Headdress, mid 1970s, Wellington, by Frank Lund. Purchased 2003. © Te Papa. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH014470)

September is New Zealand Queer History Month and a great opportunity to celebrate the LGBTI histories represented in Te Papa’s collection. So over the next few weeks we’re aiming to showcase queer related objects and stories through Instagram and blogs.Read more

We have a dazzling selection of headdresses belonging to Carmen Rupe (1936–2011) in our collection. Carmen was a legendary transgender performer and brothel owner – the headwear represents her more flamboyant side.Read more