Saturday 8th March, in a time when inclusivity and acceptance need to be more than just words, Everybody Eats proudly took part in the 2025 Wellington Pride Parade—walking the talk when it came to “all are welcome.” Given recent rhetoric that has been allowed far too much media attention, it was more important than ever to stand together and celebrate love, joy, and community. And what a celebration it was!

From 3 pm, the energy was already buzzing as we gathered on Tennyson Street to prepare for the parade. Lauren rolled up in our cute little Everybody Eats van, and we wasted no time decorating it with a massive pride flag across the bonnet, purple ribbons on the doors, and the words Serving Pride written under our logo in bright green chalk ink. Volunteers arrived glammed up and draped in rainbow colours, ready to march alongside.

At 5 pm, Jack welcomed everyone to the opening ceremony, setting the tone with a blessing and karakia from Mana Whenua, Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika. Speeches followed from Wellington’s Mayor Tory Whanau and Dutch Ambassador Ard van der Vorst, with beautiful waiata from Tiwhanawhana and Ngā Uri o Whiti Te Rā Mai Le Moana Trust filling the air. At 5:30pm, Tory and Ard pulled the ribbon, officially setting the parade in motion.

Leading the charge, as always, were the Dykes on Bikes—a powerful and historical presence in Pride parades. For decades, they have been self-appointed protectors of the LGBTQI+ community, ensuring safety in times when it wasn’t guaranteed.

At the heart of this year’s parade were the Grand Marshals—four incredible figures who have shaped Wellington’s queer community.

Scotty and Mal, the heart and soul of S&M’s, have long been pillars of our city’s LGBTQI+ scene. Through their work, they’ve not only created safe and joyful spaces but have also carried forward the legacies of past queer businesses that laid the foundation for today’s community. Their impact was rightly recognised at the Welly Hospo Awards, where they received the Legacy Award, a testament to their unwavering dedication.

Alongside them, Will Smack N Tush & Lily Loudmouth brought their signature energy, advocacy, and fierce fabulousness. These powerhouses continue to elevate the local drag scene, fight for our rights, and remind us all what resilience, strength, and unapologetic pride look like.

At around position 6 of 56 floats, Everybody Eats took to the streets in one of the biggest Pride parades Wellington has seen in years. The atmosphere was electric as we slowly made our way down Courtenay Place—music pumping, crowds cheering, flags waving. The grandstands, set up for people with accessibility needs, were packed with smiling faces.

Lauren perched in the van’s passenger door, blowing bubbles and kisses to onlookers, and was met with warmth, love, and joyful celebration. Everywhere we looked, we saw signs of support: waving flags, outstretched hands for high-fives, and shouts of “I love Everybody Eats!” echoing through the streets.

As we crossed Taranaki Street into Dixon, the crowd pressed in closer. Volunteers at the front carried our Everybody Eats sign proudly, dancing, laughing, and waving flags. The love was mutual, flowing freely between marchers and spectators alike.

The final stretch brought us to the rainbow crossing—the natural and symbolic end to the parade. But the energy didn’t stop there. Lower Cuba Street was alive with food trucks, an outdoor bar, face painting, and a massive stage pumping music and joy into the night.

As the parade wrapped up, we unloaded the van, exchanged hugs and stories, and soaked in the atmosphere. I made my way back to Dixon Street to help with traffic, and the energy never wavered. For two straight hours, Wellington danced, sang, and celebrated.

As the final float—Wellington Batucada, a vibrant Brazilian dance group—brought the parade to a close, something magical happened. We all turned to the sky to see a huge rainbow stretching overhead, as if Mother Nature herself was celebrating with us. The crowd’s cheers crescendoed into a moment of pure, unfiltered joy. I felt tears well up—some for the grief of loved ones gone, but mostly for the overwhelming beauty of this shared moment in time.

The night carried on with performances on Lower Cuba Street until 11 pm, and the official afterparty by Frisky kept the celebrations going until 4 am. But for me, the magic of the day was already sealed.

The Wellington Pride Parade 2025 was a testament to the power of love, community, and acceptance. When people celebrate people—when kindness is the only agenda—everyone wins. No one loses when we stand together.

This day will live on in my heart forever.

Dedicated to my Granny, Pat Rainey.

‍