Panel explores intersectionality for Ōtautahi Pride week
Ara hosts Human Rights Commission event
Expert panel (L-R) Jelly O'Shea, Jimirah Baliza, Alex Faimalo and Akira Le Fevre
The meaning of intersectionality and how it impacts and enriches the lives of the LGBTIQA+ community was explored in a panel discussion at Ara’s City campus this week.
The event “Weaving the Rainbow” was organised by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata (The Human Rights Commission) for Ōtautahi Christchurch Pride 2025.
Facilitator Prudence Walker Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner
In the discussion, led by Prudence Walker (Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner), the audience heard that intersectionality is in all of us and something to be celebrated. Joining her were local LGBTIQA+ leaders Akira Le Fevre, Jimirah Baliza, Alex Faimalo and Jelly O'Shea. Walker opened the discussion by asking the panel what intersectionality meant to them and how the concept builds understanding of diverse experiences.
Dedicated mum, wife, and the Team Leader of Youth Advisors at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Alex Faimalo said the term would have been useful to know as a ‘kid growing up in the North of England. “I was defined at different times or bullied in fact for being 'the brown kid’ or ‘the gay kid’. Intersectionality means I can be proud to be all things – I'm not defined by one thing,” she said.
National Lead for Rainbow Communities in the Consumer Engagement and Whānau Voice team for Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Akira Le Fevre (Te Arawa | Ngāti Pikiao) said for him intersectionality was “all things that make him unique”.
“It’s probably only in the last 5-10 years it’s become familiar. For me it’s my Māori culture, it’s my Asian ethnicity, it’s my disability, it’s my rainbow identity – it's all of those interconnecting things that make me who I am.”
“I think everyone has intersectionality. Whether it’s your faith, your age, your gender, your gender identity, your lived experience,” he said.
The event also explored how the diversity of intersecting enriched the rainbow community but also posed layered challenges.
Panellist Jelly O’Shea who has experience in reshaping narratives and empowering marginalised voices in the intersex and rainbow communities said challenges should be seen as opportunities.
“A lot of the times when I come up against culture clashes, homophobia or transphobia... I can feel empathy for the lack of educational resource for that person who’s stuck in ideas of ‘norms’ that we know aren’t actually true,” they said. “We can open up that door by people living their proud fabulous lives and demonstrating that the world can be a more interesting place.”
The panel closed with words of encouragement for rainbow people navigating the complexities of their intersecting identities and practical advice for fostering inclusivity.
Co-chair of Qtopia, Jimirah Baliza, encouraged those gathered to be visible and “build a village”. As to whānau, organisations, allies, communities, and individuals seeking to support people in their intersectionality?
“Don’t be afraid. Get uncomfortable going into a conversation where you’re probably going to get things wrong. It's part of learning,” Baliza said.
