Beyond labels, stereotyping, framing, and Western descriptives of gender identity, expression, and sexuality, I am Tagata Niue before I am anything else. My land is Nukututaha, Niue Island.

I am Fakafifine to my people, which poetically illustrates my energy and mannerisms. To confuse aspects of me for translative purposes is to operate like a colonizer, to act without dignity and respect and to disregard my being.

Removing lessons taught by colonizers from our practice reteaches us to see one another as intended. Relearning that relationships are sacred is fundamental to reimagining how our ancestors cared for one another.