Non-binary Gender Identities and Social Security Systems

Media Release

Non-Binary Gender Identities and Social Security Systems: Challenges and Opportunities (63CSW 2019)

11 March 2019, Wellington, New Zealand

Within the context of the evolving understanding of gender identities and sexuality, the United Nations Association of New Zealand, in collaboration with the San Diego Branch of the United Nations Association of the USA, will be holding an event during the United Nation’s largest gathering on gender equality: the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women.

The event will focus on non-binary gender identities and social security systems.

Please see below for details of the event.

Cultural, legal and political systems worldwide are generally based on the recognition of a person's identity via two genders: male or female. Such systems have left out the category of "citizenship" and even "human" to many who identify with other non-binary genders. The recognition of identities other than male and female in legal frameworks around the world is very rare, and where present, usually implies a long and bureaucratic process of gender change. This presents a significant obstacle for non-binary people to participate in society and exercise their right to access education, health and employment.

Amid continuing discrimination worldwide against members of the LGBTQIA+ group, the event comes at a critical moment. The main objective of the event is to highlight the importance of the legal recognition of non-binary gender identities, as key to broad access to social security networks. The panel is composed of guest speakers from New Zealand and the United States and has the support of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. The speakers will discuss good practices, current challenges and opportunities to build fair and inclusive social security networks that will support the wellbeing of all.

The event will promote the engagement of the whole UN system in this endeavor to call upon Member States for urgent and concrete action to achieve a life of dignity for all.

Leaving no one behind is a must to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Details of the event:

Date: Thursday 14 March at 12.30pm

Venue: 10th floor at Church Centre for the United Nations, UN Plaza One, New York

Co-moderators:

Stefania Marchina UNA San Diego

Dr Gill Greer UNA NZ, former Director General of IPPF (London) and CE National Council of Women of New Zealand

Speakers:

Dr Laura McQuade

President and CEO of Planned
Parenthood of New York

Saunoamaali’i Karanina
Sumeo

The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. The Commission’s advocate for human rights work on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sex Characteristics.

Stella Ivory

Honours student in Cultural Anthropology at Victoria University of Wellington where her research is focusing on LGBTQIA+ issues, and intersectional feminism.

Aych McArdle

Non-binary community advocate and LGBTI+ human rights defender based in Auckland working in the intersections between health, education and social services.

Kiara St. James

Non-binary activist from the Transgender Advocacy Task Force from New York City

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