25 May 2009 (Te Ao Māori )
This is an interview with Sydney, a participant at the second KAHA National Queer Youth Hui, held during 20-23 January 2009 at Tapu Te Ranga Marae, Wellington. KAHA is organised by Out There!, a joint queer youth development project provided in partnership between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Rainbow Youth.
Sydney Heremaia is from Tai Tokerau, and is a youth leader who organises safe social events for Takatāpui youth in Northland.
Kia ora, my name is Sydney Heremaia and I’m from Whangarei. I am with Kiwifroot, a support and social network for gay, lesbian, takatāpui, bisexual, and transgender youth aged up to 25 and living in Te Tai. We are supported by QT, a collaborative initiative between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Northland District Health Board, Agender Northland and the New Zealand Police. Kiwifroot is designed to better support the needs of non-heterosexual youth in the Northland region.
How long have you been with Kiwifroot?
This will be my fifth year as a facilitator and I really enjoy the work. Growing up in Whangarei, I was a queer, passionate boy with heaps of energy. It seemed natural to want to support others like myself out there.
What got you involved in community support work?
Well it’s not the money, honey! Seriously, I care about what happens to people, especially our young people. You get to met amazing people who are not only interesting but inspirational as well.
What do you think about Kaha Hui 09?
FANTASTIC! This is my second KAHA Hui and it keeps getting bigger, brighter and better. Highlights – there’s a few! What really stood out for me was the drive, determination and direction of our rangatahi. We are all in the same waka, all moving in unison towards building a more tolerant and accepting future here in Aotearoa.
What do you think are some off the big issues for Queer people in Aotearoa?
Thanks to previous queer activists, we don’t have the same struggles today as we’ve had before. However, just because something is written in law doesn’t necessarily mean people’s attitudes and beliefs have changed. The level of acceptance varies as you move from the bigger cities like Auckland to smaller towns like Whangarei. So, personal safety is a big issue. That’s why national gatherings like the KAHA Hui are so important for support, but also to be proud of who you are.
Do you have any final words to say for those who those young people who might read this article?
Just let yourself evolve and embrace it. We hear people say ‘love who you are, be who you are’ and I encourage all to embrace all the different facets of yourself because you are beautiful the way you are!
Add comment
You need to login to be able to comment.
Not a member? Join now!