It is outrageous that in 2021, New Zealand’s LGBTQIA+ communities’ health status is worse compared to that of their peers. Because of stigma and discrimination, members of the Rainbow community face mental health problems and even suicide. Physical health is also affected, with diseases such as syphilis and HIV seriously affecting the community.

Besides helping us be in shape, physical activity is a perfect tool for a healthy and happy body and mind. At least 21 minutes of exercise a day — recommended by the Ministry of Health — reward us with a number of benefits such as more energy, better posture and balance, stronger muscles and bones, better sleep, and lower stress.

The level of satisfaction is even greater when you dedicate your efforts to a good cause. So, to celebrate International Pride Month this June, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) is inviting people to fight discrimination with perspiration in a new “Sweat with Pride” campaign and help support the Rainbow community. Developed in partnership with agency FCB New Zealand, the challenge asks users to exercise for at least 21 minutes per day and raise money for the community.

Throughout your workout session, you’ll be guided by one of the three “Perspirational Trainers,” which NZAF has hired to provide motivation to those who enroll in the program. Carmen Collected, Tilda Sweatpours, or Jim Locker, “some of the LGBTQIA+ community’s most fabulous drag artists,” will be doing their best to encourage, motivate, and cheerlead athletes through their fundraising efforts.

Upon signing up, users will be asked to choose the type of training session they want to complete. Will it be 21, 42, or 60 minutes? That’s up to them to decide, but no matter the challenge they go for, one of the trainers will be there to keep them sweating all June. Users can opt for the default sessions or they can customize their sessions as they want.

Dr. Jason Myers, CEO of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, says: “Aotearoa [the Māori name for New Zealand] is often portrayed as a progressive country because we’ve achieved milestones like marriage equality. But the fight for equity for Rainbow people is far from over. Half of Rainbow New Zealanders have experienced mental illness, and STIs like syphilis and HIV disproportionately affect the Rainbow community. We need to act now to provide Rainbow New Zealanders with the support they desperately need. We’re asking every day Kiwis to take a stand for our Rainbow communities by signing up to Sweat with Pride.”

Toby Sellers, MD at FCB Auckland, adds: “This is a cause close to our hearts at FCB, and so it was a privilege to be in a position to help the New Zealand AIDS Foundation with this campaign. We’re passionate about ideas that lead to behavior change and move New Zealand forward. To achieve this ambition, we ensure that we understand and connect with all New Zealanders, embracing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to this within our own internal culture, and our partnership with the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Sweat with Pride is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment.”

The goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Rainbow communities, with proceeds being directed to funding HIV testing, sexual health services, counseling, and community events for gay and bi guys and gender diverse people at NZAF.

10% of the proceeds will go to RainbowYOUTH, an Auckland-based organization that provides support, information, resources, and advocacy for New Zealand’s queer, gender diverse, takatāpui (Māori word meaning “intimate companion of the same sex”) and intersex youth. OutLine, an all-ages Rainbow mental health organization working to support the community, their friends, whānau (Maori name for family), and those questioning will also receive 10% of the proceeds.

So, are you ready for some fabulous workout sessions?

Credits:

Client: New Zealand AIDS Foundation

Agency: FCB New Zealand