.

The Ending HIV Big Gay Out has been organised by NZAF since 2003 after its initial launch as a part of the Hero Festival in 2000. It has since become a landmark event for the rainbow community to come together, both to celebrate and to rally to address various issues it faces.

Despite the sobering news of a $202,000 funding cut from the Ministry of Health from July 2019, NZAF will put on an event that shows its passion for the communities it serves has not been dampened.

With a brand-new layout, the best in local entertainment, and a market filled to the brim with delicious cuisine, exciting new attractions and community services, it’s going to be an event that shouldn’t be missed.

NZAF Chief Executive Dr Jason Myers says the milestone anniversary is an important one, marking two decades of a great event for our rainbow communities and allies.

"We’re very excited to be able to celebrate Big Gay Out’s 20th anniversary together with our wonderful rainbow communities and allies - it’s been an amazing ride so far and we look forward to many more years of providing this space for the community.

"Hopefully, come Big Gay Out 2025, we will be celebrating the milestone of no new HIV transmissions in Aotearoa," says Myers.

From 2011 to 2016, the number of HIV diagnoses in New Zealand steadily rose, but in 2017 the first decrease in diagnoses in six years was recorded. However, awareness still needs to be raised in order to reach the goal of no new HIV transmissions by 2025.

Ending HIV Big Gay Out aims to not only be an opportunity to engage those most affected by HIV, but a safe space for 10,000+ rainbow people to come together, celebrate their identities, and increase access to vital services and support.

"On the day we will be calling on government to reverse the Ministry of Health funding cut to NZAF - but that won’t divert the focus of the event from celebrating the communities in attendance and the engagement opportunities that tackle HIV stigma and prevention," says Myers.

The Ending HIV Big Gay Out would not be possible without the support of many key partners, including: Reckitt Benckiser, Mediaworks, AUT, Fletcher Building, Vodafone, The Warehouse, Chorus, Auckland Council, St Johns, Albert-Eden Local Board, Pub Charity, Grassroots Trust, Foundation North and many more.

Further information:

- Ending HIV Big Gay Out

- Date - Sunday 10 February, 12pm - 7pm

- Location - Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier, Auckland

- Info - www.biggayout.co.nz

- Headliners - Openside, Jon Lemmon, LEXXA and The Miltones

- Plenty of drag queens and local performers

- Free condoms galore

- Free HIV and STI rapid-testing

- Extreme weather postponement date - Sunday 24 February, 12pm - 7pm

- Main political request - To reverse the Ministry of Health funding cut to NZAF’s Policy and Science Team

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