Akanuanua Podcast

Akanuanua is a series exploring the lived realities of our MVPFAFF Queer Pasifika community. We take an up-close and personal look into the lives of 5 extraordinary Queer Pasifika people. Experiencing the ofa (love) they create, the mafana (warmth) they exude, the malie (humor) they share, and the faka'apa'apa they deserve. All of these elements are woven together to create moving 21st-century stories jumping out to be told, Akanuanua does just that! This year commemorates 50 years of Pride in Tāmaki Makaurau. 50 years on from the start of the Gay Liberation Movement in 1972. Akanuanua is about celebrating how far we have come as a community and where our young people wish to take us.

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Akanuanua Podcast

Living with HIV

February 27, 2022 • Tikilounge Productions • Season 1 • Episode 4

0:00 | 45:26

Welcome to the Akanuanua Podcast! A space to unpack what its like being a part of the ever-evolving MVPFAFF Queer Pasifika community.

The Talanoa is guided by our host, Doron Semu. He is an ‘afakasi Samoan siapo maker, acupuncturist and community advocate raised in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. His most recent interview with Tagata Pasifika on conversion therapy has opened conversations within the pasifika religious community about the treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community. He has been a guest on podcasts such as ‘A thoughtful faith’ and ‘Malaga’. Over summer, he held community workshops with support with from Rainbow Youth for the queer Pasifika and Maori community.

(Disclaimer: This episode may not be appropriate for younger audiences)

In this episode of Akanuanua our host Doran sits down today with Geoff Ruaine. They talk about living with HIV, sex work, grinder and much more!