Valery Wichman is an LGBT rights activist from the Cook Islands. She is the president of the Te Tiare Association, the oldest association for LGBT rights in the Cook Islands, and has been involved with the group since its inception in 2008.[1][2]
Early life and education edit
Wichman grew up in Rarotonga.[3] She began attending the University of Auckland in 2007.[3]
Career edit
In 2016 Wichman was admitted to the High Court in New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor.[3]
Wichman works as a solicitor and barrister for the Cook Islands' government, and has worked in the role of Director of Central Policy and Planning.[3]
Activism edit
Through the Te Tiare Association, Wichman has worked since 2019 to petition the government to repeal the country's laws which criminalises homosexuality.[4]
Honours and recognition edit
Wichman was chosen for the University of Auckland's 2021 40 Under 40 list.[5]
In February 2024 she was awarded the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, becoming the first Pacific person to receive the award.[6]
Personal life edit
Wichman is a trans woman.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b "Cook Islands' original path toward equality". www.unaids.org. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ "Sharing the Cook Islands' human rights story at World Pride event". Cook Islands News. 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ a b c d "Valentino Wichman - The University of Auckland". www.auckland.ac.nz. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ "Cooks Islands rainbow community lobbies for constitutional rights". RNZ. 2020-09-02. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ "Wichman named on prestigious 40 Under 40 list". Cook Islands News. 2021-11-09. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ "'We must respect each other despite our differences' says Cook Islands LGBTQI+ activist". RNZ. 10 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.