Takatāpui

What is takatāpui?

E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

I am a warrior who does not stand alone but stands with many

The term ‘Takatāpui’ has a rich pre-European history which comes from Te Arawa, The first Māori to write of takatāpui was Te Rangikāheke in his account of the famous love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. In his story he acknowledges the intimate bond between Tutanekai and Tiki, describing Tiki as ‘hoa takatāpui’. First translated as ‘intimate companion of the same sex’ in 1830-40’s, missionaries changed the meaning of their relationship to master and slave.

Today the term ‘Takatāpui’ encompasses all Māori who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning. Rather than referring to a specific sub group, the word takatāpui reflects the entire rainbow community from a whānau perspective.

Tū Mai Takatāpui

Tū Mai Takatāpui has been designed to help whānau understand and support their loved ones who are coming to terms with their Sexuality or gender identity. This resource highlights the strength of support networks available to takatāpui and provides valuable information on coming out and keeping our people safe.

Coming Out

Coming out is often a challenging step for Takatāpui, it can often strengthen or break the bond you have with whānau and friends.

It is developing awareness that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and a desire to be more open and honest with whānau, friends, and co-workers about your sexual or gender identity. 

Rangatahi

The majority of takatāpui youth are not depressed or suicidal, however research has identified that same-sex attracted young people are more likely to attempt suicide, self harm, be bullied than the general population. Homophobia, external and internal has a negative impact on our young people’s well-being.

With education and creating awareness about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people we can begin to take an important step towards supporting young people and preventing depression and suicide. Through supportive and loving whānau we can develop good self-esteem and skills to deal with what can sometimes be a hostile environment:

Hoea Cultral Event a hit!

More than 200 enthusiastic participants of the 2^nd Asia-Pacific Outgames had a taste of an evening filled with rich Maori and Pacific Island cultures at Te Whare Waka o Poneke, the new Canoe House on Wellington’s waterfront on Thursday evening, 17 March 2011.

 Hoea! Te Waka ki Uta, Te Waka ki Tai!, brought people from all over together wanting to be a part of an unforgettable experience; to have a taste of Maori and Pacific culture and entertainment.

Click here to get the full run down on this awesome event!

Further Information

Here is a list of further resources that can help you understand how to support takatāpui

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation – for free counselling for gay men you can book in to see someone at any of the NZAF centres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. For contact details visit www.nzaf.org.nz

To find out more about takatāpui youth and education on these issues visit www.rainbowyouth.org.nz

To find out more about queer youth organisations around the country visit www.curious.org.nz

And to keep up to date with events and what other Takatāpui are doing . . . join our Facebook page.