Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here - Season 1
Season 1
Episodes
Seeing is Believing: Queer Representation in Media
Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa.
Fighting for Our Rights: Homosexual Law Reform
After six teens are acquitted of killing a gay man in a public park, the queer community rallies to fight for Homosexual Law Reform—sparking a fierce battle with conservative groups.
Resilience: New Zealand's Fight Against AIDS
The first series to revisit New Zealand's AIDS crisis and its impact on gay men. We meet Michael Stevens, diagnosed with HIV at 27 in 1988, who survived hospice stays long enough to access groundbreaking HIV treatments. The episode also honours Bruce Burnett, a pioneer in New Zealand's fight against HIV, and Denny Marks, the first New Zealander known to die from the virus.
Beyond the Binary: Trans Stories
Exploring New Zealand's trans history on mainstream TV for the first time, this episode introduces figures like Peter Alexander, a trans man who fled Palmerston North due to public scrutiny, and Carmen Rupe, a pioneering trans icon who paved the way for Georgina Beyer to become the world's first trans member of parliament.
Love Thy Neighbour: The Church and the Rainbow Community
Notorious Christian speaker Sy Rogers once preached 'healing' from homosexuality, an experience host Eli Matthewson personally witnessed. We hear from Joan Bellingham, a nurse subjected to 12 years of electroconvulsive therapy due to her sexuality, and from former pastor Andre Afamasaga, who later became a leading critic of conversion practices after attempting to ‘fix' his own sexuality.
Thank You For Your Service...But Not Your Identity: Queer in the Public Sector
During WWII, Kiwi female impersonators played a vital role in maintaining morale. Yet, post-war, the Defence Force and Police classified homosexuality and trans identity as psychiatric disorders, with severe consequences for those serving. We also discuss the 2018 Auckland Pride Parade's controversial ban on uniformed officers and its impact on takatāpui police officers working to foster understanding within the force.
Recently Updated Shows
Ridiculousness
Ridiculousness and Rob Dyrdek return with another incredible season of hysterical and absurd internet videos. Sterling "Stee-Lo" Brim and Chanel "West Coast" join Rob and another unbelievable line up of special guests, including rapper phenom Future, R&B singer/ songwriter Ne-Yo, and internet video super-team Smosh. This season's storm of new categories like "Power Kiss", "Everyday Demons", "Human Glitches", and "Magnet Feet" will leave you belly laughing for the rest of your life.
Love Island
On Love Island the Islanders must do their best to flirt, date, couple up in a bid to avoid being ‘dumped' from the Island. With new arrivals, heads may turn, while others will prove their true feelings. From romance and heart-to-hearts, to betrayal, bombshells and broken hearts, there's never a dull moment in the ultimate search for love. More texts, fire pit gatherings and challenges await the lovestruck Islanders, meaning there'll be plenty for them to dish the dirt on in the Beach Hut. Twists and turns will follow every step of the way, with shock recouplings, unexpected breakups and dramatic dumpings.
As the couples attempt to win the hearts of each other – and the public – one couple will ultimately triumph and be crowned Love Island winners
MasterChef Australia
MasterChef Australia is an Australian competitive cooking game show consisting of a group of hopeful contestants that cook and present food to judges in order to win the title of MasterChef Australia.
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless revolves around the rivalries, romances, hopes and fears of the residents of the fictional Midwestern metropolis, Genoa City. The lives and loves of a wide variety of characters mingle through the generations, dominated by the Newman, Abbott, Chancellor, Baldwin and Winters families. When The Young and the Restless premiered in 1973, it revolutionized the daytime drama. It continues to set the standard with strong characters, socially conscious storylines, romance and sensuality.
Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).