Leiti in Red: Exploring Experiences of Identity and Wellbeing of Kau Leiti Tonga in Aotea
Tracks
Danggalaba (Saltwater crocodile)
| Monday, October 30, 2023 |
| 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM |
Overview
Penni Wolfgramm, University of Auckland
Speaker
Penni Wolfgramm
Doctoral Candidate
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University Of Auckland
Leiti in red: Exploring experiences of identity and well-being of kau leiti Tonga in Aotearoa
Abstract
In Aotearoa, there is growing interest in the well-being of both Pasifika Peoples and trans and non-binary people. However, there is a paucity of research centring the intersecting identities and experiences of Pasifika Rainbow+ Peoples (PRP) in Aotearoa. This research resides in the emergent ‘liminal space’, focusing on the Tongan contingent of PRP, fakaleiti or leiti (fe*-identifying Tongans AMAB) living in Aotearoa. Specifically, this research aimed to: explore how the identity and well-being of leiti living in Aotearoa developed through childhood, adolescence and adulthood; understand influential vā (connections with people, places and things).
This research was guided by the Kakala Research Framework, which honours Tongan knowledge and wisdom. Talanoa was ritualised individually with 12 Tongan leiti living in Aotearoa (9 Aotearoa-born and 3 Tonga-born). To support talanoa, leiti brought koloa (treasured possessions), representing their identity as leiti. Talanoa lasted 2-3 hours and a narrative style was adopted to support the storying of experiences over time. The data were analysed using a process of thematic analysis.
Results revealed that childhood and adolescence were critical periods for identity formation. All leiti shared about the difficulties they faced from peers and family members, such as discrimination, bullying and physical and sexual assault. A number of vā supported the development of identity and well-being, such as loving, safe and supportive interactions, particularly with family and Rainbow+ friends, and cultural expression, such as enacting provider and caregiver roles in families. The resilience of many leiti, built from experiencing challenges to authenticity and often in collectives, was protective of well-being across time.
To conclude, many vā, particularly with family, influenced the development of identity and well-being of leiti. Loving and safe interactions supported this development and discriminatory actions negatively impacted this. Resilience, often through mamahi (pain) and collective, was protective of well-being.
This research was guided by the Kakala Research Framework, which honours Tongan knowledge and wisdom. Talanoa was ritualised individually with 12 Tongan leiti living in Aotearoa (9 Aotearoa-born and 3 Tonga-born). To support talanoa, leiti brought koloa (treasured possessions), representing their identity as leiti. Talanoa lasted 2-3 hours and a narrative style was adopted to support the storying of experiences over time. The data were analysed using a process of thematic analysis.
Results revealed that childhood and adolescence were critical periods for identity formation. All leiti shared about the difficulties they faced from peers and family members, such as discrimination, bullying and physical and sexual assault. A number of vā supported the development of identity and well-being, such as loving, safe and supportive interactions, particularly with family and Rainbow+ friends, and cultural expression, such as enacting provider and caregiver roles in families. The resilience of many leiti, built from experiencing challenges to authenticity and often in collectives, was protective of well-being across time.
To conclude, many vā, particularly with family, influenced the development of identity and well-being of leiti. Loving and safe interactions supported this development and discriminatory actions negatively impacted this. Resilience, often through mamahi (pain) and collective, was protective of well-being.
Biography
Penni Wolfgramm (she/her/ia) is an Aotearoa-born Tongan leiti with heritage to ‘Utungake and Fungamisi, in Vava’u, Niutoua in Tongatapu and Niuatoputapu. Penni has several years’ experience working in mental health and workplace education and recently served as an Intern Psychologist for a mental health service for Pasifika Peoples. Her current research interest, for which she lectures on, is focused on supporting the wellbeing of gender diverse Pasifika Peoples. Penni has achieved First Class Honours for both her BA and MA and has recently submitted her thesis for the partial fulfillment of a Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland. Penni is a proud aunt of 13 nieces and nephews and aspires to work as a Pasifika Clinical Psychologist.
