The day also marks the closure of the annual Bisexual Awareness Week (BiWeek), and on this occasion we sat down – albeit virtually – with ILGA World’s Co-Secretary General Luz Elena Aranda and with the Chair of our Bisexual Committee Rāwā Karetai Wood-Bodley.

Together, they told us about their personal journeys as activists, the human rights situation of the bisexual community globally, and on how we can collectively chart ways forward. “We are invisible, and we need to help change this trajectory together.

During Aotearoa New Zealand’s Level 4 lockdown, Rāwā Mahu Karetai Wood-Bodley, the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Disability Response Lead, shared reflections on wellbeing, leadership, and resilience. From setting daily routines and staying informed to prioritising rest and connection, Rāwā highlights practical ways to protect mental health and community care. He also discusses his advocacy for disabled people’s access to essential services and the filming of Te Manaia Kahukura: The Rainbow Seahorse — a documentary exploring trans pregnancy and inclusive whānau life.

During Aotearoa’s Level 4 lockdown, Frankie Karetai Wood-Bodley, Chief Executive of Mōhio Whakawhānau, reflects on life, connection, and balance. Living in Whanganui with his husband and whānau, Frankie shares how he maintains wellbeing through cycling, writing, photography, and family time. He highlights the quiet benefits of lockdown for autistic people and encourages LGBTI+ whānau to stay connected, seek support, and reach out if in unsafe environments.

Messages of celebration flowed from across the globe as Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s new Prime Minister. Leaders including Bill Shorten, Julia Gillard, and advocates from ILGA Oceania welcomed the historic moment. ILGA co-convenor Rāwā Karetai praised the Labour-led coalition, noting it signalled ongoing progress for LGBTI equality and human rights. Unions, educators, and environmental leaders also expressed optimism that the new government would deliver fairer outcomes for working people, restore public services, and advance social inclusion.

In a landmark moment for equality, New Zealand’s Parliament unanimously apologised to men convicted for homosexuality before the 1986 law reform. Justice Minister Amy Adams described it as a symbolic act to right a historic wrong, echoed by emotional speeches from MPs across the House. ILGA representative Rāwā Karetai praised the apology as a meaningful step toward justice, though he noted the process of applying for pardons may retraumatise some. The new bill will enable pardons for about 200 men, acknowledging decades of stigma, lost opportunities, and enduring harm inflicted by discriminatory laws.

Calls for compensation have followed the Government’s move to wipe historic homosexual convictions in New Zealand. While Justice Minister Amy Adams and Prime Minister Bill English ruled out payments, activists like Bill Logan argue that men imprisoned under past anti-gay laws suffered lifelong harm to careers, dignity, and mental health. Rainbow Wellington Chairperson Rāwā Karetai welcomed the law change but warned that requiring men to apply individually could retraumatise those still burdened by stigma. Advocates say justice must include recognition of the deep social and emotional damage caused by decades of criminalisation.

Rainbow Wellington has welcomed the Crown’s apology and decision to quash historic gay sex convictions, marking a significant step toward justice for men criminalised before 1986. Chairperson Rāwā Karetai emphasised that while the announcement is historic, many still carry stigma and trauma linked to these convictions. The group continues to call for a full systematic review to ensure all affected are acknowledged and their records cleared. Supported by a petition led by Werimu Demchick and Kevin Hague, this milestone reflects decades of advocacy for equality and recognition of past harms against New Zealand’s rainbow community.

After the devastating mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Oceania (ILGA) extended heartfelt condolences to victims and their loved ones. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Rāwā Karetai described the event as a shared tragedy for the global queer community, affirming Oceania’s solidarity in the ongoing fight against hate and violence. “Though far from our shores, we are bound by shared values,” Karetai said, honouring the lives lost and calling for unity, compassion, and continued resistance to homophobia and transphobia worldwide.

As Transgender Day of Visibility returns on 31 March, Rāwā Karetai, Chairperson of Rainbow Wellington, calls for greater awareness and action to support trans people across Aotearoa New Zealand. Highlighting barriers in healthcare and discrimination that persist a decade after official inquiries, Rāwā urges Kiwis to show they care by sharing support online and standing up for equality. With trans visibility increasing in global media, this year’s observance marks an important moment to celebrate trans lives and advocate for real change.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Oceania has announced its newly elected Board for 2016–2018. Kiwi-born advocate Rāwā Karetai will serve as Co-Convenor alongside Samoan-born Ymania Brown, with Rāwā also joining the ILGA World Board. Other officers include Simon Margan as Secretary and Corey Irlam as Treasurer.

Rāwā, a former Marriage Equality Campaign Manager and current Chairperson of Rainbow Wellington, has been active in international human rights advocacy, contributing to United Nations and Commonwealth submissions and championing LGBTI issues across multiple regions. His leadership focuses on developing emerging LGBTI leaders and building sustainable community networks.

ILGA Oceania represents Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and regional territories, forming one of six regions within ILGA World.

Following controversial comments from Garth McVicar linking same-sex marriage to rising crime, public and political figures denounced the claim as unfounded. Campaign for Marriage Equality chair Rāwā Karetai criticised the submission to Parliament as “far-fetched,” challenging McVicar to produce credible, peer-reviewed evidence. MPs Kevin Hague and Grant Robertson highlighted that out of 20,000 submissions on the Marriage Equality Bill, McVicar’s was the only one to connect gay rights with crime—reflecting outdated prejudice rather than fact. The debate underscored the growing support for marriage equality in New Zealand’s political and social landscape.

Former Pompallier College teacher Nigel Studdart, who was dismissed after speaking out against his principal’s anti-gay remarks, will address the Campaign for Marriage Equality’s National Conference in Wellington. Conference chair Rāwā Karetai says Studdart’s story symbolises the struggle for equality and free expression in education. Studdart’s keynote will focus on ensuring schools remain open spaces for debate, dialogue, and diversity. His unjustified dismissal case against the college’s board of trustees is expected to go to mediation later in the year.