Audio from the E oho! Mana Takatāpui event held at the National Library on 11 August 2022. The event celebrated 50 years since the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in Aotearoa with mana wahine Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, in conversation with leading mana takatāpui (Māori LGBTQIA+ leaders). This recording was sourced via the livestream. A special thank you to the participants and organisers for allowing this event to be recorded and shared.
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The event "E oho! Mana Takatāpui," recorded at the National Library in Wellington on August 11, 2022, brought together prominent voices including Fiona Lam Sheung, Kassie Hartendorp, Kevin Haunui, Lynne Russell, Nate Rowe, Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, and Tīwhanawhana to discuss the historical and contemporary experiences of the Takatāpui community, covering decades from the 1970s through to the 2020s.
The event kicked off with an acknowledgment of the cold weather and the appreciation expressed for those who braved it to attend. It was mentioned that the event would cover stories of gay liberation and its relevance today. Questions were encouraged both from online participants and those in the room.
A central theme emerged around the journey of gay liberation from the past to the present, with an emphasis on being true to one's identity and the sense of community that has provided a safe and inclusive space. The speakers reflected on their personal stories, sharing the challenges and triumphs they faced in embracing their sexuality and the complexities of coming out to family and the public.
One notable contribution came from Kevin, who discussed the significance of asserting one's identity while also honoring one's Maori heritage. Kevin spoke movingly about the experiences that molded their perspective on liberation, involving acceptance within the community and the strength found in unity and visibility.
The narrative also highlighted intimate life experiences of growing up, the internal struggle with self-acceptance, and the external challenge of seeking validation from society. Kassie Hartendorp shared deep personal stories about the insidious nature of homophobia and the ongoing fight to overcome the shame it can create, despite progress in rights and acceptance.
Another aspect of the discussion was the interplay between personal freedom and collective responsibility, as speakers recounted their journeys of claiming their space in society, underscoring the ongoing battle for recognition and the need to commemorate those who paved the way. They emphasized the importance of storytelling, which serves as a powerful tool to honor lived experiences and assert presence in public narratives.
Ngahuia Te Awekotuku enriched the conversation by sharing a poignant story titled "Remembering Them," which provided a glimpse into the intricacies of identity, family, and the roles individuals play within them. The story underscored the resilience, contributions, and sacrifices made by those who dared to live authentically in the face of adversity.
The session concluded with a sense of unity and hope, acknowledging that the fight for equality continues and the importance of drawing strength from the community, as well as the privilege and responsibility of using one's position to support others.
The event was punctuated by a closing karakia from Nate Rowe, which reflected on the dawn of a new day and the continuous opportunities it brings.
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.
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1970s, 2020s, craccum (student magazine), e oho! mana takatāpui (event), fiona lam sheung, kassie hartendorp, kevin haunui, kāi tahu, kāti māmoe, lynne russell, nate rowe, nga tamatoa, ngahuia te awekotuku, ngati tuwharetoa, ngāi tūhoe, ngāpuhi, ngāti kahungunu, ngāti pareraukawa, ngāti porou, ngāti rangi, ngāti Ūenuku, rangitāne, takatāpui, te arawa, te wainui ā ru, tīwhanawhana, tūhoe, women's liberation movement, Āti hau
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