Auckland’s recent Big Gay Out festival, a vibrant celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, has unexpectedly become the center of a legal dispute involving Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki. Tamaki is reportedly seeking legal advice after spotting a flag at the event featuring his face superimposed onto a pride rainbow. He’s labeled the flag “offensive” and a “deliberate misuse” of his image, threatening legal action for what he describes as “defamation.”
This isn’t the first time Tamaki’s church has been at odds with the LGBTQ+ community. Destiny Church has a history of protesting and disrupting queer events, including last year’s rainbow parade and a drag storytime event, actions widely criticized by local and national leaders.
At Big Gay Out, community members expressed their desire for safe spaces and urged Tamaki to “let people be.” Strong opinions were voiced, highlighting the ongoing tension between the groups.
Organizers of Big Gay Out, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, emphasized their commitment to freedom of expression and creating a safe, inclusive environment. While they don’t endorse individual signs brought by attendees, they stressed the importance of respectful engagement. The foundation’s chief enablement officer, Mary Haddock-Staniland, highlighted the event’s purpose: celebrating identity and providing vital health and wellbeing services in a welcoming space.
As Tamaki explores legal avenues, the incident underscores the ongoing conversation in New Zealand about freedom of speech, protest, and mutual respect. The identity of the flag’s creator remains unknown.
