NZ CELEBRITIES FIGHT DISCRIMINATION

New Zealand stars ask WTF?

More than 30 celebrities are standing up against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, in a controversial New Zealand video campaign to be launched in Auckland tonight.

The bold, viral campaign called ‘What the Fuck?’ is a joint initiative spear headed by charities Rainbow Youth and OUTLine in an effort to change the attitudes of New Zealanders of all ages and to raise funds.

Organisers are making no excuses for the hard hitting message which is championed by celebrities, bleeping their support.

Sam Shore, WTF Event Organiser, says the campaign message needed to be strong in order to really change attitudes and behaviours.

“Nothing like this has ever been attempted in New Zealand, nor has any one campaign rallied as many of our country’s famous faces under its banner.

“The support from so many well-known Kiwis has encouraged us to speak up even louder for those being discriminated against. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, so it’s time we ask New Zealand, WTF?”

Both non-profit organisations offer support and counselling services, as well as a drop-in centre, to people of all ages from across the country who want support in relation to gender and sexuality.

Joey Macdonald, WTF Campaign Assistant from OUTLine NZ, says “our GBLT communities are strong and resilient but sexuality and gender discrimination affects everyone. We need support from all New Zealanders so we can continue to challenge this prejudice.”

According to the Youth 07 Report, same/both sex attracted youth are four times more likely to have attempted suicide than heterosexual youth.

“This is a life and death issue. These young New Zealanders need everyone’s support and I amproud to be part of this campaign,” says broadcaster Tamati Coffey.

Famous faces (both straight and GBLT) who have put their names to this campaign include: Rocky Horror Picture Show Creator - Richard O'Brien, Annie Crummer, Colin Mathura-Jeffries, TamatiCoffey, Alison Mau, Jo Cotton, Danielle Cormack, Green and Labour MPs and core cast members of Go Girls, Spartacus, The Almighty Johnsons, Shortland Street, McLeod’s Daughters, and Underbelly Razor.

Despite the great work Rainbow Youth and OUTLine do to support the GBLT community they receive scant government support and access very little private funding.

To view the video, find out more about the campaign and learn about what you can do to help stop discrimination, visit www.wtf.org.nz.