‘It’s part of our culture’: Being fa’afafine in Hawke’s Bay

Summary

The video script revolves around the fa'afafine community in Hawke's Bay, a group that was non-existent in the past but has now found a comforting space through the formation of Teine o le Apu. The group, consisting of local fa'afafine individuals, aims to provide support and a sense of belonging. The script also highlights the cultural significance of fa'afafine in Samoan culture, where they are a visible and integral part of society. It showcases the community's growth, from a lack of representation to organizing events like the Manioro, which received an overwhelmingly positive response, indicating a desire for more visibility and celebration of their identity.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The script discusses the experiences of fa'afafine individuals, a third gender identity in Samoan culture, who did not have a community in Hawke's Bay when they were growing up.
• 🏡 The term 'fa'afafine' is explained as a cultural identity in Samoa, where every family has one, and it is a respected part of their society.
• 🎭 The community in Hawke's Bay has grown to include a fa'afafine group called 'Teine o le Apu', which was started a year ago to provide a comfort zone for local fa'afafine.
• 🍏 The name 'Teine o le Apu' is significant, as 'Teine' means girl or woman and 'Apu' refers to apples, symbolizing the connection to Hawke's Bay, known for its apples.
• 💄 The script includes a personal narrative of a fa'afafine individual who moved from Melbourne to Hawke's Bay and found a supportive community there.
• 🏫 The individual expresses a desire to complete a Bachelors of Nursing, showing aspirations beyond traditional gender roles.
• 🎉 The community organized a successful 'Manioro' event, which was the first Rainbow show in Hawke's Bay, indicating a growing acceptance and celebration of diversity.
• 👏 The event received overwhelming support from the Pasifika community, demonstrating a positive shift in societal attitudes towards fa'afafine individuals.
• 👧 The younger generation of fa'afafine is inspired by the visibility and freedom of expression of older fa'afafine, reflecting a positive impact on identity formation.
• 💬 The script also touches on the challenges faced by fa'afafine individuals, such as the fear of bullying and the need to find acceptance and community support.

Q & A

What does the term 'fa'afafine' refer to in the context of the transcript?

In the context of the transcript, 'fa'afafine' refers to a Samoan term for a third gender person who is assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman or a feminine person.

Why did the speaker feel scared about moving back to Hawke's Bay?

The speaker was scared to move back to Hawke's Bay because they were afraid of being bullied, as they had not been as 'womanly' when living in Melbourne and were concerned about the reception they would receive in their hometown.

What is the significance of the name 'Teine o le Apu' for the group mentioned in the transcript?

The name 'Teine o le Apu' signifies a group of fa'afafine individuals living in Hawke's Bay. 'Teine' means women or girls, and 'Apu' refers to apples, which is a nod to the majority of seasonal workers in Hastings being from Samoa and the association of the region with apples.

What was the first event organized by the Teine o le Apu group, and how was it received?

The first event organized by the Teine o le Apu group was the Manioro, which was the first Rainbow show in Hawke's Bay. It was met with a full house and overwhelming support from the Pasifika community, leaving the organizers speechless and planning for a longer showcase in the future.

How does the fa'afafine culture manifest in Samoan society according to the speaker?

In Samoan society, as described by the speaker, every family has a fa'afafine, and they are an integral part of the culture. They are visible in various social events, chapels, and functions, and their presence is a common and accepted aspect of Samoan life.

What was the speaker's childhood realization about their identity?

The speaker realized they were a fa'afafine at around the age of five, which is a significant aspect of their personal identity.

What is the speaker's educational goal mentioned in the transcript?

The speaker's educational goal is to complete a Bachelors of Nursing, which they express as a way to look after people when they get old.

How did the speaker's approach to makeup change after moving to Hawke's Bay?

After moving to Hawke's Bay, the speaker came out more and adopted a more 'womanly' appearance, which included doing their makeup, unlike when they were living in Melbourne.

What was the feedback received after the Manioro event, and what is the group's response to it?

The feedback received after the Manioro event was that people wished it was longer. In response, the group is planning a longer showcase to cater to the community's enthusiasm.

What does the speaker imply about the younger generation's reaction to seeing older fa'afafine individuals?

The speaker implies that the younger generation is excited and inspired by seeing older fa'afafine individuals who live freely and authentically, which brings back memories from the speaker's own childhood and the influence of the older generation on them.

What was the makeup product mentioned by the speaker that they had to work with back in Samoa?

The makeup product mentioned by the speaker that they had to work with back in Samoa was 'Thin Lizzy', which they had to let set into their skin.