Post by Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

Coverage that frames major social development, like Homosexual Law Reform, as ‘easy to take for granted’ must negate the lived experiences of those that still walk among us. Facilitated by the kaupapa of 40 Years and Adhikaar Aotearoa, our kaimahi were honoured to sit amongst an array of community legends Folks like The Hon Michael Kirby, Former Justice of the High Court, and his Husband, Johan van Vloten. Of their relationship, our own Shawn Wimalaratne shared that ‘[it was] such a privilege to witness the relationship of Michael and his Husband Johan,’ noting that ‘It’s rare to see queer relationships represented at their age, so it made me a lil 🥹' It’s moments like these where we develop a truer understanding of the deep whakapapa of queer history, activism, and experience in Aotearoa.