Category: Opinion

Apr 08
The Quiet Progress of Trans Healthcare in Aotearoa

Despite anti-trans rhetoric dominating headlines, primary healthcare workers are embracing training and rejecting misinformation, proving that real change happens on the ground, says Jennifer Shields. If you were to look online or follow the news, it would be easy to think we’re in the midst of a huge anti-trans backlash. And in many ways, we […]

Apr 06
Chemsex in Aotearoa: A Guide to Safer Practices

Body Positive’s Executive Director, Mark Fisher, explores the risks and realities of chemsex and ways to protect yourself. Chemsex (or Party n Play) is a reality for some within our community. While chemsex can offer intense experiences, it’s equally important to be aware of potential risks, maintain your well-being, and protect your sexual health. It’s […]

Apr 05
Opinion | Standing by Our Queer Representatives Means Embracing Their Full Humanity

Benjamin Doyle is facing backlash for using playful queer slang — but the real issue is the wave of hate and threats they’re receiving. Jennifer Shields says we must support authenticity, not apologise for it. When we expect our representatives of queer communities on a national stage to be perfectly sanitised, focus group-tested, PR-line spinning […]

Apr 04
Opinion | The Greens’ Mishandling of the Doyle Controversy Has Deeper Consequences

No apology, no accountability, and throwing the rainbow community under the bus; Pavel Zivnustka asks why sorry seems to be the hardest word for the Green Party. Even the most dedicated news avoider could not escape the media storm surrounding Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle and their social media posts this week. Doyle had shared […]

Apr 02
OPINION: Is Drag Story Time Worth the Backlash?

Jacquie Grant ONZM examines the toxic protests against drag story time events and wonders if this battle is worth the fight. Drag artists are an incredibly important part of our community. They can usually be found on the frontlines, spearheading campaigns and protests. Some are often the first to give their time for free at […]

Mar 31
Opinion | Populism in Drag: Winston’s Referendum Bill Explained

By Craig Young Once again, Winston Peters is pushing a populist button—this time proposing a private member’s bill that could weaponise binding citizens-initiated referenda. While it might sound like a nod to democratic participation, this move risks becoming a Trojan horse for fringe conservative agendas to derail hard-won social progress. Under the current Citizens Initiated […]

Feb 17
Destiny Church on the Brink: History’s Warnings Ignored

With Destiny Church under heightened legal scrutiny, Craig Young believes it is only a matter of time before history repeats itself. The recent violent protest at Te Atatū Library, followed by arrests, has placed Destiny Church under legal scrutiny. NZ Police Inspector Simon Walker warned the sect that it could face further legal consequences if […]

Feb 14
Love, Lies, and Late-Night Car Dates: A Trans Woman’s Take on Valentine’s Day

Ty Philips discusses three types of Valentine’s dates that trans women experience and explains how experiencing more, stopped her settling for less. Valentine’s Day is here, along with expectations of gorgeous bouquets of roses, being wined and dined and elaborate romantic gestures. While this day is all about fantasies of romance, it doesn’t always turn […]