Queer Samoan youth support in Upolu

Some of you know that I have been a staunch advocate for those who are outcasted - those who identify outside of the straight binary of white societies. In Samoan Indigenous reference, gender has always been fluid. There are no "Straight" people in our Indigenous ways. Old Samoan dictionaries recorded 5 different gender expressions in old Samoa. Growing up in post-colonial Samoa, I was often beaten as a child for being a fa'afafine - and very misunderstood by those in our culture who have assimilated to Western ways.

Since those early years, I stand along many powerful Two Spirit Indigenous people who continue to resist the programming of White Supremacy. This pride month, I would like to contribute to cultural spaces of belonging for Samoan youth in Upolu Samoa. Funds raised will support efforts of Brown Girl Woke, an organization that advocates tirelessly for the safety of our queer Indigenous youth in Upolu and Savaii, Samoa.

Please consider giving a gift of love. I will be traveling to Samoa June 12th with my Two Spirit bestie Tyson Johnston to offer this gift to ensure children raised in Upolu do not face the threat of violence - and instead loved for being the beautiful expressions of our old Indigenous ways.

O la'u igoa o Joseph Sei'a. Tele a'a o lenei tagata - oute sau mai Salani, Asau, Lufilufi & Vaimoso, ma e iai fo'i toto Toga ma toto Maori a le aiga. My name is Joseph Seia and I am very much rooted in the South Pacific with roots in the Samoan villages of Salani, Asau, Lufilufi & Vaimoso along with Tongan and Maori blood ties.