Tabby Besley

This summary encapsulates the content of an interview with Tabby Besley, a prominent figure from InsideOUT, recorded at the Queer History in the Making event. InsideOUT is a national youth organization dedicated to supporting young people with diverse sexualities, sexes, and genders in schools and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. In the interview, conducted by Gareth Watkins, Besley discusses the growth and developments of the organization since its last mention.

Besley highlights recent accomplishments which include receiving the Queen's Young Leader award. This award provided significant visibility and media attention, helping the organization expand its reach. The impact of the award went beyond recognition, bringing opportunities such as a trip to the UK to meet the Queen, participating in a residential program, completing an online course at the University of Cambridge, and receiving mentorship for a year.

InsideOUT's efforts to involve young people in its organization and events stand out, ensuring content and workshops remain highly relevant and appropriate for the youth community. Besley emphasizes the importance of young people driving the initiative to ensure representation and better contextual understanding.

The interview also sheds light on Besley's interactions with other young activists from around the world during the trip to the UK, particularly noting the various challenges faced in different countries. While in Manchester, Besley visited an inspiring LGBT center and café that serves as a model for potential similar ventures in New Zealand. Besley also articulates concerns about the atmosphere of acceptance among award winners from countries where homosexuality is criminalized, pleasantly noting the supportive and empathetic environment encountered.

Moreover, the conversation touches upon the 30th anniversary of the homosexual law reform in New Zealand, where Besley acknowledges the progress made for rainbow communities but calls attention to the ongoing struggles in areas like bullying in schools, healthcare accessibility, especially for rural and transgender communities, and the higher suicide rates among LGBTQI+ youth. Besley stresses the urgency to address these issues, advocating for a safer and more supportive environment.

Lastly, the interview briefly delves into Besley's interactions with notable figures, including the Queen during the award ceremony. Despite the overwhelming nature of these encounters, Besley raised awareness about LGBTQI+ issues on an international stage.

The recording is an insightful glimpse into the intersections of youth leadership, LGBTQI+ advocacy, and community building in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand's social and political climate.

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.

Tabby Besley

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