Jacinda Ardern (right) with Auckland local body politician Simon Randall at the 2010 Big Gay Out. I get asked a lot of questions about my job, some of which are more deep and meaningful than others. Probably the most frequent question that I get asked is this: “why would you want to be a politician?” It's an understandable question. As politicians, we rate amongst the least respected of professions alongside telemarketers and used car salespeople; hardly the stuff of childhood dreams! Despite this, I still genuinely believe that, regardless of political persuasion, most of us are here to do the right thing. Sometimes though, doing the right thing is not the easiest, or the most popular option. I remember the Civil Union Bill being passed in Parliament - hearing the speeches on how far we had come since homosexual law reform made me realise how much further we have left to go. Same sex adoption, addressing the Human Rights Commission report on transgender issues and continuing work on HIV/AIDS prevention and services: these are some of the important issues that simply cannot be left to the too hard basket. These are the issues that we can't just give lip service to and, when you're in government, these are the issues that should actively be addressed. That's not to say that we cannot progress other issues at the same time. This week a proposal was made that we should bring Mardi Gras to Auckland. I'm proud of my city and I'm proud that we are culturally diverse, vibrant, and that we celebrate difference. I support anything that allows us to showcase all of that- which is why I supported the Hero Parade and what it tried to achieve. But the Hero Parade also taught us some valuable lessons. In fact, the Parade's most popular and well attended year became its last because some local body politicians chose not to walk the talk when it came to supporting the event and community organisations were left carrying the can. That cannot happen again, and any new proposal must have not only the support of the LGBT community, but a firm commitment from politicians, both local and central, to work alongside the community if this event is to be a success. So, why am I a politician? I certainly didn't sign up for the job because I enjoy being likened to a car salesman, but to make a difference in people's lives. And that starts by walking the talk and making sure we keep doing the things that matter. - Jacinda Ardern is a Labour MP who is running in the Auckland Central electorate. Jacinda Ardern - 11th February 2011