Parliament’s newest Labour MP, Georgie Dansey, reflects on Pride, representation in Parliament, and her commitment to protecting rainbow rights and inclusive healthcare in Aotearoa.
Representation of our queer communities is so important to me. It’s one of the reasons I joined the Labour Party, which stands staunchly for justice and inclusion for all communities.
Kia ora, I’m Georgie Dansey. I am proud to be rainbow and live in Kirikiriroa Hamilton with my wife and three children.
February is always a great Pride month, and 2026 has started with a bang. Labour MPs and supporters were thrilled to attend both Big Gay Out and the Auckland Pride Parade this year.
The vibes at Big Gay Out on a glorious Sunday afternoon were on. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins was out among the bright colours, we had a slick stall – as we do every year – and we were overwhelmed with the public support. I caught up with Liz, CE of the Burnett Foundation, and she was thrilled to have over 30,000 people attend the event.
The Pride Parade the following week is always a highlight and drew in a huge crowd. There is something super special about our rainbow community and allies coming together in big numbers to celebrate Pride.
It really is uplifting and brings confidence to our people that is much needed when we see the divisive rhetoric coming out of the current Government and attacks on our rainbow communities.
Changes to legislation that exclude young people with gender dysphoria from accessing puberty blockers are going to make life harder for our transgender whānau.
I commend the Professional Association for Transgender Healthcare Aotearoa (PATHA) in seeking a judicial review of the decision.
All healthcare decisions should be made by medical professionals, alongside a young person and their family. It shouldn’t be used as a political football or to distract from the Government’s economic failures.
As politicians, our actions and words hold great weight. As disappointing as it is to see the Government stoke divisions, it’s heartening to see the strong voices standing up against it and fighting for inclusion.
In my first speech to Parliament, I used a whakataukī of encouragement, urging one to be courageous, determined, and persistent; never giving up in the face of adversity, no matter how difficult the struggle.
With that in mind, I make this pledge: I will always back our marginalised communities. Your voices matter, you deserve to be heard, and it’s your commitment to justice that will guide me and the work I do to represent you in Parliament.
Kaua e mate wheke, me mate ururoa!
Authorised by Georgie Dansey MP, Labour List MP based in Hamilton East, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, funded by Parliamentary Services.
