Don't Be Afraid To Be YOU | Akanuanua Podcast

Welcome to the Akanuanua Podcast! A space to unpack what its like being a part of the ever-evolving MVPFAFF Queer Pasifika community.

The Talanoa is guided by our host, Doron Semu. He is an ‘afakasi Samoan siapo maker, acupuncturist and community advocate raised in Tamaki Makaurau,  Aotearoa. His most recent interview with Tagata Pasifika on conversion therapy has  opened conversations within the pasifika  religious community about the treatment  of the LGBTQIA+ community. He has been  a guest on podcasts such as ‘A thoughtful  faith’ and ‘Malaga’. Over summer, he held  community workshops with support with  from Rainbow Youth for the queer Pasifika  and Maori community.  

In this episode of Akanuanua our host Doran sits down today with Bianca Hope Dawson Puia.

She is a trans woman who, with the support of her family, is undertaking gender-affirming surgery. While at High School, Bianca challenged her school and principal by working with her local MP to allow her and other gender diverse students to wear the school uniform that best reflects their identity. Bianca is breathtaking, bold and brave. She is unapologetically her.

The two talk about Biancas fight to wear the girls uniform in High School, transitioning and so much more! 

You can watch Bianca's Akanuanua series episode here:

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