Tiwhanawhana 20 Years On - interviews

This abstract summarizes a recording titled "Tiwhanawhana 20 Years On - interviews," which captures an event held on March 15, 2021, at Thistle Hall in Wellington. The celebration marked the twentieth anniversary of Tiwhanawhana, an organization situated at the intersection of Māori culture and the LGBTQI community. The recording features interviews with prominent members of the community, including Chanel Hati, Daejah Biddle, De'Anne Jackson, Elizabeth Kerekere, Jem Traylen, Kassie Hartendorp, Kevin Haunui, and Lainey Cowan, with interviews conducted by Gareth Watkins.

The oral history conveys the genesis and progress of the organization. It began as an initiative by Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere (now an MP) to form a group that could showcase Maori queer identity at the Gay Games in 2002. The formation of Tiwhanawhana provided a nurturing space for individuals to practice culture and develop a pan-tribal and LGBTQI identity within Wellington and beyond. The community grew from a substantial initial group practicing at the community center, encouraging creativity and the celebration of stories through a cultural lens.

Interview excerpts delve into personal narratives, highlighting Tiwhanawhana's all-embracing nature. It expanded from cultural performances to a broader inclusive spectrum, not limited by ethnicity or background. For many, Tiwhanawhana represents a safe haven, offering connection and a sense of family, strengthening the community. Individuals expressed profound sentiments about their experiences, from their initial nervousness to the joy of solidarity and the pleasure of representing their community at various significant events.

The accounts also pay homage to impactful personalities, such as Victor Taurewa Biddle, whose presence and mentorship left an indelible mark. Emotions ran high as memories of those who've passed were shared; the significance of remembering contributions that may not have been overtly glamorous but were substantive and helped shape the group's direction.

In terms of influence, Tiwhanawhana is recognized as a pillar within Wellington's Rainbow Communities. It has been integral in fostering a fully inclusive community, including the Maori and wider LGBTQI populace. Testimonials reflected the pivotal role it plays in offering visibility, connection, opportunities for cultural expression, and advocacy.

Moreover, Elizabeth Kerekere reflected on how Tiwhanawhana provided grounding energy throughout their political endeavors. The organization's legacy extends to promoting serious legislative changes, notably in areas affecting the rights of trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. The recording encapsulates a promising future, with continued development, documentation of history, and dedication to the kaupapa (motivating principles) of tikanga (correct procedure), tika (justice), and pono (integrity).

The recording serves as an oral archive that commemorates Tiwhanawhana's continued influence and the individual and collective stories that have woven together to empower and uplift the community over two decades. It provides not just a historical account, but also a tapestry of emotions, struggles, and triumphs of the organization and its members.

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.

Chanel Hati Daejah Biddle De'Anne Jackson Elizabeth Kerekere Jem Traylen Kassie Hartendorp Kevin Haunui Lainey Cowan

2000s, 2020s, ahakoa te aha (auckland), aotearoa new zealand, aro valley, aro valley community centre, australia, births, deaths, marriages, and relationships registration act 2021, chanel hati, community, conversion / reparative therapy, daejah biddle, dale ferris, de'anne jackson, discrimination, diversity, elizabeth kerekere, fringe bar, fun, gay games and cultural festival 2002 (sydney, australia), gisborne, green party, hongoeka marae, human rights act (1993), inaugural speech, indigenous peoples, intersex, jem traylen, kapa haka, kassie hartendorp, kaupapa, kaupapa māori, kay'la riarn, kevin haunui, lainey cowan, member of parliament, ngāti hine, non-binary, nzpc: aotearoa new zealand sex workers' collective, out in the park (wellington), petition against conversion therapy, poi, pono, pride, rapai te hau, safe space, sydney, takatāpui, tangata whenua, thistle hall, tika, tikanga, tiriti o waitangi / treaty of waitangi, trans, tīwhanawhana, tīwhanawhana trust, victor taurewa biddle, waiata, wellington, wellington pasifika festival, will hansen

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