Julia de Bres

2 weeks ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Julia de Bres

This week a tragic death was reported. Media handling of the story has only increased the harm. News broke on Thursday that V, a transgender (trans) teenager, had died alone in emergency accommodation in 2023, in the late stages of an eating disorder. It is always a tragedy when a young person dies. The grief felt by V’s parents and others who loved him must be immense. For those of us who know and love trans young people, this tragedy has an extra sting in its tail.

1 month ago | ensemblemagazine.co.nz | Julia de Bres

Julia de Bres is associate professor in Linguistics at Massey University/Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa. She regularly appears on RNZ talking about languageThis story (obviously) contains strong language and many uses of the C-word. OPINION: Last week, journalist Andrea Vance used the swear word cunt (or c… as it was spelt in print) to refer to six female government ministers, in the wake of the government’s explosive pay equity policy changes.

May 26, 2024 | onlinelibrary.wiley.com | Julia de Bres

I thank Lal Zimman for his thought-provoking piece on trans language activism (TLA) and sociolinguistic justice. Heeding his call for intersectional coalitions, I focus my comments on colonisation and decolonisation in trans-affirming language in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aotearoa is a settler colonial society, where Māori, the Indigenous people, have continuously resisted non-Māori dominance.

Apr 18, 2024 | thespinoff.co.nz | Julia de Bres

The Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The Māori health framework Te Pae Mahutonga terms this Te Mana Whakahaere: autonomy.

Jun 14, 2023 | thespinoff.co.nz | Julia de Bres