Ben Cotton – Russell McVeagh Scholarship. Law and Political Studies – Victoria University

Having come out as bisexual in year 9 whilst still playing rugby at Kāpiti College, it was a rocky road for Ben. However, with a broken collar bone he was now forced to look into other activities at school, such as the arts. Barbershop, choir, drama, Shakespeare etc. This led him to becoming an Arts Captain. Ben soon went on to join the QSA group in year 11 at Kāpiti College, where he loved participating and helping out in all their event, especially the pride parade. Ben helped put together Kāpiti College’s Pink Shirt Day and Day of Silence.

Ben intends to study Law so he can fight for people’s rights and represent people who often times do not have anyone fighting for them. Ben plans on studying humanitarian law as well as political studies. “It is my dream to be able to be there for people to see that not only can someone who is LGBTQI+ represent them, but also someone who comes from a diverse cultural background”.

“Growing up from ages 4-10 in Thailand, the cultural norms and expectations made me dream of finding just a wife to have children with and settle in life. Coming back to New Zealand however, made me want, and realise so much more. Firstly, it made me realise how fortunate we are here in Aotearoa… However, whilst we may have our ‘rights’, we must continue to fight on for those who cannot… I realised that, I need to be there for people (other Ben’s) if you will, and be there to talk to people who might be confused or needing guidance.”

We know that Ben is going to make an amazing advocate for those that need his help and we are sure we will see him fulfilling important roles within our Rainbow Community as well!