Welcome to Out in Ōtautahi: Aroha, Pride, and Stories at the Heart of Our Community

A Series of Fortunate (and Very Gay) Events

Kia ora, fabulous humans! Whether you’ve stumbled here by chance or are already along for the ride, welcome to my little daydream turned reality Out in Ōtautahi!

What better way to kick things off than by flipping the script and putting the editor-in-chief (that’s me!) in the hot seat? Before I start shining a light on Ōtautahi’s incredible drag artists, activists, and businesses, it’s only fair that I introduce myself first interview style.

So, let’s get into it! 🔥

Who’s That Girl?

Hey there! I’m Bella (or Isabella if you’re feeling fancy), and my pronouns are she/her. I grew up just 20 minutes north of Ōtautahi in a little town called Rangiora.

As a kid, I was pretty shy the kind of person who preferred to stay behind the scenes rather than be the center of attention. But as I found myself in my later teens, my inner extrovert slowly started to shine. It took a while to get there, though. School was rough for me. I was badly bullied throughout my school years, and by high school, it got to the point where I dreaded going each day. My mental health was in shambles, and eventually, I refused to go altogether. The classroom environment never worked for me, and I now know why I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which explains a lot! I ended up getting an exemption to leave school and moved on to some tertiary courses, hoping for a fresh start.

Then life threw another curveball. I sustained an injury that required surgery, and during my recovery, I was desperate for something to keep me busy. That’s when I picked up my camera and started experimenting with photography and videography. At first, it was just a way to pass the time, but much to my surprise, it actually took off!

Fast forward to today, I’m in my mid-twenties, working my dream job, and living life as a loud and proud lesbian. My journey hasn’t been the easiest, but it’s led me here, to projects like Out in Ōtautahi, which bring me so much joy. This series is my way of giving back to the rainbow community, creating a space where our stories, voices, and experiences are celebrated. Younger me would barely recognize who I am now, and honestly, I love that for her.

If you’re here, welcome! I can’t wait to share this journey with you. 🌈✨

From Shego to Self-Discovery: My Coming Out Journey

Growing up, I had zero knowledge of what it actually meant to be queer. Not that I wasn’t already queer I mean, my first gay awakening (shoutout to Shego) should’ve been a dead giveaway. But back then, I didn’t have the language for it. All I knew was that I felt different from most of the other girls at school when it came to attraction what it meant, how it felt, and why it just didn’t quite fit into the “girl-meets-boy, white-picket-fence” blueprint that society had pre-installed in my brain.

For the longest time, I assumed that one day I’d marry a man, have kids, and live my happily-ever-after. The only problem? That future felt less like a dream and more like a looming existential crisis. "I just couldn’t figure out why… until high school, when I overheard someone casually mention the word bisexual. A quick Google search later, and boom it was like someone finally gave me the answer key to a test I didn’t even know I was taking. Later on, I came out as a lesbian, because, surprise, turns out I’m more into girls than I thought!"

Fast forward a few years, and after some wonderful, committed relationships with men, I still felt like something wasn’t quite right. Enter: March 2024 when I decided to step outside my comfort zone and attend a Pride event. That night, I met my now girlfriend, and (cheese warning!) I have never experienced love that feels so pure, effortless, and real. This past year has been one of self-discovery, healing, and embracing the parts of myself I didn’t even realize needed nurturing.

And, of course, because we like to keep things on brand, we pulled the classic U-haul lesbian move and moved in together within two weeks of dating. No regrets. She’s not only my biggest cheerleader but also a hands-on helper in my business sometimes even picking up the camera at events and being annoyingly good at it.

Oh, and let’s not forget our two beautiful fur babies, Cameo and Clyde (photos included below you’re welcome). Because every queer love story deserves a couple of four-legged sidekicks.

When I came out to my family after meeting my girlfriend, I was really lucky to have their full support. I know that can be rare, and I’m incredibly grateful for their love. One conversation, in particular, will stick with me forever, my granddad told me about my Great Aunt Irene and her girlfriend, Betty. He spoke about them with so much love and adoration, sharing stories about how amazing they were together. Hearing that part of my family history was emotional and deeply affirming, like another thread connecting me to a queer legacy I never even knew existed.

