In this podcast Grace Poore and Satya Rai Nagpaul talk about attending the human rights conference.
Summary
In the podcast recorded in Wellington Town Hall, "Grace Poore and Satya Rai Nagpaul" discuss their participation in a human rights conference. The interviewer, Gareth Watkins, delves into their conference experiences, efforts in human rights activism, and the broader implications for the LGBTQ+ and disability movements.
Poore explains the motivation behind attending the conference was an invitation from Rainbow Wellington to speak and conduct a workshop. The workshop centered on the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission's new campaign built around the film "Courage Unfolds." The campaign is dedicated to informing and engaging activists in the Asia-Pacific region about the Yogyakarta Principles—29 human rights principles formulated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2006. These principles aim to extend standard human rights to include LGBTQ+ individuals, providing guidelines on freedom of expression, access to health care, education, privacy, and equitable treatment under the law.
In another panel at the conference, Satya Rai Nagpaul discusses participating in conversations about health activism, specifically the intersection of the disability movement and the transgender movement observed through an event in India. The panel offered insights into challenges faced by both movements and opportunities for solidarity and joint activism.
A key aspect highlighted by Nagpaul was the disparity between New Zealand's more advanced movement building and the nascent stages of collective activism in India. There is curiosity about the potential for such comprehensive rights discussions to occur within a South Asian context, given the current state of activism in the region.
As the conversations continue, the presenters tackle the issue of movement building and how the definition and perception of a 'movement' can vary dramatically across different cultures and political landscapes in Asia. They both express a desire to examine and redefine the term "movement" concerning varying global contexts and histories.
During the interview, Poore reflects on a workshop attended about interfaith and sexuality and notes discomfort with the lack of diversity among the speakers. This prompts a broader discussion on inclusivity at the conference, where Poore also observes an apparent age differential among participants.
Moreover, Nagpaul reflects on feelings of invisibility within specific groups, such as the genderqueer community, even when specialized panels are held—echoing the need for greater consideration of all identities within the LGBT discourse.
Looking to the future, Poore and Nagpaul both express hope that in 30 years, the battles for basic LGBTQ+ rights and recognition will no longer be at such a fundamental level. They anticipate that though challenges will persist, progress will result in a future where diversity in gender and sexual orientation is no longer contentious. However, there is caution due to unpredictable shifts in societal acceptance and the persistent influence of religious conservatism and other entrenched obstacles to equality.
The content depicts not only the specific work and missions of the activists but also a broader dialogue on the global state of LGBTQ+ and disability rights. It signals an aspiration for a world where the discussions and struggles of the present appear obsolete due to the establishment of unquestioned rights and acceptance for all.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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