Gay Māori Pride on Show at National Takātapui Hui

PUBLICITY RELEASE
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2 2006

Gay Mäori Pride on Show at National Takatäpui Hui

Mana Takatäpui—celebrating the place of Takätapui in the world is the theme of a national hui being held at Hongoeka Marae in Plimmerton from Friday 3rd until Sunday 5th November.

The hui, held by Mäori who identify as takatäpui or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex, is expected to attract Mäori from around Aotearoa.

Wellington-based takatäpui group, the Tiwhanawhana Trust is organising the hui, which will feature keynote speakers including singer/writer Hinemoana Baker and transgender educator/advocate Peri Te Wao.

A number of workshops will be run on Saturday, including some on taha Mäori, underscoring the point that being gay doesn’t mean that people stop being Mäori and valued members of whänau Mäori. Workshops will also cover ngä toi/arts, kanikani/dance, takatäpui in the media, health, and legal issues.

It’s a quiet challenge to anti-gay comments from prominent Mäori such as John Tamihere, Bishop Brian Tamaki and the former head of the Anglican Church, Bishop Whakahuihui Vercoe.

Quoting from a waiata composed by Tiwhanawhana member Kevin Haunui in response to the Destiny protests against the civil union legislation, “kaua e whakarerea, he takatäpui noa ahau” (don’t overlook me, just because I’m gay.)

The pöwhiri for the hui will be held at 10am Friday 2 November, Hongoeka Marae, Hongoeka Bay, Plimmerton, Wellington

ENDS

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