Atlan Kenny — Bachelor of Music and Psychology — Victoria University of Wellington

Atlan is working towards a degree in Music Therapy, to foster strong queer communities with the help of music. His identity as a queer trans man is linked intrinsically to his career goals in helping young adults through music.

Being the Wellbeing prefect of his kura has involved him working closely with many of his school’s student support networks to help marginalised identities throughout the school. As one few transgender students attending the same-sex school, The inclusion of pants in the uniform, through his time at school, has shown how LGBTQ+ representation can overcome many traditional ideas of same-sex schooling. Being in music, dance and theater groups throughout school and various other leadership roles across the performing arts space, including choirs and instrumental groups, Atlan has lived a busy high school career with many national and international achievements to show for it. Through his roles in debate club and Model UN, Atlan continues to be a loud queer voice in his community, fighting for more inclusion.

In entering his study as a music therapist, Atlan has combined his love of music teaching and community support, to create a career tailored around supporting Aotearoa’s youth of tomorrow.  By giving queer musicians, and youth, spaces to flourish, he believes that many of his own struggles can be resolved in new generations. Music therapy enables him to connect with people on a new level and continue the passion that has sparked his unrelenting advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in Aotearoa.