Stories of LGBT Pasifika youth

The video above is a segment from the NZ TV programme Tagata Pasifika, and profiles a show put together by Pasifika youth to talk about gay and trans* issues for youth in Pacific Island communities. It’s challenging for some, and not just because of the title, but because of its honesty.

One of the important things about this is that it’s youth telling their own stories, rather than people talking about them. I also think it’s good for Palagi/Pakeha to hear these stories as a way of learning how things for Pasifika LGBT youth can be completely different than for youth of European ancestry.

With a little luck, there will be more shows like “Teen Faggot”, more opportunities for youth to tell their own stories. That’s a good thing whenever that happens.