95bFM How Anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in the US impact Aotearoa
20 June, 2023
Interview by Caedan Tipler, adapted by Ashley-Rose Redstone
An LGBTQIA+ state of emergency has been declared in the US. But the recent spike in transphobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation is also being felt by queer communities, particularly queer refugees here in Aotearoa. Photo: Corey Fuimaono
For the first time in its 50 years of operation, the US Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQIA+ people.
The organisation's impact report details an exponential spike in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation across the country, particularly against transgender people.
In 2015, states in the US introduced a total of 115 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills. But In 2023, the number already exceeds 500. Out of the 525 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced in 2023, over 220 target transgender people.
Jack from Rainbow Path NZ, an advocacy group for the rights of Rainbow refugees and asylum seekers in Aotearoa, told 95bFM’s The Wire that the backlash and misinformation prevalent in the US can directly impact queer people in Aotearoa.
Jack explained that the recent surge in transphobia in Aotearoa highlights our vulnerability to misinformation overseas.
“You don't have to look very far to see US speakers, US factsheets, theories, and so-called research appearing on websites or in interviews with groups campaigning against the rights of trans people here in Aotearoa.”
According to Jack, Aotearoa is seen as an example of a nation that does not abuse political platforms to breed homophobia and a “beacon of hope” to those in LGBTQIA+ oppressive countries.
But Jack highlighted that LGBTQIA+ people in Aotearoa on temporary visas, such as refugees and asylum seekers, are not afforded the same protections as residents.
“You can't even change your name in New Zealand until you're a resident, and often people aren't aware that someone who is here as a refugee has the right to health and to use public health services.”
On World Refugee Day, Jack is calling for Aotearoa’s Rainbow community and its allies to make Aotearoa not just safe for queer refugees but liveable and sustainable.
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