When it comes to gender, Selena Pirika feels she got the best of both worlds growing up, something that has stood her in good stead for her new role as the AIDS Foundation's Whakawahine (Maori male to female transgender) Health Promoter. She says her marae upbringing encompassed her gender identity. Being allowed to learn traditional skills pertaining to men and women has been one of the primary sources of strength and confirmation for her – as well as her grandmother. "Through her I was able to see myself overcoming a lot of barriers," she recalls. "I was confident enough to stand up and be accountable for the fact that I was Maori and Whakawahine. I wasn't dominated by one gender. I had the opportunity and insight of covering both genders, which was quite good for me." Pirika will be based at the Awhina Centre in Wellington as part of the AIDS Foundation's Hau Ora Takatâpui team, which has the primary role of HIV prevention education among Maori communities. Her work will involve promoting safe sex within Whakawahine communities, helping to create supportive environments within Maori whanau for Whakawahine, and liaising with Maori health services and relevant government agencies regarding issues of relevance to Whakawahine.