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
Leilani Thompson-Rikys – Peer Support Coordinator
They/Them
Leilani is the Peer Support Coordinator at OutLine, and in this role has developed OutLine’s peer support services for Aotearoa’s rainbow communities, and for gender diverse whānau in particular.
Leilani is a Fijian/Tongan/ Pakeha queer and non-binary person with lived experience of disability and recovery with PTSD. They have been working as a Disability and Diversity Consultant and worked previously as Disability Rights Advisor at the Human Rights Commission.
They live in GI, in Auckland with their partner and two teenage sons. Leilani also enjoys writing, creating art and drinking coffee.
Ember-Leigh Backhouse – Communications & Events Coordinator
She/They
Ember-Leigh is dedicated to using her communications skills to showcase diverse voices and make a real difference for Rainbow communities in 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 nonbinary trans woman, Ember-Leigh’s background is in journalism, communications and public relations. They have 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 their skills to amplify queer and gender-diverse voices through their role at OutLine.
While not at OutLine, Ember-Leigh enjoys whānau time with her partner, son and cat. She is obsessed with reading way too much, listening to vinyl records, and pizza.
Cam Yates – Funding & Finance Administrator
He/They
Cam has held multiple roles at OutLine! Beginning as an Administrator, he took on a Projects Coordinator role to over-see the development and launch of the Chat Support Service. He has since expanded their initial role, to become the Fundraising and Finance Coordinator.
They are motivated and dedicated to contributing to the work of OutLine in whichever capacity they hold. Cam is passionate about the work that is being done throughout Aotearoa to improve outcomes for Rainbow people and ensure that our Rainbow communities have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Outside of work Cam is a candle-maker as Sybs, which he sells at markets throughout Tāmaki Makaurau and online. Cam’s favourite movie is Practical Magic, and their favourite food is hot dogs.
Jenn Tamati – Volunteer Coordinator
She/Her
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 her 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.
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 partner and 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.