Rainbow Waves

We salute you Dames Jools Topp. RIP x

Dame Jools Topp
May 1958 - May 2026

"Jools was a pioneer, a testament to perseverance, a cultural changemaker, and a q***r icon. She will be deeply missed.

In a country shaped by practical women, and strong farming culture, Jools, with Lynda, brought q***r visibility to stages and screens across Aotearoa in a way that felt familiar and relatable. They introduced many New Zealanders to q***r culture and community through humour, music, and storytelling, often reaching people who may never otherwise have engaged with it.

I remember the first time I saw The Topp Twins perform. I must have been around 11, at a folk festival somewhere in Canterbury. I was completely fascinated by them, something about them resonated deeply with me, though I didn't understand why. It wasn’t until around ten years later when I came out, that I realised they had been my very first example of le***an representation. Suddenly, that fascination made perfect sense."

- Jen, Ōtautahi Christchurch Pride

We might have been celebrating a birthday - but we worked for our dinner!!!!

And just like that Ōtautahi Rainbow Waves turns one year old!! 🥳🍾🏊🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ thanks to everyone for their support to grow our club.

Wellington based fundraiser - for Gay Games

Different Strokes Wellington Fundraiser: "Light in the Water" Film Screening + Q&A Help us make waves at València Gay Games 2026! Come along for our Q&A fundraiser screening of the Emmy nominated LGBTQIA+ Documentary "Light in the Water".

Last weeks set - focusing on relaxed swimming. Thanks Karila for guiding the team.

We had a super backstroke session last night guided by coach Karila. Here is the set for those that missed out! Who knew backstroke starts could be so much fun!!!!! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

“The Quiet Power of Showing Up
Small gains, stacked consistently, become something much bigger.”

Paul Newsome Swim Smooth

Gay Games Valencia 2026……..9 weeks to go!!! The all important theme tune has dropped!!!

https://open.spotify.com/track/79rLXOxj0Cl4okXZPsZvKF?si=XxU6IsYdQdOVVkM5Tu8w7g

We Are In Motion (Valencia 2026) Prism Bear · We Are In Motion (Valencia 2026) · Song · 2026

We say yay Lewis Clareburt - for just breaking the NZ record for 200 free!! And wish you well for up coming Commonwealth Games.

Lewis is an ally to rainbow swimming - back in the day the poor guy was stuck next to me on a plane and after 30 secs of playing it cool I was peppering him with questions. He knew all about Wellington Rainbow Swim group as he used to swim with Tim the coach at the time.

Tonight's Swim Set. Warm up 500m, every 4th stroke choice. 12x50m: 3x50m single arm drill, 3x50m fingertip drag, 3x50m catch-up, 3x50m pull buoy. 2x100m swim focusing on technique, 200m warm-down choice.

“My advice to anyone considering joining LGBTQ aquatic clubs or pursuing swimming competitively is simple: embrace the journey, cherish the community, and never underestimate the power of resilience and inclusivity in sports. Whether you're swimming for fitness, camaraderie, or competition, remember that every stroke brings you closer to realizing your full potential both in and out of the pool.” Christopher Preston - TAMS (Auckland Rainbow Swim Team) check out his full interview

Human Interest Stories: Christopher Preston Meet Christopher Preston, a seventy-three-year-old Master Swimmer whose story is a testament to the enduring strength...