Blake Skjellerup's letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Blake has just hand delivered his Pink Shirt Day letter to Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key. Here's the letter, as published on Blake's Hypervocal blog:


Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister
Parliament Office
Private Bag 18888
Parliament Buildings
Wellington New Zealand 6160

14 April 2011

Dear Prime Minister,

Homophobia is an extreme, irrational aversion to homosexuality. Ignorance and intolerance affect many minorities across our country — people of different ethnicity and religion, people with disabilities or physical differences, and people who do not fit into the category of normal are treated as second-class citizens.

Over the past two weeks, I have been working with an organization in Nelson called Q-Youth. Q-Youth is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-based support group. Primarily established to support these youths, its services are open to any young person who may need a positive and welcoming space.

During my time here in Nelson I have come to learn the story of one boy. After two years of torment and bullying, four weeks ago it escalated with the attempt by some of his peers to run him over with a motor vehicle. This prompted the immediate transfer of his education to another school.

Today was Pink Shirt Day, a nationwide day to stand against bullying. A comment the aforementioned boy made to me was “I bought this pink shirt last year, I was too afraid to wear it until today.” The difference between today, and one year ago, is that he now attends a school with a strong Gay Straight Alliance.

Gay Straight Alliances are an initiative that allows gay and straight students to come together as a school group. As you will remember, adolescence can be a challenging time. The support the youth provide one another is invaluable.

The smallest difference can greatly impact a person’s school experience and, indeed, their lives forever. There are many simple and effective ways that a school can make to ensure every student feels safe, and that every student is valued and cared for.

As our Prime Minister, the people of New Zealand look to you — they respect you. Having come from a background of limited privilege, you all too well understand what it takes to improve the quality of one’s life. You now have the power to improve the lives of so many. You have the power to improve the lives of those who are unable to fight for their own.

I hope that you will join me in what is certain to be a long journey ahead. Together we will make a positive difference to the lives of an often forgotten, but no less important, minority. Together we will pave the way for a diverse and culturally vibrant Aotearoa.

Regards,
Blake Skjellerup