'Pride is not glittery underpants and rainbow flags - it's the right to dignity'
Filmmaker Welby Ings reflects on his experiences as a gay man in 1970s New Zealand and the importance of dignity over performative pride. He discusses the evolution of social acceptance and the challenges of invisibility in rural communities.
Why it matters
The piece provides a historical and personal perspective on LGBTQ+ rights and social integration in New Zealand.
As a 70-year-old gay Kiwi, Welby Ings says grief and a belief in New Zealand's goodness must co-exist within him.
Saturday Morning 20 July 2026 5 min read Caption: Filmmaker, writer and teacher Welby Ings is the director of the feature film 'Punch', and the author of 'Disobedient Thinker' and 'Invisible Intelligence'. Photo credit: via E Tangata Filmmaker Welby Ings deeply loves New Zealand and is proud of our country's history of "trying to have fairness".
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