The release this week of a strategy to ensure Dunedin is an ''inclusive and affirming'' city that supports its gay community could attract more people to the city, its backers say.
The Dunedin Diversity Strategy was launched yesterday at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The launch is part of Dunedin Pride 2014, which includes an art exhibition at the Pioneer Women's Hall and a carnival in the Octagon this afternoon.
The strategy came from a hui in Dunedin last year, held to identify the needs of queer people in Dunedin.
The result was a 33-page document with 17 goals, from attaining queer representation in public decision-making and supporting schools to become ''queer friendly'', to developing events that celebrate the queer community in Dunedin.
Spokesman Neill Ballantyne said organisers already had major employers in Dunedin committed to the charter principles.
Mayor Dave Cull said in a foreword in the document his family, like most families, had members who identified as gay.
''I would be appalled if they were in any way discriminated against or suffered prejudice in Dunedin.''
Otago University Students Association queer support co-ordinator Hahna Briggs said the document could help Dunedin become ''the most inclusive city in New Zealand''.
''That would certainly attract a lot of people to want to live in Dunedin, maybe study, work, raise a family, particularly if they know it is a very safe and inclusive city to be in.''
