A Queer Resilience: Reviving Indigenous-Pacific Perspectives and Practices

Authors

  • Jioji Ravulo University of Sydney, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5195-7513
  • Joel Hollier University of Sydney, Australia
  • Malakai Waqa University of the South Pacific, Fiji
  • Isikeli Vulavou Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN), Fiji
  • Eroni Dina Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN), Fiji

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.23.2.2024.4071

Keywords:

Queer Resilience, LGBTQIA , Tropical Pacific, Indigenous Pacific, Talanoa, PIDSOGIESC

Abstract

In the face of ongoing discrimination, stigma, ostracism, and violence, Pacific Islanders of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Intersex Expressions, and Sex Characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+) display a marked resilience. And yet, this resilience does not come lightly, nor is it cheap. This research draws on a mixed-methods data set to explore the complicated notion of resilience among PIDSOGIESC+ communities. Through engaging in rich talanoas, along with a wide-reaching survey, a nuanced picture emerges of communities that draw on a range of indigenous cultural perspectives across the Tropical Pacific to develop creative strategies for engaging meaningfully with the world around them. Highlighting a strengths-based approach to research and service delivery, we explore the unique skillset of the PIDSOGIESC+ community, the changes they have won, and the vision of a more inclusive society they are fighting for.

Author Biographies

Jioji Ravulo, University of Sydney, Australia

Jioji Ravulo is the Professor and Chair of Social Work and Policy Studies in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work at The University of Sydney. His research, writing, and areas of interest include health and wellbeing, youth, diversity and inclusion, decoloniality and critical Whiteness. He has been involved and invited to author over 90 publications, including peer reviewed journal articles, scholarly book chapters, research reports, and opinion pieces. Jioji is also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Law and Social Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, supporting social work education, policy development and research across the region.

Joel Hollier, University of Sydney, Australia

Joel Hollier is an experienced researcher and social worker, whose research covers the intersections of holistic well-being, gender and sexuality, religion, and trauma. His PhD explored the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people within conservative Evangelical churches. He is the author of two books: “Religious Trauma: Queer Identities” and “A Place at His Table: A biblical exploration of faith, sexuality, and the kingdom of God.” 

Malakai Waqa, University of the South Pacific, Fiji

Malakai Waqa, Malakai Waqa Kaitani, is a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the Social Work program at the University of the South Pacific.  He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology focusing on the impact of climate-induced Mobilities on the identities of indigenous communities in Fiji. He has been part of several research projects at USP since 2018. He was a tutor/maker with the School of Geography Earth Science and Environment, with the Sociology department, and currently a TA under the Social Work Program.

Isikeli Vulavou, Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN), Fiji

Isikeli Vulavou is a seasoned development professional and human rights activist with over twenty years of experience advocating for PIDSOGIESC+ rights and equality in Fiji and the Pacific. Ze uses gender neutral pronouns and identifies as genderqueer/vakasalewalewa. As the CEO of the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network, Ze represents PIDSOGIESC+ in high-level policy decision-making spaces. Isikeli is also the founder of the Rainbow Pride Foundation and has extensive experience in programme management, human rights, gender equality, and advocacy. Ze has worked with government, the UN, and civil society and holds a bachelor's degree in Education, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration. Isikeli has been the lead Conference Convenor for three Pacific Human Rights Conferences on SOGIESC and is well-versed in development and humanitarian issues affecting the PIDSOGIESC+ community.

Eroni Dina, Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN), Fiji

Eroni Dina, Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina – Lady Rhonda Eulalie Lark Dracaena, an indigenous Fijian trans femme of Itaukei Vakasalewalewa origin, is a trans-vocate, power broker, and thought leader. With over 15 years of experience in working with queer people at the grassroots, she is also a Human Resource graduate professional with specific prowess in industry learning and development. She is the Co-Foundress and Executive Director of the Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG). TAAG is a dynamic, responsive, and collaborative organization that serves trans-binary and trans-non-binary Fijians by providing a growing spectrum of programs, resources, outreach, and advocacy. Eroni is also currently serving as the Pacific Regional Representative on the International Lesbian & Gay Association Oceania Board, after serving as its Transgender Sub-Committee chair for three years. Outside of her circles of advocacy and activism, she is a house mother, thinker, counselor, storyteller, cultural enthusiast, and motivator.

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Published

2024-10-15

How to Cite

Ravulo, J., Hollier, J., Waqa, M., Vulavou, I., & Dina, E. . (2024). A Queer Resilience: Reviving Indigenous-Pacific Perspectives and Practices. ETropic: Electronic Journal of Studies in the Tropics, 23(2), 213–234. https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.23.2.2024.4071

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (2024): Queering the Tropics, Part 2. Queering Tropically: Sexuality, Indigeneity, Decoloniality, Spatiality

Section

Essays and Articles

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