Louisa Wall - NZ Labour Party

Sooo! Hey guys I’m Liana soon to be 17 (next Friday 30^th of September) until then, I am 16 . I’ll tell you a little bit about me:

Music is my life

I am Lesbian but very Pro-Heterosexual inclusion.

School is actually cool.

So is tomato soup.

I used to be the shy, quiet emo girl..

Now look at me :D

I never ever thought I could be who I am today. I’m Sociable, interested in politics, I can actually talk to people.

Anyway!

My blog is about interviewing our lovely Rainbow MP’s.

I emailed a few, and who was punctual in responding to that email? None other than Louisa Wall from the Labour Party! I asked her a few questions that I thought would be really cool to hear their views on.

Some of the questions and answers were cut down, but that’s okay, bear with me! XD. Enjoy!

Me: How did you get into politics?

Louisa Wall: Because of the value system instilled in me from my parents. I believe in social justice and the distribution of life opportunities so everybody has a chance to fulfil their potential and to create happy and successful lives.

Me: Why did you enter politics?

Louisa Wall: Because I want to represent the needs and interests of my community. I want to be a representative, a spokesperson, an advocate in the distribution of public resources for the benefit of the community I serve and communities most in need.

Me: Was it harder getting into politics because you identify as queer?

Louisa Wall: I would not say it has been harder per se, but I will say that politics is a hard area to be engaged in because of it's power of representation and decision making. Therefore, the competition is tough and you have to be even tougher.

Me: What are you doing as a LGBTQ model?

Louisa Wall: I am part of an incredibly talented and competent New Zealand Labour Party (NZLP) Rainbow Caucus - Hon Maryan Street, Grant Robertson and Charles Chauvel are my colleagues and we meet regularly with our NZLP Rainbow Sector representatives to make sure we understand the needs of our community and are represented in activities of relevance to our communities.

Me: Are there issues for LGBTQ in Parliament?

Louisa Wall: Absolutely, there are issues for our communities within the context of parliament to ensure we have the same rights and access to public resources as other New Zealanders.
Issues such as same sex adoption, the specific inclusion of trans-identity in the Human Rights Act and equitable relationship status are areas that we within NZLP are committed to advancing.

Me: What do you think of ‘Trans Rights’ in terms of the Human Rights Act?

Louisa Wall: Trans-Whanau deserve the same specific recognition of rights in the Act extended to all our Rainbow community and it should be amended to state clearly that sex includes gender identity. I am aware of the Human Rights Commission publication 'To Be Who I Am Kia noho au ki toku ana ao' and the recommendations of this inquiry. I support the implementation of these recommendations.

Me: If to discriminate against sexual orientation (as it is a part of the Human Rights Act) illegal, then why is it legal to deny the rights of proper marriage to the LGBTQ community?

Louisa Wall: It is technically legal, and of note in the Court if Appeal decision, Justice Thomas said it was a human rights issue however this was a minority view. The majority view was that parliament had to resolve this eligibility issue given the Marriage Act does not state that it is exclusively between a man and woman. It was argued that by convention and our underlying Christian tradition marriage is exclusive to a man and a woman and so parliament choose to address the issue by creating the Civil Union Act. However, this has not resolved the fundamental issue which is that our community cannot marry in spite of the law not specifically excluding us.

Me: Does this not come under discrimination?

Louisa Wall: Yes it does and we are committed to exploring this issue for our community.

Me: What advice would you give to LGBTQ or queer friendly in terms of activism for queer rights in New Zealand or those wanting to go further into other countries?

Louisa Wall: Surround yourself with like minded-committed people - you can never achieve anything alone and fighting for the rights of disadvantaged groups takes time and commitment. So, in the first instance find out what already exists and where your motivation and passion fits. You need a strong and resolute heart and spirit that refuses to succumb to discrimination and at times abuse. But know that this type of activism makes you so much stronger. To know who you are and your place in the world is an incredibly powerful and strong place to stand.

Me: Is there any advice you could give for those wanting to get involved in politics?

Louisa Wall: I have always said that I became a Silver fern because I played netball. So my advice is to play politics - decide on your Party of choice - NZLP welcome all Rainbow advocates and we have great organization across the entire country. Join a branch, become part of the executive and get active and then create a specific Rainbow branch. I learn by doing - just do it.

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