Nathan Ross

In an interview recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, Nathan Ross engages in a discussion about the significance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, addressing the issue of bisexual erasure, and the complexities of living a 'double life'. This conversation took place during the Proud 2016 event and delved into Ross's experiences and observations from the 1990s through to the 2010s.

Ross begins by describing the warmth and security felt amidst individuals at the event, a stark contrast to the lack of support experienced in their family environment. The safe space, as outlined by Ross, is an environment where individuals can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or aggression. These spaces are highlighted as vitally important, acknowledging that such freedom is not always present in everyday life.

During the interview, Ross recounts their presentation at a human rights conference on the often-overlooked legal challenges faced by bisexual people, citing the absence of research in New Zealand on this topic. Furthermore, they discuss how marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in impoverished countries, are left vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Ross also illuminates the issues of bisexual invisibility within the queer community, sharing personal anecdotes and historical instances highlighting discrimination against bisexual individuals. An alarming example provided recounts an episode in the early 1990s, where the term 'bisexual' had to be fought for inclusion in New Zealand's Human Rights Act; activists even faced hostile exclusion signs at a fundraising event.

Mentioning the psychological impact, Ross points out that mental health statistics for bisexual individuals are particularly dire due to the struggle of not being accepted in either the heterosexual or homosexual community. The issue is further complexified by the reluctance of others to accept the fluidity of bisexual identity, preferring to maintain a simplified, binary perspective on sexuality.

Looking towards the future, Ross expresses hope for continued progress, heralded by initiatives like non-gendered bathrooms in Wellington high schools, and envisions an ideal world in 30 years. They dream of a society where queer individuals can be out at work without repercussions and young people are taught to reject homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia—a world where bullying in schools becomes a relic of the past.

The challenge of navigating a ‘double life’ is also discussed, revealing the personal concealment of one's queer identity in professional settings, highlighting the disheartening yet sometimes necessary practice of hiding one's true self and the complexity of potentially being outed.

Wrapping up the interview, Ross's articulation of the subject matter underlines not only the personal challenges of living a bisexual, genderqueer life but also underscores the broader hurdles faced by queer communities in the quest for acceptance and equity. The significance of advocating for inclusivity in both microcosms, such as personal relationships and workplaces, and in broader legislative frameworks is underscored as a crucial element in shaping a more accepting and supportive society for all sexual orientations and gender identities. The documented discussion is a testament to the ongoing need for dialogue, research, and change in the recognition and rights of the bisexual community, as well as the larger LGBTQ+ populace.

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.

Nathan Ross

1990s, 2010s, acceptance, aotearoa new zealand, australia, biphobia, bisexual, bisexual erasure, bullying, climate change, clothing, discrimination, diversity, double life, employment, expression, fear, gay, gender-neutral, gender-neutral toilets, genderqueer, homophobia, homophobic bullying, homosexual law reform, human rights, human rights act (1993), invisibility, judgement, language, law, makeup, marriage, mental health, misogyny, nathan ross, out in the park (wellington), out in the square (wellington), proud 2016 (wellington), queer, racism, research, safe space, school, straight, sydney, transgender, transphobia, waitangi park, wellington, work

change, coming out, community, conference, dance, events, face, family, friends, gender, god, health, heterosexual, homosexual, homosexual law reform, journal, news, normal, other, pacific, people, quiz, rainbow, sexuality, so gay, social, space, statistics, stuff, suit, time, trans, truth, unnatural, values, vulnerability, walking