Gay NT MP Chansey Paech marries his partner in New Orleans

Gay Northern Territory MP Chansey Paech has married his American long-term partner.

The couple were married in New Orleans, the home city of Chansey’s partner Dr. Christophe Jackson.

Christophe, who works in neurology and urology, took to social media to share the news.

“On December 18, 2024 I married my partner, husband in my home of New Orleans with family and friends in a way only New Orleans could bring it,” he said.

“Music, warmth, food, dance, drink and friends! It’s the way we hope to live our lives. I choose you Chansey Paech forever.”

The couple were married on the ninth anniversary of the day they met.

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A post shared by Dr. Christophe Jackson (@uroneurodaddypa)

Australia’s first gay Indigenous MP

In 2016, Chansey became the first openly gay Indigenous man elected to parliament in Australia.

In his maiden speech, he asserted his identity with pride.

“I am young, I am gay, I am black,” he said.

The 37-year-old became the Northern Territory’s Attorney General in May 2022 and Deputy Chief Minister in late 2023.

In the 2024 election, the NT’s Labor Party were ousted by the Country Liberal Party, although Paech retained his seat of Gwoja.

Not giving up his NT job

His wedding sparked some commentary that he would leave parliament to move to the United States.

Something he took to social media to decline.

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A post shared by Chansey Paech MLA (@chanseypaechmla)

“As there’s some media speculation I can confirm that I married my partner in New Orleans before Christmas,” he said.

“I look forward to returning home to the NT in a few days and kicking off the New Year getting down to work in Gwoja. And for those asking. We are not going anywhere. I Love my job and I love Central Australia.”