Laurie Crawford

Why I’m Sweating with Pride

Kia ora e hoa, my name is Laurie. I am a non-binary, polysexual, polyamorous pākehā and I’m joining Sweat with Pride this June! I have the privilege of being able to exercise for 30 minutes a day for a whole month, to raise money for our LGBTTQIA+ community here in Aotearoa.

Many of the places we live and work - schools, workplaces, and doctors’ offices – are still not safe for our Rainbow whānau. More than half our community have experienced mental illness. One in five of our rainbow rangatahi have attempted suicide. And life changing STIs like syphilis, mpox and HIV are still far too common.

Everyone deserves a good life. Things need to change.

So, this June I’m fighting discrimination with perspiration. Every dollar I raise will fund life-changing mental, physical, and sexual health services for LGBTTQIA+ kiwis.

And e hoa, every dollar counts. Any amount you can donate towards the cause is huge and much appreciated. Thank you for whatever contribution you are able to make.