Category: Opinion
Craig Young critiques the UK Labour Party’s shift towards Blue Labour and its impact on progressive issues, particularly transgender rights. Is the British Labour Party veering off course? Growing concerns suggest that the influence of the “Blue Labour” faction could alienate progressive voters and core constituencies, particularly over issues such as trans rights and broader […]
Craig Young believes Kirralie Smith’s Low-Key NZ Tour is a sign of the Christian Right’s shrinking influence in New Zealand. Regular readers will be aware that Australian Christian Right figure Kirralie Smith is scheduled to visit Aotearoa later this year as a guest of Family First New Zealand. With the event still two months away, […]
Jennifer Shields gives a personal reflection on the impact trans literature has had on her, highlighting key books from Imogen Binnie, Emily St. James, Casey Plett, and leading Aotearoa writers that continue to shape trans identity and community. During a recent psychology training day, a colleague asked what books people are currently reading to better […]
Albanese won big, Peter Dutton lost his seat, and the Liberal Party elected its first female leader, Sussan Ley. Meanwhile, anti-trans politics flopped, and fringe religious parties were trounced. Craig Young asks what this means for Australia and its favourite neighbour? In just a few short weeks, the Australian political landscape has undergone a significant […]
Craig Young explores the long history of sex scandals in New Zealand politics—from consensual affairs to criminal acts—and asks what the Michael Forbes resignation says about Christopher Luxon’s leadership. The recent resignation of Michael Forbes, deputy chief press secretary to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, following a police investigation, reopens a familiar chapter in politics: the […]
Jessie Lewthwaite reflects on her first corporate Pride and questions why major brands are scaling back in 2025. Is this the end of rainbow capitalism or a wake-up call for authentic allyship? When I was a fresh-faced queer in Melbourne, I attended my first corporate-sponsored Pride event. I won’t name the brand—legal dramas aren’t something […]
New Zealand’s Health Tribunal has fined former doctor Samantha Bailey over YouTube videos disputing the existence and transmission of HIV, citing public health risks and misinformation. A former New Zealand doctor and television presenter, Dr Samantha Bailey, has come under renewed scrutiny for online content that disputes established medical science on HIV. As reported in […]
Craig Young shares his views on public concern over the Family First event featuring controversial activists. Family First has re-emerged with its annual Forum on the Family, a platform traditionally used to connect overseas and New Zealand-based Christian Right activists. This year’s event again includes speakers with a history of promoting anti-LGBTQI+, anti-abortion, and socially […]