Claire Black – Chief Executive
She/Her
Claire joined OutLine in late 2019 and continues to be excited to lead the organisation through new changes and challenges. Her passion for understanding other people’s experiences of the world led to her training in anthropology, and she has produced a Master’s thesis on how rainbow young people in Aotearoa use digital technologies.
Claire has also worked on a number of other projects around youth and rainbow mental health, including coordinating RainbowYOUTH’s 30th Birthday Gala in 2019.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching quiz shows with flatmates, reading, and befriending neighbourhood cats
Lagi Thompson-Rikys – Peer Support Manager
They/Them
Lagi is the Peer Support Manager at OutLine, and in this role has developed OutLine’s peer support services for Aotearoa’s rainbow communities, particularly the Trans Peer Support service and Conversion Practices Survivor Network.
Lagi is a Fijian/Tongan/Pakeha non-binary and MVPFAFF+ person with lived experience of disability and recovery with PTSD. They had been working as a Disability and Diversity Consultant and worked previously as Disability Rights Advisor at the Human Rights Commission.
They live in GI, Auckland with their partner and two adult children. Lagi also enjoys writing, creating art and drinking coffee.
Jenn Tamati – Volunteer Coordinator
She/They
He uri ahau nō Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu, me Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Mākino o Te Arawa hoki.
Jenn has a long history of volunteer work, completing and coordinating placements within Aotearoa and overseas leading her to live in Poland, Germany and Ireland. After an overdue return home Jenn’s strong interest in identities, relationships and cultural diversity lead them to pursue studies in Psychology and Politics. She is thrilled to join the OutLine team as the new full time volunteer coordinator and is committed to building a strong sense community for our unique and diverse rainbow voices to support one another.
When not in the OutLine offices, catch Jenn sipping coffees on Karangahape Road or selecting tunes on the airwaves of 95bFM.
Ember-Leigh Backhouse – Communications and Events Coordinator
She/Her
Ember-Leigh is dedicated to using her communications skills to promote rainbow mental health throughout Aotearoa. As Communications and Events Coordinator, her role is to build and grow OutLine’s brand and outreach through engaging content, social media and events.
A queer trans woman, Ember-Leigh’s background is in journalism, communications and public relations. She has worked as a reporter and editor at media outlets including the New Zealand Herald, and as a corporate communications specialist. Ember-Leigh is excited to now use her skills to amplify queer and gender-diverse voices through her role at OutLine.
While not at OutLine, Ember-Leigh enjoys whānau time with her partner, child and cat. She loves reading, modular synthesisers, listening to music on obsolete analogue media, and pizza.
Lee Grabarek – Counselling Coordinator
They/Them
Lee is a tauiwi, queer, transmasculine person who has had the privilege of working with Aotearoa’s rainbow communities in a range of leadership, support, and educational roles with organisations such as Te Ngākau Kahukura, RainbowYOUTH, Auckland Sexual Health, and the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA).
Lee lives in Ōtautahi with their two cats. They are currently studying towards their Master in Counselling at the University of Canterbury. A central focus of Lee’s professional and academic work is supporting and advocating for the wellbeing and rights of trans and non-binary people by centring trans realities, community, and joy.
In their spare time, Lee is an avid and enthusiastic runner and cyclist – each a way of expressing and remembering the possibility and joy that trans bodies can contain.
Zoe Findlay – Fundraising and Finance Coordinator
They/Them
Zoe is committed to mahi that positively impacts and supports rainbow communities, and is excited to join the team at OutLine in the Fundraising and Finance Coordinator role.
Zoe is a nonbinary person with a background in outdoor education, youth development, advocacy and management. Zoe is excited to use their broad skillset in the Fundraising and Finance role to support the continued growth of OutLine.
In their spare time, Zoe is active, mostly mountain biking and running. As Zoe is new to Tāmaki Makaurau, they’re excited to explore new areas.
Jamie Gausel – Conversion Practices Survivor Network Facilitator
They/Them
Jamie is OutLine’s Conversion Practices Survivor Network Facilitator and is currently studying psychotherapy. They have previously been a phone line peer support volunteer here at OutLine, and have a background in HR and IT.
Jamie is queer, non-binary tangata Tiriti/Pākehā and initially grew up in Whakatū (Nelson). They have lived across Aotearoa in Wellington and the Hokianga, and overseas in Germany and Australia, but have mostly lived in and are now based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Outside of work and study, they enjoy connecting with others, being outdoors in nature, meditation, and yoga. They love good coffee, summertime swims, and an array of music but lean towards hip hop, RnB and reggae.