Benjamin Doyle's Maiden Statement: A Reflection on Identity, Rights, and Environmental Stewardship

In an impactful maiden statement delivered in Parliament, Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle addressed several critical issues, weaving together themes of identity, trans rights, environmental sustainability, social justice, and global interconnectedness. His speech served as both a personal introduction and a call for systemic change.

Trans Rights and the Legacy of Georgina Beyer

Doyle began by commemorating International Trans Day of Remembrance, emphasizing its importance in celebrating trans lives as taonga (treasures) and recognizing iawhiti rights as integral to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He highlighted the violence and systemic discrimination faced by the trans community, attributing much of this hate to colonial influences. In honoring Georgina Beyer, New Zealand’s first trans member of Parliament, Doyle acknowledged her role in paving the way for future generations of trans leaders.

Intersectionality: Identity Beyond Binaries

Reflecting on his own identity as a takatāpui (queer, non-binary) descendant of Ngāpuhi, Doyle spoke about the complexity and interwoven nature of personal identities. He advocated for understanding beyond gender expression or appearance, urging respect based on character and intellect.

Advocating for Disability Rights Amidst Chronic Illness

Doyle shared his experiences living with a chronic illness, emphasizing that disabilities do not need to be visible to warrant equitable rights and respect in healthcare, employment, housing, and social spheres. He highlighted New Zealand's high prevalence of such conditions, noting that 20,000 New Zealanders manage this daily—one of the highest prevalences globally.

Environmental Concerns Through an Indigenous Lens

Doyle criticized neo-liberal policies that prioritize profit over environmental health, advocating for a harmonious relationship with te taiao (the natural world). Drawing from indigenous teachings, he emphasized the need to respect and learn from these wisdom systems rather than exploiting the Earth. He connected environmental degradation to broader societal injustices.

Social Justice Movements and Collective Action

Referencing recent social movements like Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti, which arrived on Parliament grounds that week with tens of thousands of participants, Doyle underscored the power of collective action in challenging divisive political rhetoric and policies. He called for transformative changes across societal systems, including poverty eradication, tax reform, healthcare improvements, and environmental protection.

Global Injustices and Interconnected Struggles

In a poignant moment, Doyle recited a poem by Refaat Alareer, who was murdered in December 2023 by an Israeli Occupying Forces air strike during Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza. He connected local social justice efforts with global liberation movements in regions like Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, the Congo, Kanaky, and West Papua. Doyle emphasized the interconnectedness of struggles against colonization and capitalism worldwide.

Conclusion: Radical Love as a Guiding Principle

Throughout his statement, Doyle consistently emphasized themes of love, respect, and radical change as foundational principles guiding efforts toward social justice, environmental sustainability, and global liberation. His call for "radical love" challenges conventional approaches to societal issues, advocating instead for actions that liberate both individuals and communities from oppression.

Benjamin Doyle’s maiden statement is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of personal identity, social justice, and environmental stewardship. It calls upon Parliamentarians and citizens alike to embrace these principles in their pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future.