Sworn in last Thursday, replacing Darleen Tana of the Green Party, Benjamin Doyle (they/them/ia)is breaking new ground becoming the first ever openly non-binary MP in Parliament, but who are they?
Benjamin Doyle, the 18th ranked candidate on the party list brings a background of education and kaupapa Māori to their new role.
Doyle of Ngā Puhi and Pākehā grew up in Whangaparāoa but moved to Auckland to attend University.
Doyle was a teacher at Auckland Girl’s Grammar School and Manurewa High School, later they held positions of Head of Māori at Melville High School and head of social sciences at Rototuna Senior High School.
They then worked as a kaupapa Māori researcher and facilitator at the University of Waikato, and as a community organiser for artists and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Until becoming an MP they worked at Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, New Zealand’s national HIV prevention and healthcare organisation.
Doyle identifies as non-binary, takatāpui and whaikaha (disabled).
In a recent interview, Doyle said they’ve felt forced to be political in their life.
“Just existing as I am, feels, like, it’s forced me to be political,” they said.
“You know, my identity is intersectional. I’m queer, takatāpui. I’m Māori, Pākehā. I live with a disability. But on the other hand, I’m also incredibly privileged, I’ve had access to healthcare and education that many aren’t lucky enough to have.
“I have a very intersectional identity, and that has forced me to be politicised, you know, to fight for what my rights are, the rights of my community, my whakapapa.”
Photo Credit: RNZ
