In this podcast Marilyn Waring delivers a keynote presentation. Marilyn is introduced by Kevin Hague. The presentation happened during the opening plenary: Intersectionality - the whole of us.
Summary
In a powerful keynote presentation at the "Intersectionality - the whole of us" plenary during the AsiaPacific Outgames, celebrated speaker Marilyn Waring addresses a topic often overlooked in discussions about human rights: dignity. Introduced by Kevin Hague, they delve into the historical and personal journey of understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, particularly in the context of systemic homophobia and the pursuit of equality.
The keynote begins with Waring's acknowledgment of the comfort found in being surrounded by an extended community that shares similar struggles and victories. Waring swiftly moves to the heart of the presentation, discussing an insidious form of human rights violation – the denial of dignity, which they note is rarely recognized by New Zealand courts.
They recount a personal childhood memory, the profound impact of watching "The Children’s Hour," a film that depicted the tragic consequences of a rumor about two women's romantic attachment. This pivotal moment was a stark realization of the societal consequences of loving someone of the same sex. Waring parallels this experience with the works of Ann-Marie MacDonald and Radclyffe Hall’s novel "The Well of Loneliness," both painting grim portraits of what it meant to be a lesbian during those times.
Waring reflects on their time at a private boarding school, the early discovery of their sexual orientation, and the societal and lexical secrecy surrounding the term 'lesbian'. They illustrate the journey from silence and coded language to the outspokenness of the Lesbian Nation banner at the 1975 United Women's Convention and their subsequent tenure in the New Zealand Parliament. In a candid account, they share the challenges faced within the National Party Caucus as the only woman and someone perceived as an outsider to "normal" women.
The presentation touches upon the progress in human rights, acknowledging the roles played by fellow members of Parliament Fran Wilde and Katherine O’Regan. The personal sacrifices made in the field of development work are also shared, demonstrating the complexities of navigating advocacy and personal integrity in varied cultural and political landscapes.
Waring critiques the shortcomings of legal recognition and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the context of civil unions versus full marriage rights, referencing debates in Canada and the words of influential figures like Michelle Douglas, Jean Chrétien, and Martin Cauchon on the importance of true equality over separate but quasi-equal solutions.
They place hope in the current and ongoing research focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ communities in various arenas, from parenting and mental health to workplace rights and public service provision. The significance of employing an approach centered on rights and well-being, rather than deficits, highlights the directional shift toward dignity.
Finally, Waring celebrates the strides made since the days of "The Children's Hour," with research and conversations now encompassing a wide range of LGBTQ+ experiences in different cultural contexts. The concluding applause signifies not just an appreciation for Waring's words but an acknowledgment of the long journey toward dignity—a journey that they hope will reach its destination within their lifetime.
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