To the editor

Joanne Proctor notes trans people have the freedom to define themselves and often have to live with other people's theories about why they exist ("Gender inquiry loses plot" - 15/08/07). This is precisely why the Commission's Transgender Inquiry does not focus on such theories. The 130 people making submissions to the Inquiry have many ways of describing themselves, but they share a common humanity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and worth." Trans people have the same human rights as other New Zealanders. 

Most importantly, the Inquiry is focused on practical issues facing trans people: discrimination, limited access to many health services, and difficulties getting their sex legally recognised. Making progress will help to ensure that the dignity, equality and security of trans people is recognised and protected, matters on which we hopefully all agree.


Joy Liddicoat
Commissioner, Human Rights Commission
joyl@hrc.co.nz
Ph: (04) 471 6757
Cell: 021 263 2753