Philip Patston(March 2011)

In an 18-minute podcast recorded at Wellington Town Hall, New Zealand, on March 16, 2011, Philip Patston discusses themes of disability, mental health, and queer identity in the context of human rights and social change. Interviewed by Gareth Watkins, Patston reflects on their participation in two panels at a human rights conference. The central conversations addressed the intersection between disability and transgender communities, as well as the broader issues that link disability, mental health, and queer identities.

A key discussion point raised by Patston revolves around the pathologization and medicalization of certain identities, emphasizing the need to shift these perceptions from medical issues to social contexts. The conversation addresses the importance of changing societal norms constructively and the need for communities to model positive attitudes and behaviors towards one another.

Patston further explores the notion of vulnerability, suggesting that it is a universal human condition rather than a trait of a specific group. By embracing vulnerability, communities can foster a more profound connection. The idea that within minutes one's level of ability can shift depending on the environment, underscores the fluid and varying nature of disability.

During the interview, Patston emphasizes the importance of action over attitude alone when it comes to effecting social change. They highlight that influencing behavior is crucial for creating tangible change, and the significance of creating space for difficult, exploratory conversations without necessarily seeking definitive outcomes. Such dialogues, marked by vulnerability and disagreement, can lead to innovative ways of thinking and acting.

The conference presented challenges for Patston, both logistically and ideologically, including issues of accessibility and exclusion from events where gender policies conflicted with personal identity. These experiences reinforced the importance of continuing to engage in open and challenging dialogues within the community.

Reflecting on the conference, Patston senses a maturation of the community, moving away from a perception of victimhood towards a more inward focus on collective growth. They suggest the community is entering a phase of playful exploration of identity, gender fluidity, and the rejection of rigid labels.

In envisioning the future, Patston hopes that in three decades' time, society may look back on the current era's categorizations and feel detached from the need to label identities. They imagine a world where uniqueness is recognized without reliance on labels and where life is embraced as a combination of the mundane and the magical.

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.

Philip Patston

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