Green MP Benjamin Doyle has spoken publicly for the first time since becoming the target of what is described as a wave of “baseless, personal and violent” attacks—some of which have resulted in serious threats to personal safety and that of a child.
In an emotional media stand-up at Parliament, Doyle said criticism was expected upon entering politics—but not the level of abuse now being received.
“I knew coming to Parliament I would face prejudice and homophobia,” Doyle said. “I knew that people would not like the way I dress or speak, or the causes that I advocate for. I knew I would be under scrutiny—as is appropriate for anyone with the privilege of this position.”
“But I could never have imagined or prepared myself to be attacked in such a baseless, personal and violent way. That my life, and that of my child, would be threatened.”
According to Doyle, numerous threats have been received—some so graphic and disturbing that security advice was given not to appear in public due to real concerns for safety.
“These attacks I’ve faced have been baseless and cruel,” Doyle said. “Queer people are not a danger to children. That is an outdated and homophobic lie.”
The controversy centres around a private Instagram post featuring a series of personal images, including one of a child, which has since been deleted.
Doyle said the post included a pop culture pun in the caption referencing “Pussy Galore”—a nickname Doyle described as a satirical persona referencing pop music, drag culture, and 1960s cinema.
“For me, this term is word play,” Doyle explained. “It represents the combination of masculine and feminine qualities as a non-binary person—someone whose gender doesn’t fit into a strict category. The caption is a reference to me. It is a satirical in-joke—like a persona a drag performer or comedian might use.”
“The post was about me, and only me. Images of my child were taken without permission, stripped of their original context, and shared online in misleading and manipulative ways.”
“These attacks aren’t just coming from anonymous trolls online. Some are being driven by people with platforms and positions of power. That’s what makes this so dangerous.”
Doyle confirmed that the Green Party gave advice during candidacy to consider removing the account, but the decision was made to keep it active.
“I can admit that I was politically naive, and we’ve paid a huge price for that naivety. But I came to Parliament to be my full, authentic self—and to represent my communities in the most honest and unapologetic way possible.”
When asked if there were regrets about not taking the party’s advice, Doyle said: “I could never have predicted or foreseen the level of violent hate I would receive. We couldn’t have prepared for the degree of manipulation that’s taken place.”
According to Doyle, stepping away from politics is not an option.
“If I were to walk away from this space, our community would lose a voice—and we don’t have many in here. Especially non-binary, takatāpui people. I’m not going to be disappeared by hate.”
Conspiracy theories surrounding the post, including claims about emoji symbolism, were also addressed.
“There have been concerns raised about the use of the spiral emoji. I was not aware of any conspiracy attached to it. In Aotearoa, we are surrounded by Māori motifs like the koru. I don’t know a single person who would look at a spiral and think anything malicious.”
Doyle said language and symbolism used in the rainbow community is often misunderstood by those outside it.
“We’re not a monolith. The rainbow community is rich and diverse. We use language in different ways. I know that ‘busi’ is not a term every rainbow person uses or likes—but it’s something that’s commonly understood by my friends and community. It’s a part of our culture, and that context matters.”
Doyle ended the address with a call for Parliament and the public to reject hate-fuelled rhetoric.
“We have a choice as Members of Parliament to reject this imported culture war of hate and division. The vast majority of New Zealanders won’t tolerate this. They don’t want queer people bullied out of public life. We must do better—because that’s what the people of Aotearoa deserve.”
