Abstract
Cities are becoming increasingly diverse. However, this growing diversity poses economic polarisation and spatial segregation challenges within our cities. Urban planners are looking to use inclusive city frameworks to help address these issues. However, the inclusive city framework is stuck in heteronormative structures that produce inequalities for gender and sexual minorities. So, what would an inclusive city framework look like from the perspective of those in our rainbow communities? In this thesis, I explore the experiences of urban New Zealand spaces amongst people who identify as Takatāpui, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, queer, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (Takatāpui and LGBTIQ+), to build a better understanding of the inclusive city framework from the perspective of Takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ people. This is investigated in the context of Pōneke Wellington, because of its significant rainbow history. 19 walk-along interviews were conducted with 20 participants to explore inclusive and exclusive spaces in Pōneke Wellington. Spaces were rated on an inclusion scale between 0-10. This data was then turned into GIS maps to highlight where these inclusive and exclusive spaces exist in Pōneke Wellington. Qualitative data was analysed to find common categories and themes that arose from the walk-along interviews. More inclusive spaces were often spaces that were visibly queer, diverse and were relatively progressive. More exclusive spaces were often spaces that were rooted in heteronormativity and colonisation. These experiences of urban spaces from Takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ participants will help better inform local authorities and public housing providers in their decision-making process of redesigning spaces.