I want to come out to my parents before my 21st | 2000s Baby

By Liam van Eeden and Maggie Shui

“I’m always known to be the quiet one.”

Tristan, owner of several Ariana Grande perfumes, has been with his first boyfriend for over a year now. Born in Bataan, Philippines and growing up in Ōtautahi, he felt like he couldn’t be his true self around his family, always known as “the quiet one”.

Before his 21st birthday, he wants to come out to his parents so he can finally share his full life with them, and introduce them to Bo.

About ‘2000s Baby’:

You’re invited to Misha, Rāwhiti, Poe Tiare, Alison and Tristan’s 21sts.

We join five 2000s babies at their 21st birthdays, getting a snapshot of what it looks like to become an adult across different walks of life in Aotearoa.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Watch more 2000s Baby below.

All Episodes5

Inside Misha’s 21st, NZ’s baddest influencer | 2000s Baby

Watch the first episode of our brand new docuseries, 2000s Baby.

I want to come out to my parents before my 21st | 2000s Baby

“I’m always known to be the quiet one.”

Lip filler, rejection and immigrant parents: Alison’s 21st | 2000s Baby

“I’m Alison, I’m 21 and I’m a baddie.”

Northland, my first moko and ‘hella yardies’: Rāwhiti’s 21st | 2000s Baby

Watch the fourth episode of 2000s Baby now.

Cook Islands 21sts are all about family, but mine can’t come | 2000s Baby

Watch the fifth episode of 2000s Baby now, following Poe Tiare.

2000s Baby

You’re invited to Misha, Rāwhiti, Poe Tiare, Alison and Tristan’s 21sts.
We join five 2000s babies at their 21st birthdays, getting a snapshot of what it looks like to become an adult across different walks of life in Aotearoa.

Read6

Lip fillers are becoming more common in NZ. What’s the impact?

The rise in popularity also reflects a more chilled out attitude towards cosmetic procedures. 

How some Cook Islands' 21st traditions are changing for the better

“Live your life to the fullest, never look back, no regrets, kia mataora koe!”

Tā moko: What it means and when is the right time to get one

"It’s different for everyone."

I wasn’t vaccinated as a kid but I got the Covid-19 jab I 2000s Baby

“I had to get there on my own.”

Like Misha, I rejected my Indian culture growing up | 2000s Baby

“The South Asian experience has been a complicated one for many of us growing up in New Zealand”.

Is the yardie dead? Inside 21st birthdays in Aotearoa

We made a documentary series about 21st birthdays and there’s somehow not a single yardie.

View all series