Shaneel Lal (they/them)

Young New Zealander of the Year 2023, author and activist who helped lead the ban on conversion therapy.

Shaneel Lal is many things − an LGBTQIA+ activist, an author and journalist, a political commentator and a University student. Through it all, they have been a consistent and courageous voice for thousands of people across Aotearoa, calling out injustice and empowering others to stand up for what they believe in.

As a survivor of conversion therapy, Shaneel founded the Conversion Therapy Action Group, and spearheaded the movement to end conversion therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand, successfully passing legislation in 2022 after a five-year campaign. Shaneel is advocating to protect queer people under hate speech laws and change the blood donation policies to ease the process for gay and bisexual men to donate blood. Shaneel has served as an executive board member of Rainbow Youth and Auckland Pride Festival and is a trustee of Adhikaar Aotearoa. In the face of racism, criticism and bigotry, Shaneel has continued to raise their voice for queer and indigenous communities across Aotearoa.

Speaking Themes: Activism and advocacy, diversity & inclusion, social justice, storytelling.
Offering: Keynote Speaker, Panelist