Marilyn Waring

In this abstract, we summarize an interview with Marilyn Waring, conducted by Gareth Watkins on November 6th, 2012. During the interview, Waring reflects on their political journey, starting with a deep-rooted interest in politics from a young age, evolving through academia, and culminating in their tenure as a Member of Parliament (MP) in New Zealand from 1975-1984.

Waring's entry into politics was partly attributed to a reaction against the stigma and discrimination prevalent at the time, particularly towards the gay community; this became a catalyst for joining the National Party. Their involvement with the National Party was also influenced by a desire to challenge the lack of female representation, which led to an attempt to secure a parliamentary seat regarded at the time as unwinnable for a 22-year-old. However, despite expectations, Waring was successful in their candidacy for the Raglan seat.

Waring’s political career was marked by a distinct lack of diplomacy and a love for music. They remained actively involved in feminist politics, especially during the 1975 International Women’s Year, which provided an energetic backdrop for their advocacy efforts. Their role in Parliament encompassed influential involvement in important causes such as opposition to sporting contacts with South Africa and nuclear weapon proliferation.

During their time in office, Waring experienced being outed as gay by the NZ Truth publication in 1976. This episode became a turning point—not just for Waring, but for New Zealand's perceptions surrounding privacy and personal identity in public life. Waring's visibility as a gay MP would subsequently influence and empower others within the community. The portrayal of Waring by the media and the subsequent public defense revealed a shift in societal attitudes concerning personal lives of public figures.

While this period was significant for the LGBTI community, Waring's political journey was also closely intertwined with women’s rights and overarching humanitarian issues. The interview sheds light on their continuous fight for human dignity and gender equality, contributing to the foundation for further advancements in legislation pertaining to human rights, including the anticipated progress in marriage equality and gender identity. It is evident that Waring's resilience through personal and political challenges was driven by a powerful mix of principle and a deep-seated dedication to social justice.

Throughout the interview, a sense of humor and a critical view of inequities and outdated attitudes resonates. There is also an acknowledgment of key mentors and supporters such as George Gair and Catherine O'Regan, who provided guidance and advocacy. The recording comes to a close with Waring anticipating the path forward for the LGBTI community, highlighting the need to address issues of gender identity and the rights of intersex and transgender people.

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.

Marilyn Waring

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