Following the establishment of an FBI office in Wellington, attention has turned to the bureau’s new director, Kash Patel, and his stance on LGBTQ+ rights – YOUR EX looks into the FBI’s top dog.
Patel, 45, is an Indian-American attorney and staunch Donald Trump ally who became the FBI’s ninth director in 2025. Rising from roles as a public defender and federal prosecutor to senior positions in Trump’s first term, Patel earned a reputation as a “deep state” critic intent on purging perceived opponents of the former president.
Now leading the nation’s top law enforcement agency, Patel faces scrutiny over how his leadership might affect LGBTQ+ equality and civil liberties under a Trump administration openly hostile to such rights.
Kash Patel at a Glance
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Party Affiliation: Republican
- Ethnicity: Indian-American
- Gender Identity: Male
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Pronouns: He/Him
Career and Political Alignment
Born in Garden City, New York, to Indian immigrant parents, Patel began his career as a public defender in Florida before becoming a federal prosecutor. He later worked on counterterrorism cases at the U.S. Department of Justice.
In 2017, Patel joined Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) on the House Intelligence Committee, where he helped draft a memo accusing the FBI of bias in its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This effort solidified his reputation as a fierce Trump defender.
Patel later served on the National Security Council and briefly worked with acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell in 2020 before becoming Chief of Staff to acting Defence Secretary Christopher Miller. His 2023 memoir, Government Gangsters, outlined his plans to remove officials deemed disloyal to Trump.
Trump appointed Patel FBI Director shortly after winning the 2024 election, praising him as an “America First fighter.” Patel was confirmed by the Senate on February 20, 2025, in a narrow 51–49 vote.
Views on LGBTQ+ Issues
Same-Sex Marriage
Patel has made no public comments on marriage equality or LGBTQ+ relationships. While not directly responsible for marriage policy, advocates doubt he would advance LGBTQ+ inclusion measures, citing his loyalty to Trump’s platform.
Transgender Participation in Sports
Patel has no recorded statements on trans athletes but has shared platforms with far-right figures opposing trans inclusion, such as at the ReAwaken America Tour.
Transgender Rights and Healthcare
Though Patel has avoided direct statements on trans bathroom access or gender-affirming care, his social media engagement and political associations include anti-trans rhetoric. As a board member of Truth Social’s parent company, he has overseen the spread of conspiracy theories often used to justify anti-trans legislation.
LGBTQ+ Content in Schools
During his Senate confirmation, Patel criticised what he described as the FBI “targeting” parents opposing “woke” education policies. While he did not specifically mention LGBTQ+ topics, his stance mirrors talking points from groups seeking to limit LGBTQ+ representation in schools.
Discrimination Protections
Patel has pledged to investigate anti-Catholic bias and supports the Trump platform’s promise to protect Christians’ rights — often invoked to defend discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ people.
Concerns and Potential Impact
Patel’s partisan history has raised fears he might use the FBI to settle political scores rather than protect all citizens equally. Civil rights advocates warn that his leadership could mean reduced attention to white nationalist extremism and hate crimes, alongside increased targeting of political opponents — potentially including LGBTQ+ activists.
Whether Patel chooses to safeguard civil liberties for all or focus on advancing a political agenda will define his legacy as FBI Director.
In Summary
While Patel has made few direct statements on LGBTQ+ rights, his affiliations and public positions suggest opposition to progressive equality measures. He has appeared at events with speakers who oppose trans rights, echoed rhetoric about removing LGBTQ+ content from schools, and supported political agendas that use religious liberty claims to justify discrimination.
These positions stand in sharp contrast to New Zealand’s legal protections and inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ people, including marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and strong support for transgender rights. New Zealand’s official stance promotes diversity, equity, and safety for LGBTQ+ communities, whereas Patel’s approach signals a more conservative, less protective stance toward such rights.
The FBI’s new presence in New Zealand will likely be focused on law enforcement cooperation, but Patel’s leadership style and ideological leanings are being closely watched for any signs of friction with New Zealand’s values on human rights and equality.
