Kelly Ellis (with canine buddy Bruce) Transgender rights advocate Kelly Ellis is seeking Labour’s backing to be its candidate in the Whangarei electorate at the next election. The lawyer and TransAdvocates co-founder often works with demoralised transgender clients, and was integral in the successful push for Corrections to change its policy in regards to housing female transgender prisoners in men’s jails. Ellis has been encouraged to make a tilt at being Labour’s candidate by friends. “We have a strong group of Labour lawyers here in Whangarei who have a strong sense of social justice. We all work doing criminal, family and youth justice. From the ranks of this great bunch of people I've been put forward as a nominee.” When it comes to what could be brought to Parliament, Ellis cites good professional advocacy skills which will allow articulation of the aspirations of Whangarei people. “I have a broad range of experience, having lived rough and penniless, worked in shearing gangs, car factories, as a journalist, as a lawyer for the last 22 years, as a parent, a wanna-be farmer. “This experience gives me the ability to relate easily to a wide range of people. I'm energetic and have a history of working hard for the down-trodden. I believe these will stand me in good stead.” If successful in gaining Labour’s nomination, Ellis would take on a new National candidate, as incumbent Phil Heatley is retiring when the current term ends. The lawyer is confident, despite National maintaining its grip on the electorate since 1975. “With the swing to Labour we'll see this election, a less-popular new National candidate and a strong performance from our team, there is no doubt a win is achievable.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 7th December 2013 - 11:08am