Elizabeth Kerekere

This summary provides a condensed overview of an interview with Elizabeth Kerekere, conducted by Jac Lynch, focusing on Kerekere's early activism and contribution to the homosexual law reform in Aotearoa New Zealand during the 1980s. The podcast reflects on Kerekere's journey from Gisborne to an influential activist and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, with a primary focus on Māori (indigenous peoples of New Zealand) perspectives and inclusivity.

During the interview, Kerekere recounts early involvement in different political groups, emphasizing the importance of uniting various groups with diverse viewpoints to support each other's causes. The cooperation model valued the shared interests over differences and allowed for mutual support on key issues within their respective communities.

The conversation sheds light on Kerekere’s active role in the communities in Dunedin, including participation in the Black Women's movement and support for the homosexual law reform. By engaging in dialogue with Maori communities, Kerekere challenged cultural misconceptions and promoted acceptance, creating a narrative that integrated gender and sexual diversity within cultural values.

Kerekere's work as an activist is deeply rooted in engaging with cultural and political elements to foster a supportive environment for diverse identities. This emphasis on identity and acceptance reflects in the creation of Tiwhanawhana, an organization that serves as a safe space for Māori LGBTQ+ individuals to engage with their cultural roots.

The interview also touches on the significance of the Homosexual Law Reform Act (1986), which catalyzed discussions on sexual orientation, acceptance, and rights. Kerekere reflects on the act’s role in prompting conversations about LGBTQ+ issues within families and the broader community. An acknowledgement is given to the nationally divisive issue of church influence on attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, discussing the complexities this introduced within the Maori community.

Moving to Wellington in the late 1980s was a milestone for Kerekere, enabling them to participate in the Te Papa project and contribute to the design of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This led to further opportunities, including featuring art in Parliament and launching a resource booklet, "Takatāpui: Part of the Whanau," which combined academic research with accessible information on LGBTQ+ identity within Māori culture.

The booklet aims to educate and provide support about the cultural significance of takatāpui (a Māori term encompassing Māori LGBTQ+ identities) while advocating for understanding and combating discrimination. The resource highlights the importance of acknowledging takatāpui as a natural part of Māori identity, arguing against stigma and the damage it causes to individuals and their connection to their cultural heritage.

In the latter part of the podcast, Kerekere envisions a national rainbow strategy that would outline the community's priorities across various sectors and foster cross-country coordination and support. They stress the importance of honoring ancestors and elders and the role of peer support and youth mentorship as critical elements in the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.

The recording concludes by discussing the potential controversy the resource booklet might generate due to challenging religious views and conventional narratives within some Māori circles concerning LGBTQ+ realities. Nevertheless, Kerekere remains steadfast in their position and ready to engage in constructive dialogue around these topics. The interview emphasizes the pivotal role of activism in social reform and the continuous effort to integrate cultural understanding with advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities.

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.

Elizabeth Kerekere

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