From Daydream to Reality: Why I Created This Platform

There is a fantastic rainbow community here in Ōtautahi, one that is vibrant, resilient, and full of incredible people living their truth. This past year and especially this Pride Month has opened my eyes even further to the sheer beauty of what it means to be seen and heard. While volunteering as a content creator for Christchurch Pride (shoutout to that amazing group of beautiful humans!), I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what happens when people are given the space to express themselves fully, without fear or hesitation. I saw people living loud, embracing their authentic selves, and standing together in a space where love of all shapes, shades, and forms was not only accepted but celebrated.

That feeling, the electric energy of community, of belonging, of joy, is something I want to amplify. That’s why Out in Ōtautahi was born. I want to meet the beautiful people who make up this city’s queer community, to hear their stories, how they got to where they are today, the moments that shaped them, the advice they’d give to younger people still navigating their identities. But I also want to go deeper, beyond the celebrations, and talk about the hurdles, the battles fought, the resilience it takes to be unapologetically yourself in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

Because let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (even if we do love a good rainbow!). There are challenges, there are people who will try to dampen our spirits, and there are moments that test us. But will we let them define us? Will we let them silence us? Absolutely not. This community has always been one of strength, resistance, and love. Through Out in Ōtautahi, I want to continue that legacy, one story at a time.

What’s your guilty pleasure (the thing you can’t stop binge-watching or listening to)?

Okay, but please don’t judge me too harshly… I just watched Game of Thrones for the first time. I know, I know, where have I been?! We’re nearly at the final season now (shoutout to my ADHD-fueled hyperfixations for making this possible), and all I can think is why did no one tie me to a chair and make me watch this sooner?!

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order, and what does it say about you?

It's basic as hell but it's an iced caramel latte with oat milk and I feel like what that says about me is that I’m either a busy creative type fueling my projects with caffeine or someone who just really enjoys the ✨vibe✨ of holding an iced coffee year-round. Let’s be real it’s probably both.

What’s your love language, and how do you show it in your everyday life?

Since being in a sapphic relationship this past year, my love languages have completely shifted like, dramatically. Here’s my new ranking:

• Acts of Service
• Physical Touch
• Quality Time
• Words of Affirmation
• Receiving Gifts

Nothing makes me happier than having the house clean and dinner ready for my girlfriend when she gets home from work, even though I used to despise cooking. Turns out, love (and a little domestic gay bliss) can change you!

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and what’s the first thing you’d do?

Easy, Canada! I’d hop on a plane, buy the cutest little self-contained van, and hit the road with my girlfriend by my side, exploring every national park and soaking in all the breathtaking nature and wildlife. Of course, my camera would be practically glued to my hands, capturing every magical moment along the way. And if I were really living the dream? National Geographic would obviously recognize my photography and videography skills and hire me on the spot. (A girl can dream, right?)

If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Without a single doubt in my mind, Sir David Attenborough. Need I say more?

Growing up, my afternoons at my Nanna and Grandad’s house were some of my happiest memories. The moment I walked through the door, I’d make a beeline for the TV, flipping straight to Animal Planet, something we didn’t have at home. And every single time, I’d cross my fingers and toes, hoping to hear that unmistakable voice, the one that made the world feel both vast and deeply connected all at once. I’d sprawl out on the carpet, way too close to the screen, completely transfixed, lost in stories of creatures big and small until I was reluctantly pried away to go home.

Sir David Attenborough didn’t just narrate nature documentaries, he narrated my childhood wonder. He taught me to see the world through a lens of curiosity and care, to be mindful of all life, no matter how tiny or fleeting, and to find beauty in the simplest moments. He’s been, and always will be, one of my greatest inspirations.

What’s one thing you hope people take away from Out in Ōtautahi?

One thing I truly hope people take away from Out in Ōtautahi is the power of authenticity. This platform is all about sharing stories, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the beautiful diversity within our community. I want everyone to feel seen, heard, and most importantly, inspired to live their truth, no matter what that looks like. Pride isn’t just a month, it’s an ongoing celebration of who we are, year round. I want this space to show that being yourself, in all your unique glory, is the most powerful thing you can do.

Whether it’s through the vibrant voices of local drag artists, the incredible journeys of activists, or the beautiful businesses that make this city thrive, I hope Out in Ōtautahi serves as a reminder that we’re stronger together, and there’s so much beauty in embracing all parts of who we are.

I also want young people, those still figuring out who they are, to know that they’re not alone. There is a community here, always here, cheering them on. That Out in Ōtautahi will be a place where they can see the strength in authenticity and gain the courage to be true to themselves, no matter the challenges they face.

Let’s continue building this safe, supportive space where we can laugh, learn, and grow together. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us, and I’m beyond excited to share it all with you! ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️