It seems like every time we read the news LGBTQ+ rights are under attack someplace. Yet, we always hear wonderful stories from queer people about how amazing the country, state, city, town, neighborhood, or cabin in the woods where they live really is.
This year’s IHS reading challenge will focus on books set in different parts of the world. We think it’s vital to show that sapphic people not only exist but are everywhere.
We also want to hear from authors and readers about where they live. If you’d like to share your experiences, click here for the interview form.
Today, Donna Jay is here to tell us about Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
Where in the world will you be taking us today?
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Tell us in one sentence what’s so special about living in this place.
The beautiful Art Deco City and wonderful, warm climate.
How long have you lived there? Or, if you no longer live in this place, how long were you there and when did you leave?
Five Years
What is/was it like being a sapphic (or LGBTQ+) person living in this place?
The region is largely LBGTQ+ positive, warm and welcoming. While there are limited gay bars, there are plenty of social groups for people in the queer community.
What about living in this place gives you hope?
The Hawke’s Bay has been described as very laidback and I 100% agree. I love turning off the TV and wrapping myself in the oceanside city.
Are there any challenges to living in this place, either as a queer person or more generally?
For a large city, we have no hospital, which can be challenging for anyone requiring urgent care. The nearest A&E is twenty-thirty minutes away via the highway.
For someone who has never been there, what’s the one thing that they must see or do if visiting your area?
Book a Guided Art Deco walk. Stunning.
What’s the one type of regional food and/or drink they absolutely must try?
Stone Fruit: Golden Queen peaches, yellow-fleshed nectarines, apricots, and Black Doris plums. Yum.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant? What makes it special?
Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Pub Hawke’s Bay. The atmosphere is amazing, the food topnotch.
Meet Donna Jay
I was born and raised in Manawatu, spent two years in Calgary, working as I nanny, and moved to Hawke’s Bay five years ago. By day, I work as an assistant Accountant. By night, I write – that’s a lot of desk and screen time.
I’m a creative at heart. Some of my hobbies include X-stitch, diamond dotz, jigsaw puzzles, and more recently, adult colouring in.
