Why I’m Sweating with Pride

I'm taking on Sweat with Pride this June! 💦🌈

I’m keeping the generic bio underneath this one because I think it has some important information! 

Growing up as a queer kid with queer friends  has had a huge impact on me— from minor instances such as being the only kid banned from sharing my project at primary school assembly because it focused on queer rights, having my identity questioned and challenged at every turn, and having gotten into confrontations with full grown men in order to defend my own right to exist within some of my favourite organisations. I have been so lucky to have a supportive family by my side, but watching how other members of my community including my closest friends have faced issues such as homelessness as a result of who they are  has been heartbreaking. Right now, schools, workplaces, and even doctors’ offices aren’t safe for many in our community—and it’s putting lives at risk. LGBTQIA+ Kiwis face higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and STIs like syphilis, mpox, and HIV.

Queer centered help is underfunded, inaccessible and being undercut from supporting the community, with wait times and lists so long the services are being rendered ineffective. 

So, I'm fighting discrimination with perspiration—exercising 21 minutes every day in June to raise money for life-changing Rainbow support services. If I can help one person even that is enough.

This cause means the world to me, and I’d be SO grateful if you could chip in to help me reach my goal. Every dollar makes a difference.

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️

xo , Pypes