Celebrating Pride with rainbow cupcakes and makeup photoshoots in Ōtautahi

Emily is a self-advocate from Christchurch who lives with Asperger’s and dyspraxia. She enjoys writing fantasy stories to escape reality, and is obsessed with ladybirds.

Skillwise had their Pride event on February 28th and it started at 12pm and ended at 1:58pm. There were rainbow cupcakes and other food and drinks as well. A makeup artist came in so you get your makeup and face painted done, there was a photo booth to take photos and you could wear some costumes for the photo and someone took the photos on a camera. 

DJ Mitch came in to play his amazing music and some people did some dancing. You could also make your own pins and wear them afterwards. There were colourful balloons all over the floor and lots of Pride decorations as well and there were rainbow streamers on the door that you could walk through.

I liked how everyone could be themselves in the room that we held it in as we should accept everyone for who they are and everyone was just having a fun time and were so happy that this event could happen. I helped out and took part in this event because I think that we should live in a world where everyone can be accepted for who they are. I loved how some of the Skillwise staff helped out with this event and also supported it and they also had a fun time and were enjoying themselves and they could also be who they are.

I noticed if someone wasn’t a fan of the Pride event, but it was nice for them to come in to support their friends who are part of Pride. That’s what friends are for plus they can just have a fun time with their friends and do some dancing with them and take photos with them and enjoy the food.

The make up artist was amazing and I loved the makeup and the face paint she put on peoples faces. It was rainbow-themed and lots of people wanted to get theirs done. “Lots of people were lining up to get theirs done,” Ashleigh said. 

“Day was good and I had a fun time,” said Malakai. He was also happy when he saw the rainbow cupcakes as they made him happy cry.

DJ Mitch wrapped up and Malakai said “good job and the music was amazing”. 

Other people said: “It was fun and the DJ Mitch was amazing,” said Jade.

“The cupcakes were amazing,” said Leo. 

“We did a good job. It’s been a busy week but we did it and I was so happy with how it turned out and we ended up doing this event,” said Bleu.

It was a fantastic event and I think it was a great turn out and look forward to it happening again next year. 

I am on the Skillwise Pride Committee, which gets together every year to organise a Pride Event. They also organise other events people can attend during Pride Week. They also let people know about events happening out in the community. I decided to be part of the Pride Committee because I think everyone should be accepted for who they are and they can be themselves. 

I think Pride should be celebrated because we should notice the people out there for who they are and we should live in a world where they can be accepted for who they are and can be happy with the way they are.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The D*List Delivered!