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Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

2025•Documentary
Similars

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

StatusReturning Series
LanguageEN
First Air DateFeb 1, 2025

Episodes

Episode 1 - Seeing is Believing: Queer Representation in MediaE123m

Seeing is Believing: Queer Representation in Media

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Episode 2 - Fighting for Our Rights: Homosexual Law ReformE222m

Fighting for Our Rights: Homosexual Law Reform

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Episode 3 - Resilience: New Zealand's Fight Against AIDSE323m

Resilience: New Zealand's Fight Against AIDS

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Episode 4 - Beyond the Binary: Trans StoriesE423m

Beyond the Binary: Trans Stories

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Episode 5 - Love Thy Neighbour: The Church and the Rainbow CommunityE523m

Love Thy Neighbour: The Church and the Rainbow Community

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Episode 6 - Thank You For Your Service...But Not Your Identity: Queer in the Public SectorE624m

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

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

Feb 1, 2025

Actors

Eli Matthewson

Eli Matthewson

Self - Presenter

Anika Moa

Anika Moa

Self

Mike Puru

Self

Jools Topp

Self

Lynda Topp

Lynda Topp

Self

Amanaki Prescott-Faletau

Self

Ramon Te Wake

Ramon Te Wake

Self

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