Meet the LGBTQI Pacific Islanders overcoming a ‘colonial mindset’ and ‘narrative of shame’ to embrace their true selves

 | 
05/30/2022

From an early age, Kalisito Biaukula stood out as the “loudest, wildest, craziest, most androgynous” child in what was a very traditional Fijian family. “I know growing up I know I was different. I believe that I was born trapped in the wrong body,” they said. The 25-year-old broadcaster and activist is vakasalewalewa, an iTaukei term that describes a third gender, or people assigned male at birth but who have a feminine gender expression. “I think in three generations of my family, none of them were queer or different. I was the only one,” they said. “It was also a derogatory term used to call out queer people as evil or wrong during colonisation, but I am reclaiming the name as a form of empowerment and resilience.”

Regions: , , ,

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 11/04/2024
11/03/2024
The West African nation of Mali, which has been ruled by a military junta for more than three years, has voted for a new …
Added on: 11/04/2024
11/03/2024
On 22 October, Chinese host and dancer Jin Xing sparked an online uproar with a lengthy post on Weibo charging that her performance application …
Added on: 11/04/2024
11/03/2024
Japan’s Tokyo High Court ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional during a hearing on Wednesday. The Tokyo court ruled that the …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from , , ,

Added on: 10/30/2024
A man who was kicked out of LGBTQIA+ venue The Wickham because wearing a Donald Trump ‘TRUMP 2024’ hat has asked for an apology. …
Added on: 10/25/2024
At least two publications aimed at educating young teens about sex could be removed from Port Macquarie library if a review by council staff …
Added on: 10/15/2024
Firing teachers for being gay will remain legal in certain NSW schools after equality advocates relented in the face of a concerted campaign from …