Jenna-Rose

The recording titled "Jenna-Rose - Beyond Rainbows," captures a 30-minute interview recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, in November 2014. Jenna-Rose discusses personal reflections and experiences related to identity, specifically within the queer and Māori communities during the 2010s.

During the interview, Jenna-Rose shares the evolution of their identity, from the initially limited labels of the past to embracing a lesbian identity. Despite challenges, the interviewee recounts their journey, highlighting that long-term relationships with women have led to greater personal connection, as opposed to those with men. This realization became clear after a particularly tough breakup and a significant, candid conversation with their mother, who has been a pillar of support and understanding.

Family reactions to Jenna-Rose's identity have largely been positive, with their mother having a background of involvement in the queer community and being a straight ally. However, the response from other family members varied, with some showing indifference and others expressing joy.

The topic then shifts to societal expectations and stereotypes associated with being a lesbian, suggesting that Jenna-Rose doesn't fit into all stereotypes but relates to many. They detail initial struggles to be accepted within the queer community due to not fitting the typical image of a lesbian but overcame these challenges through connecting with a supportive group.

Connecting to Māori roots is discussed as an important aspect of strengthening one's identity. Jenna-Rose highlights the importance of knowledge and education in combating shame and promoting pride in one's heritage and sexuality. They share how studying Māori and philosophy provided a deeper understanding of cultural history and values, disproving any pre-colonial negativity towards queer identities among Māori.

Drawing attention to the negative effects of colonialism on views towards queer identities, Jenna-Rose believes that broader homophobia was introduced through Western influences. Despite some resistance due to the impact of Christianity on certain segments of Māori communities, they view Maori generally as inclusive.

Jenna-Rose underscores the added layer of identity as a queer Māori, blending the feeling of being part of a minority within a minority. They stress the significance of helping young queer Māori connect with their roots and culture, not just to combat feelings of isolation but to provide a sense of belonging and support.

In conclusion, Jenna-Rose advocates for the bravery, boldness, and courage as vital qualities for young queer individuals navigating their identities. They encourage friends and families to be supportive and create safe spaces for learning and understanding diverse perspectives.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

2010s, advice, aotearoa new zealand, ara taiohi, belonging, beyond rainbows (series), bisexual, change, christianity, colonialism, colonisation, coming out, confidence, courage, dating, education, experiment, family, friends, hapu, hate, history, homophobia, homosexual law reform, identity, internal stigma, internalised homophobia, iwi, jo jackson / grizz, kawa, kia kaha, language, lesbian, marae, minority, māori, ngāti kahungunu, parents, queer, reconnect, relationships, school's out (wellington), shame, siblings, stereotypes, straight ally, support, takatāpui, te ao māori, te reo māori, te wananga o raukawa, te Āti awa, tikanga, tiriti o waitangi / treaty of waitangi, ukaipotanga, understanding, wellington, wellington high school, whakama, whakapapa, whānau, women, youth

barriers, bible, birthday, boxes, community, connect, crying, culture, embarrassment, energy, environment, escape, fear, feelings, fun, gay, happiness, hit, hockey, hope, individual, journey, knowledge, labels, lgbt, love, mirror, navy, normal, opportunity, other, out loud, parenting, people, podcast, poland, rainbows, research, safer communities, school, sexuality, spaces, stole, straight, struggle, teacher, time, top, tough, transgender, treaty, trust, urban, values, video, work, youth