In this podcast Lex Davis from New Zealand talks about attending the human rights conference.
Summary
In an interview recorded at Wellington Town Hall, Lex Davis discusses the experience of attending a human rights conference dedicated to diversity and queer identity, primarily within the context of teaching and trade unions. Davis, a secondary school teacher in New Zealand, is an active member of the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) and participates in the organization's Rainbow Task Force which is associated with the Safe School for Queer Network.
Throughout the conversation, Davis highlights the diversity of participants at the conference, noting the remarkable range of people in attendance, a visible testament to the myriad narratives present in the human rights discourse. Davis expresses the profound impact and emotional resonance of the conference, emphasizing how powerful it is for individuals to share their personal stories, sometimes articulating experiences that would be forbidden or dangerous to express in their home countries. Consequently, simply attending the conference constitutes a political act for some, underlining the daring and inspirational nature of such gatherings.
The interview explores the journey that led Davis to attend the human rights conference, despite it not being a typical avenue for many. Feeling privileged as a New Zealander and as part of a union that actively supports queer individuals, Davis reflects on the importance of this support, the sense of pride it fosters, and the opportunity to network with other teachers, including those from Australian teacher unions. Such networking is instrumental in building a sense of shared community and offering mutual assistance.
When asked about moments at the conference that were particularly impactful, Davis cites the openness and vulnerability of participants who, even in front of strangers, share deeply personal and raw experiences. This level of trust is uncommon and fosters a sense of intimacy and shared hardship, which contributes to collective healing and support.
Looking ahead, Davis contemplates the takeaways from the conference, especially regarding the role as an educator. There is a sense of responsibility to increase visibility around queer identities, which is a recurring theme in the educational segments of the conference. Davis believes the most significant individual impact can be made through personal visibility and the possibility of forming more networks and groups for support.
Additionally, Davis touches on personal goals, expressing a keen interest in engaging with Maori communities and the importance of embracing a multifaceted identity. Resolving to become more involved with relevant groups back in Auckland, Davis acknowledges how the conference experience intersects with personal heritage and intentions moving forward.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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