Production Details: 000921_MIX_glen_bennett.wav

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irn3563
master_filename000921_MIX_glen_bennett.wav
master_md53D20403A82C703CFC6BA516040188141
master_duration18:54
master_sample_rate44.1 kHz
master_bit_depth16 bit
master_channels1
media_reference000921
media_sourcePrideNZ.com
copyright_positionIn copyright
copyright_ownershipGareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com)
copyright_ownership_note
submitted_to_nlnz18-12-2022
public_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/rainbow_politicians_glen_bennett.html
meta_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/3563.html
plain_text_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/rainbow_politicians_glen_bennett.txt
production_date09-11-2022
production_day09
production_month11
production_year2022
recording_type
seriesRainbow Politicians
sub_series
titleGlen Bennett - Rainbow Politicians
descriptionGlen Bennett from the Labour Party talks to Regis Perez about what it's like to be a Member of Parliament.
summary_computer_generatedIn an 18-minute podcast recorded at the Rainbow Room, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, Glen Bennett from the Labour Party engages in a conversation with Regis Perez about the life of a Member of Parliament and the journey to becoming an MP. Bennett shares insights into the influence of personal background on political engagement, the reluctance to enter politics, and the eventual decision to run for office. The discussion unfolds around topics that traverse the 2000s to 2020s, including the responsibilities and privileges of parliamentary representation, and the management of personal time in the political sphere. Bennett recounts initial hesitations about becoming an MP, stemming from a perception of not fitting the traditional politician mold due to a lack of formal education, high-profile career, or public renown. This led to multiple refusals to run for parliament until Bennett was convinced that the House of Representatives should include voices from all walks of life, including grassroots community members. The conversation turns emotional as Bennett gets candid about personal struggles, including coming to terms with internalized homophobia and facing discrimination and bigotry as an openly gay politician. Bennett recalls resisting homophobia from within before facing it on the campaign trail and in Parliament, while discussing the broader political effort to curb discriminatory practices through legislation like the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill. Reflecting on Bennett's formative years, the discussion addresses the challenges of frequent relocations and how this shaped interactions and identity exploration as a young person. The narrative discusses the complexity of coming out multiple times and at different ages, while highlighting the transformation of family relationships, indicating a positive change from the times of fearing rejection to full family acceptance and support, marking a notable journey from adversity to affirmation. The conversation also enlightens listeners on the needs of the rainbow community and emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy and nudging from the community to ensure that progress towards inclusivity continues. Bennett stresses the need for government support for medical and social services, advocating for an inclusive Aotearoa where 'coming out' is unnecessary because of societal acceptance. Bennett mentions personal heroes, such as Harvey Milk and Georgina Byer, as inspirational figures for their pioneering roles in politics as openly gay and transgender individuals respectively. Bennett's admiration for these trailblazers underscores the ongoing need for diversity and representation within Parliament and society.
interviewerRegis Perez
voicesGlen Bennett
tags2000s; 2010s; 2020s; Member of Parliament; Aotearoa New Zealand; New Plymouth; Wellington; New Zealand Labour Party; Glen Bennett; Regis Perez
tags_computer_generatedtransgender; gay; intersex; sexuality; profile; organisation; politics; health; mental health; history; Homosexual Law Reform; homophobia; family; coming out; straight; 1990s; arts; law; relationships; support; social; growing up; privilege; identity; parents; friends; whānau; Harvey Milk; community; language; discrimination; representation; diversity; funding; Salvation Army; Taranaki; fear; surgery; church; love; queer; celebrant; government; faith; campaigns; top surgery; internalised homophobia; homosexual; culture; wedding; gender; hate; difference; spaces; binding; rainbow; bigotry; hope; Stuff; rejection; change; conservative; cis; trans; dream; lawyer; top; trauma; capital; struggle; individual; other; army; submission; conversation; truth; boxes; future; work; social services; airport; environment; mayor; backstory; Space; the other side; tough; People; Events; access; flying; legislation; budget; time; belief
location_nameRainbow Room
locationParliament buildings, Molesworth Street
broader_locationWellington
location_lat-41.27753232711924
location_long174.77647304534912
precise_localitytrue