Jennifer Katherine Shields

LGBTQIA+ advocate

Jennifer Shields (she/they) is the Healthcare Lead at Qtopia, an LGBTQIA+ social change and support service based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand.1 2 As a prominent LGBTQIA+ community advocate and educator, Jennifer plays a significant role in advancing healthcare and support for the rainbow community.2

Professional Roles

Jennifer currently holds several important positions:

Healthcare Lead at Qtopia: In this role, she focuses on improving healthcare access and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.1 2
Interim Director at Qtopia: She has taken on additional leadership responsibilities within the organization.2 3
President of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA): This position highlights her expertise and influence in transgender healthcare.4

Advocacy and Education

Jennifer is known for her work in:

Community advocacy: She actively advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and improved services.2
Education: Jennifer provides training for healthcare professionals, including GPs, on LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs.6
Public speaking: She participates in discussions and interviews about gender diversity and transgender health.5

Personal Background

Jennifer's journey in LGBTQIA+ advocacy began early in her life. At 17, she started her own gender-affirming healthcare journey, which has informed her passion for improving healthcare access for others in the community.6

Jennifer Shields is recognized as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional in the field of LGBTQIA+ healthcare and social support, contributing significantly to the advancement of these services in New Zealand.