Jenny Rankine(March 2011)

In a recorded interview at Wellington Town Hall, Jenny Rankine discusses their experiences and insights from a human rights conference, with a particular focus on advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights in the workplace and educational environments. The conversation, facilitated by interviewer Jim Whitman, highlights critical themes of activism by trade unions and the role of media. Recorded on March 16, 2011, this four-minute segment illuminates the discussions and workshops attended by Rankine, including an examination of making schools safer for LGBTQIA+ students and the need for systemic changes to educational structures that tend to marginalize these students rather than merely creating support groups which can lead to further segregation.

Specifically, Rankine reflects on a session that emphasized the importance of shifting the gaze from supporting individual students towards addressing the heterosexist structures within schools. They share insights on how the creation of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students often fails to challenge the status quo, effectively maintaining a discriminatory environment. Addressing such institutional biases was noted to be crucial.

Additionally, Rankine speaks about their involvement in a planned workshop on LGBTQIA+ representation in the media. They express concerns about the misuse and potency of media, likely discussing how media portrayal can influence public perception and consciousness regarding LGBTQIA+ issues. Recognizing the power of media in shaping narratives, Rankine signifies the need for responsible and accurate representation.

The interview also delves into the thoughts and initiatives for advancing diversity and inclusion within trade unions. Rankine brings up the potential development of a kit for unionists to better tackle issues affecting LGBTQIA+ workers, indicating that some unions show resistance to even acknowledging these matters. They identify the necessity for unions to support LGBTQIA+ employees to foster significant workplace changes.

A personal element is also intertwined with Rankine's narrative, as they discuss providing feedback on the "Tamaki Lesbian News", a publication with which they are linked and that enjoys a national readership. The importance of intersectionality is underscored as Rankine suggests that various trade union issues are interconnected and that resistance within some unions poses a significant hurdle to supporting workers discriminated against based on sexual or gender identity.

Additionally, Rankine shares experiences of attending a well-organized sports meet, specifically the Asia Pacific Outgames. Rankine expresses satisfaction with their personal athletic performance, having achieved a personal best, and praises the overall event, including the performances of unaffiliated athletes and the significant representation from LGBTQIA+ swimming teams. Irrespective of sexual orientation, participants like Kirsty Cameron, who broke three records, contributed to the inclusive nature of the competition.

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.

Jenny Rankine

2010s, asia pacific outgames (2011), human rights, jenny rankine, out at work network, wellington town hall

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