Human RigHts, sexual ORientatiOn, sex and gendeR identity · If you want to be queer* aware – be...
Transcript of Human RigHts, sexual ORientatiOn, sex and gendeR identity · If you want to be queer* aware – be...
Human RigHts, sexual ORientatiOn, sex and gendeR identity
BORn FRee & equal2
The Yogyakarta Principles set out the international human rights
standards that countries must meet to uphold the human rights of sexual
and gender minorities.
Everyone in New Zealand has these human rights, whichever word they
use to describe their sexual orientation, sex or gender identity.
These include people who identify as: takataapui, lesbian, gay, bisexual,
queer*, heterosexual, intersex, female, male, transsexual, transgender,
whakawahine, tangata ira tane, mahu (Tahiti and Hawaii), vakasalewalewa
(Fiji), palopa (Papua New Guinea), fa’afafine (Samoa, America Samoa and
Tokelau), akava’ine (Cook Islands), fakaleiti or leiti (the Kingdom of Tonga),
or fakafifine (Niue).
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
– Universal Declaration of Human Rights
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights.
– The Yogyakarta Principles (www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/)
3Human R igHts , sexual OR i entat iOn , sex & gendeR ident ity
978-0-478-35642-7 (Print)
978-0-478-35643-4 (PDF)
Illustrations Sam Orchard
www.roostertailscomic.com
It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone in New Zealand because
of their sexual orientation or sex/gender identity within areas of life
covered by the Human Rights Act 1993. These include applying for a
job, at work, in education and health care, in government agencies’
policies and practice, and when you buy things or pay for services.
The Human Rights Commission looks at changes to laws, policies and
practice needed to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of
queer* people.
Some things the Commission has done:
Paper on marriage and adoption equality (June 2012).
Chapter on the rights of sexual and gender minorities
(Human Rights in New Zealand 2010).
Transgender Inquiry (www.hrc.co.nz/transgenderinquiry) (including
11 online resources for schools, employers, health professionals
and those working with trans children and young people).
Intersex Roundtable.
More information can be found on the sexual orientation
and gender identity (SOGI) page of the Commission’s website:
www.hrc.co.nz/sogi.
This resource uses “queer*” to cover people of diverse sexual orientations,
gender identities and sexes (gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex etc).
BORn FRee & equal4
5Human R igHts , sexual OR i entat iOn , sex & gendeR ident ity
BORn FRee & equal6
7Human R igHts , sexual OR i entat iOn , sex & gendeR ident ity
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9Human R igHts , sexual OR i entat iOn , sex & gendeR ident ity
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11Human R igHts , sexual OR i entat iOn , sex & gendeR ident ity
When describing people use the terms,
pronouns and names that they choose. If you
are not sure – ask.
If you want to be queer* aware – be careful
about making assumptions.
Don’t ask a woman if she has a husband –
ask if she has a partner.
Don’t assume all trans and intersex people
are lesbian or gay – some are heterosexual or
bisexual.
Develop queer* inclusive policies.
Check any policies don’t discriminate against
queer* people. Discrimination under the Human
Rights Act can be both direct or indirect. A
policy that doesn’t mention queer* people can
still discriminate if it creates negative or lesser
outcomes for queer* people.
Stand up against bullying or harassment based
on someone’s sexual orientation, sex or gender
identity. Pink Shirt Day is a day to visibly stand
up against this.
Educate/get educated.
Set up a queer* rights group.
Make sure queer* people are visible: Consider
what media/images you show.
So how do I make sure that the rights of queer* people are respected
as a seRvice pROvideR?in my
scHOOl?
in my wORkplace?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions (respectfully)
and apologise if you get it wrong.
Have a contact person for queer* issues or
support for queer people in your workplace/
school/services.
Put up signs or symbols celebrating diversity so
that all people feel welcome.
Have a flexible clothing policy including
gender-neutral options. If there are male and
female dress codes, let people choose which
dress code matches their gender identity or
expression.
People should have the choice of using the
toilet that matches their sex/gender identity.
Let students choose the partner they take to
a school ball. (Any rules such as only students
from the school can attend, should apply
equally to all students.)
Religious and personal belief are not an excuse
to discriminate. People are entitled to express
their beliefs but not to treat others unfairly.
Focus on policy and what actions can be
changed rather than changing their particular
religious view point. Within all world faiths
there are differing perspectives and people who
celebrate the rights of queer* people.
BORn FRee & equal12
If you have a complaint or enquiry about discrimination because of your sex/gender identity
or sexual orientation, you can contact the Human Rights Commission’s Infoline on:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 496 877 (toll free) or
visit www.hrc.co.nz/enquiries
The Human Rights Commission offers free educational workshops and seminars about
human rights and gives advice about how to put this into practice. If you are aware of human
rights issues facing queer* people in your community, let the Commission know about it.
Discrimination against queer* people is something that we need to stand up against together.
For links to different trans resources and support groups www.hrc.co.nz/transinfo.
National and Local Queer* Resources/Support
Rainbow Youth Ph: (09) 376 4155 www.rainbowyouth.org.nz
www.outline.org.nz
www.curious.org.nz
Further information for intersex people and their families?
Intersex Awareness New Zealand Phone +644 381 2221 www.ianz.org.nz
Need someone to talk to?0800 OUTLINE0800 688 5463
tReated unFaiRly Because OF yOuR sexual ORientatiOn, sex OR gendeR identity?
Intersex Awareness New Zealand