Albany campus begins its rainbow room project

Two years ago, a rainbow room was just an idea. But now, Massey’s Albany campus has a rainbow room that’s not just for cis white gay men. 

Student development coordinator Sam Duffy said the room is a dedicated space “for the community to just be.” 

Albany students called for a space for Queer, trans, Māori, Pasifika, and BIPOC people in 2022. The room is currently located in the Atrium building but may be moved later this year, potentially to the Student Central building. 

Duffy said the room is centered around what students want and need. 

Massey’s Co-Lab team reached a prototype stage late last year after two years of planning, coordinating, modeling, and testing to create a diverse space for the rainbow community.  

According to Duffy, “Even just being in a space that’s dedicated for you can make you so much more comfortable.” 

He is hopeful that the room will become permanent soon.  

The Manawatū campus opened the first rainbow room in Massey history mid last year in the student association building. 

Wellington is yet to have a rainbow room as no students have prompted it.