Pacific Peoples' and Cultures

Tit talks

Pacific Peoples' and Cultures: How queerness has shaped community and identity On how queer community and Pasifika identity intertwine, Latai had this to say: “Some of the most invisible things about Pacific culture exist because queer communities and people enable them to exist in a more visible way than some of our other more established counterparts” Latai and the other guests highlighted how embracing their queer identity allows them to also embrace their Pasifika identity. Their identities are embraced and flow into roles within their Pacific communities, whether it be in village or church. Tommy Misa spoke to how this can differ depending on context. The way his queer identity fits within the community in Samoa may not be the same as within the Pasifika community in Australia. “My Grandmother would have been the first person that recognised my queerness… her way of communicating that with me was guiding me with what my role was within village and community… everytime there was something happening it was my role to get up and Siva, to dance.” “Here [Gadigal Country] I was in a mixed Island church. That wasn’t an easy experience because it was a very conservative church… and then In my adult life living on Gadigal land in central Sydney, for many years I didn’t feel like I was connected to Pasifika people and was trying to find my place.”

Featuring

Latai Taumoepeau, Stelly G and Tommy Misa in conversation with Kilimi

This Tit Talks took place as part of a partnership between FBi Radio and The Bearded Tit that saw four panel talks delivered at The Tit across the year, drawing on themes and issues around queerness, art and identity.