The Pacific is a region that has long-hosted alternative expressions of gender, and this current cultural moment has given its peoples a chance to contribute to a global conversation. Read more

That's what Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said, in response to the General Secretary in the ongoing tax dispute between the Government and the EFKS.

Fa'afafine are people who identify themselves as a third-gender in Samoa, American Samoa and the Samoan diaspora.

Tuilaepa dismissed claims by Vavatau that the Government's law to tax the alofa (gift/offering) received by church ministers is part of a colonial mindset.

It is an accusation the Human Rights Protection Party Government is finding hard to shake.

The Prime Minister laughed and said the word "kolone" (colonial) in Samoan means you are being dominated by another person.

"That is what a fa'afafine would always say," Tuilaepa said.

"That man is my kolone and, who knows, maybe the General Secretary has a fa'afafine side.

"If he does have a fa'afafine side, he should come and join my association (Samoa Fa'afafine Association) where I am the patron.

"I am a fatherly figure to the fa'afafine of Samoa."

Tuilaepa made these remarks on his weekly media programme.

He said Vavatau should leave politics to the politicians.

"He should focus on reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and not get into issues he lacks knowledge of" Tuilaepa said.

Fa'afafine are Samoan biological males who behave in a range of feminine-gendered ways.

They have been an integrated part of Samoan communities for centuries.

The word translates as ‘in the manner of a woman.'

They are assigned male at birth and explicitly embody both masculine and feminine gender traits fashioned in a way unique to the Polynesian cultures.

A considerable dispute exists about the causation and nature of this "third gender identity."

Their behaviour typically ranges from extravagantly feminine to conventionally masculine.

Source

• samoaobserver.ws
• en.wikipedia.org
• teara.govt.nz
• Image: samoaobserver.ws

last week Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi declared he was adamant there would be no same-sex marriage in Samoa after it was recently allowed in Australia. Continue reading

That's the opinion of the Chairman of the National Council of Churches (N.C.C), Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe, in the wake of calls from Samoa Faafafine Association for the community to respect their rights.

Speaking during an interview with the Samoa Observer, Le'aupepe said fa'afafines are human beings created by God and they should be respected.

But he objected to a commonly held misconception that fa'afafines are part of the Samoan culture.

"Back in the days we hardly heard of this word fa'afafine because there were hardly any fa'afafines around in our days," he said.

Ombudsman - "Fa'afafines are an important part of Samoan culture."

At the same time Samoa's Ombudsman, in response complaints made to the office about the recent publication of controversial article in the Samoa Observer, says that "Fa'afafine are an important part of Samoan culture."

"They are traditionally known for their hard work and dedication to the family in carrying out the roles and responsibilities of both men and women."

"We should always consider our fa'asamoa by ensuring that we afford fa'afafine feavaa'i (mutual respect) and refer to them in a manner that is both culturally and gender sensitive."

The statement also refers to the article 1 of the Declaration on human rights; "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

The statement continues: "This concept mirrors the core fa'asamoa principle of feavaa'i."

"Like the human right to dignity, feavaa'i is demanded of all Samoans. It is something that should be afforded to all people, regardless of their gender, race or creed."

"It should also be afforded at all stages of the human experience, from birth to adolescence, adulthood and even in death."

Source

• sobserver.ws
• asiapacificreport.nz
• Image: cfnhri.org

That way there'll be no more complaints from the law and clergy, Tuilaepa said.

The solution he offered was part of a lighthearted keynote speech he delivered at the Samoa Fa'afafine Association's (SFA) recent annual pageant.

Males who act like females are called fa'afafine in Samoan society, while females who act like males are called fa'afatama.

Fa'afafine can loosely be translated as gay men, and fa'afatama as lesbians. Continue reading

"People always assume us to be that and this and I'm sure they (people) already thought we are celebrating together with the New Zealand gay community, when we are not," said Tania Pulotu.

So'oalo Roger Stanley, Samoa Fa'afafine Association (SFA) President said "Our culture and traditions will not allow it."

Neither would the Christian values that are held strongly in the country, said So'oalo.

Gay marriage has become a topic of discussion here especially the closeness of New Zealand and Samoa and that couples may fly over to get married then return home.

SFA doesn't support such marriages.

The Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is the patron of the SFA. When the issue became a topic of debate in New Zealand last year, he wouldn't allow same gender marriage as long as he is Prime Minister.

"Just because gay marriage is popular overseas does not mean we have to adopt it too," said Tuilaepa.

"We pass laws that are best for our country, our people and are in line with our values," he said.

"Gay marriage is never going to happen as long as I'm around."